Save Rainy Tuesday evenings were made for dishes like this. I'd been craving something with a little kick, and the Tex-Mex flavors kept calling to me from the back of my mind. My apartment smelled incredible within minutes of those spices hitting the hot pan. Sometimes the best meals happen when you throw tradition out the window and just go with what sounds amazing.
The first time I made this for my roommates, they literally hovered over the stove waiting for it to finish. We ended up eating straight from the skillet because no one wanted to wait for plating. Those moments of chaotic joy around a one-pan meal became a weekly tradition that semester.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: Cutting them into thin strips helps them absorb all those gorgeous spices and cook quickly
- Chili powder blend: The combination of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika creates that authentic fajita flavor we crave
- Bell peppers: Using all three colors adds sweetness and makes the dish visually stunning
- Pasta: Penne or rotini catches the creamy sauce in every crevice
- Heavy cream: Creates that luxurious sauce that brings everything together
- Cheese blend: Sharp cheddar plus melty mozzarella gives you the best of both worlds
- Fresh lime: Brightens up all those rich, creamy flavors
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken:
- Toss those strips in the spice mixture and lime juice, then let them hang out for 10 minutes
- Cook the pasta:
- Get it going in salted water while you prep everything else
- Sear the chicken:
- Let it get nice and brown in your hot skillet, about 4 to 5 minutes
- Soften the vegetables:
- Cook the peppers and onions until they're tender but still have some bite
- Bring it all together:
- Add the pasta back in with broth and cream, then let the cheeses melt into something magical
Pin it This recipe became my go-to for unexpected dinner guests. Theres something impressive about serving a skillet dish that looks restaurant quality but came together in under an hour. The way everyone reaches for seconds before theyve even finished their first serving tells me everything I need to know.
Make It Your Own
Ive found that swapping in chicken thighs makes everything even juicier if you have the extra time. The dark meat holds up beautifully to all those bold spices and stays tender no matter how long it simmers.
Heat It Up
Sometimes I add cayenne pepper directly into the spice blend when I want to really feel the warmth. Other times I serve hot sauce on the side so everyone can customize their own heat level.
Perfect Pairings
A crisp white wine cuts through the creaminess while letting those Tex-Mex spices shine. I also love serving this with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the rich flavors.
- Cilantro wilts quickly so add it right before serving
- Extra lime wedges on the table let people adjust brightness
- This reheats beautifully for lunch the next day
Pin it Every bite of this dish reminds me why we cook at home. Its not just about feeding peopleits about creating moments that stick with you long after the plates are empty.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinated chicken and chop vegetables up to 4 hours in advance. Store separately in the refrigerator. Cook the dish fresh when ready to serve for the best texture and creaminess.
- → What pasta works best for this dish?
Penne or rotini are ideal because their shapes catch the creamy sauce beautifully. Farfalle or rigatoni also work well. For gluten-free diets, use certified gluten-free pasta with the same cooking time.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
For milder flavors, reduce chili powder and paprika by half. For extra heat, add cayenne pepper, jalapeños, or serve with hot sauce on the side. Lime juice brightens the flavors without adding heat.
- → Can I substitute the cream?
Heavy cream provides richness, but you can use half-and-half for a lighter version or Greek yogurt stirred in at the end. Sour cream also works well and adds tanginess that complements the fajita spices.
- → Is this dish freezer-friendly?
The creamy sauce doesn't freeze well, as it can separate when thawed. Freeze the cooked chicken and vegetable mixture separately, then reheat and prepare fresh sauce before serving for best results.
- → What beverages pair well with this skillet?
Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc complement the fajita spices, while Mexican lagers or light beers offer refreshing contrast. Agua fresca or margaritas are festive options that match the Tex-Mex theme.