Name: One Pot Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground lean chicken; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 yellow bell pepper, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 15 ounces tomato sauce; 1 1/4 cups chicken stock; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup minced cilantro; 1/2 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese; 8 ounces dried pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil

Print Recipe·4 from 4 reviews

If you’re craving bold, vibrant flavors with minimal fuss, the One Pot Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need in your dinner rotation. This dish beautifully combines the smoky warmth of fajita spices with the comforting creaminess of pasta, all cooked in a single pot for easy cleanup. Perfectly juicy ground chicken mingles with colorful bell peppers, tender onions, and a luscious tomato-based sauce, creating a meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple. Whether you’re rushing home after work or hosting friends for a casual dinner, this recipe brings fiesta vibes and homestyle comfort together flawlessly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Inside a pot, there is a colorful mix of food with three main layers. The bottom layer is made of pale yellow pasta shaped like small tubes. The middle layer has pieces of light brown chicken mixed with cooked onions and a creamy sauce giving a soft texture. On top, there are bright, fresh strips of green, orange, and red bell peppers, adding a crunchy and lively look. The pot is shiny silver, and the whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun, especially when each one plays a special role in crafting a dish that’s packed with flavor and texture. This recipe sticks to pantry staples plus fresh produce for a vibrant and balanced meal.

1 pound ground lean chicken: The lean protein base that soaks up spices and keeps the dish light.
1 medium yellow onion (diced): Adds sweetness and a subtle crunch when cooked down.
1 red bell pepper (diced): Contributes sweetness and a pop of bright color.
1 yellow bell pepper (diced): Provides a mild, sunny flavor to complement the red pepper.
2 cloves garlic (minced): Essential for adding aromatic depth and a slight bite.
2 teaspoons chili powder: Brings classic fajita heat and smokiness.
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Intensifies the smoky notes that make fajitas so addictive.
1/2 teaspoon cumin: Adds an earthy warmth that rounds out the spices beautifully.
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Provides just the right kick to keep things interesting.
15 ounces tomato sauce: Creates a rich, tangy base that ties everything together.
1 1/4 cup chicken stock: Keeps the pasta moist and infuses more savory goodness.
8 ounces dried pasta: The hearty foundation — penne or rotini work perfectly here.
1/4 cup sour cream: Adds creamy tang and balances the spices.
1/4 cup minced cilantro: Freshens the dish with a burst of herbal brightness.
1/2 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese: Melts over the top for gooey, irresistible finish.

How to Make One Pot Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken and Veggies

Begin by heating a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a large, high-sided skillet. Once the oil is shimmering, add the ground chicken along with diced onion, red and yellow bell peppers, garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, Kosher salt, and black pepper. This step is where the magic starts—cooking the chicken and vegetables until the meat is no longer pink and the peppers begin to soften. The spices infuse the meat while the veggies release their sweet aroma, building a flavorful foundation for the pasta.

Step 2: Add the Sauce and Pasta

Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken stock, then stir in the dried pasta to soak up all the flavors. Make sure everything is mixed well so that the pasta cooks evenly and absorbs the spicy, smoky sauce. The balance of liquids ensures the pasta will become tender and creamy, without sticking or drying out.

Step 3: Simmer Until Pasta is Cooked

Let the mixture simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pasta will swell and soak up the sauce, making the whole dish thick and luscious. If the sauce reduces too quickly before the pasta finishes cooking, simply add a splash more chicken stock to keep things moist and tasty. Patience here results in perfectly tender pasta and well-developed flavors.

Step 4: Stir in Sour Cream and Cilantro

Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the sour cream and minced cilantro to add creaminess along with a fresh, lively note that brightens the dish. This combination transforms the fajita flavors into a rich, comforting pasta dinner that feels special but requires minimal effort.

Step 5: Top with Cheese and Melt

Sprinkle shredded Mexican blend cheese evenly on top while the dish is still warm. Allow the heat from the pasta to gently melt the cheese, creating gooey pockets of savory goodness. For an extra cheesy crust, you can place the skillet under a broiler briefly if it’s oven-safe, but it’s delicious either way!

How to Serve One Pot Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe

A close-up view of a brown wooden bowl filled with creamy pasta that has a rich orange sauce, with pieces of ground meat and chunks of red and yellow bell peppers mixed in. The pasta shapes are small shells covered in sauce, with bits of chopped green herbs scattered throughout. A gold spoon is partly inside the bowl, and in the background, a large yellow pot with more of the same pasta is slightly blurry on a white marbled surface, with a gray cloth underneath the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate the dish, add a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving. A sprinkle of extra chopped cilantro or a handful of sliced green onions adds a fresh crunch and pop of color. If you like a bit of heat, top with sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for that authentic fajita zing.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines as a complete meal, but it pairs wonderfully with light, complementary sides. A crisp, tangy coleslaw or a fresh garden salad with a citrus vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta. For a heartier meal, serve alongside warm tortillas and refried beans to keep the fiesta going strong.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls to showcase its colorful peppers and melted cheese. For fun gatherings, portion it into small ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for personal servings. You could also assemble it as a layered casserole in a baking dish with extra cheese melted on top for a cozy, shareable centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One Pot Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld together even more, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

If you want to save it for longer, transfer cooled pasta into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When freezing, it’s best to leave out the cheese topping and add it fresh after reheating to maintain that melty texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave individual portions, just be sure to stir halfway through to heat evenly. Then, top with fresh cheese or sour cream for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While short pasta shapes like penne or rotini work best to hold the sauce, feel free to use fusilli, shells, or even elbow macaroni depending on your pantry. Just adjust cooking times as needed since pasta shapes vary.

Is ground chicken the only meat option?

Not at all. Ground turkey, lean ground beef, or even ground pork can be swapped in with great results. Just keep in mind the flavor profile may shift slightly, but the fajita spices will continue to deliver that vibrant taste you love.

What can I add to make this dish spicier?

If you like things hot, consider adding cayenne pepper to the spice mix, stir in some chopped jalapeños or serranos with the vegetables, or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving. You can easily dial up the heat to your preference.

Can this recipe be made dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the sour cream for a dairy-free yogurt or omit it completely and use a dairy-free cheese alternative for topping. The recipe still works great without dairy and the spices will shine through beautifully.

How do I know when the pasta is perfectly cooked in the one pot?

Start checking the pasta at around 8 minutes by tasting a piece. It should be tender but still slightly firm to the bite (al dente). Make sure there’s enough liquid in the pan, adding more chicken stock if it looks dry before the pasta is done.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say the One Pot Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe is your new best friend for weeknight dinners. It’s quick, effortlessly flavorful, and comforting enough to satisfy the whole family. Next time you want a meal with wow-factor but zero hassle, give this recipe a try — I promise you’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients come together to create something truly special.