Chicken Fajita Pasta Bake (Creamy One Pot Casserole)

Name: Chicken Fajita Pasta Bake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 2 Tablespoons olive oil; 2 bell peppers (any color, sliced thin); 1 yellow onion (sliced thin); 2 garlic cloves (minced); 2 1/2 cups chicken broth; 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles (10 ounces); 1/2 cup salsa; 2 Tablespoons fajita seasoning; 8 ounces rotini pasta (dry); 1 cup half and half; 1 rotisserie chicken (cut up, about 3 cups); 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded, divided

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This Chicken Fajita Pasta Bake takes everything you love about sizzling fajitas and wraps it up in a cozy, cheesy pasta casserole. It's creamy, flavorful, and just the right amount of spicy. Basically, fajitas meet comfort food. You'll get juicy chicken, colorful bell peppers, a zesty fajita sauce, and melty cheese all baked together in one skillet. Whether it's a weeknight dinner, potluck favorite, or a fun twist for Taco Tuesday, this easy fajita pasta bake will hit the spot every time!

Chicken Fajita Pasta in serving bowl by skillet.

Why you'll love this chicken fajita pasta recipe

If you're looking for a dinner that's bold, hearty, and simple to throw together, this fajita chicken pasta bake is exactly that. It's loaded with flavor and comes together easily for a meal that feels like a fiesta!

Quick and Easy: Everything cooks in one skillet before finishing in the oven. There are fewer dishes, less fuss, and dinner on the table in about 50 minutes.

Made with Simple Ingredients: You only need pantry staples and a few fresh veggies. Nothing complicated, just wholesome ingredients that come together perfectly.

Full of Flavor: Between the fajita seasoning, garlic, salsa, and rotisserie chicken, every bite bursts with Tex-Mex goodness.

Creamy and Cheesy: The half and half and melted cheddar create a rich, creamy sauce that clings to every piece of pasta.

Perfect for Family Meals or Guests: This baked pasta looks and tastes special but is simple enough for weeknights.

Customizable: Spice it up, switch up the cheese, or toss in extra veggies. It's totally adaptable to your taste.

Ingredients and their part in the dish

This baked fajita pasta uses everyday ingredients that combine for a creamy, flavor-packed dish. Here's what you'll need:

Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps caramelize the veggies.
Bell Peppers: Any color works! They add sweetness, crunch, and vibrant color.
Onion: Builds that classic fajita flavor base.
Garlic: Brings a hint of heat and depth.
Chicken Broth: Forms the base of the sauce and keeps everything moist.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles: Adds a tangy, slightly spicy kick.
Salsa: Enhances the fajita flavor and thickens the sauce.
Fajita Seasoning: The star of the show! A blend of chili powder, paprika, cumin, and garlic brings all those Tex-Mex flavors together.
Rotini Pasta: The spiral shape holds the creamy sauce perfectly. You can substitute penne, rigatoni, or fusilli.
Half and Half: Adds a touch of creaminess without being too heavy.
Rotisserie Chicken: The ultimate time-saver! It's tender, flavorful, and already cooked.
Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the sauce for gooey goodness and forms a golden top layer.

How to make chicken fajita pasta

This fajita pasta bake is simple to prepare and goes from stovetop to oven in one skillet. Here's what to do:

Heat olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced peppers and onions, sprinkling half the fajita seasoning over them.
Cook the veggies for 8-10 minutes, stirring often, until caramelized. Add minced garlic in last minute. Remove vegetables from skillet.
Add chicken broth, tomatoes with green chiles, salsa, remaining fajita seasoning, and dry pasta.
Stir well.

Finishing steps 5-8 for Chicken Fajita Pasta recipe.

Bring liquids to a boil, lower heat, and cook pasta for 8-10 minutes. Follow the timing on your pasta package for al dente.
Stir in half and half.
Add chopped chicken, sauteed onions and peppers, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Stir well.
Sprinkle top of fajita pasta with remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese.

Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 20 minutes. If you like your cheese browned on top, place it under the broiler for 3-5 minutes. Serve hot.

Spoonful of Chicken Fajita Bake over skillet.

Serve it up straight out of the skillet with a garnish of parsley, if desired. Just look at that creamy sauce dripping off that pasta. And don't be surprised by the little bit of kick from the fajita seasoning. Enjoy!

Recipe tips for success

Cooking a perfect chicken fajita pasta is easy with these handy tips:

Don't Overcook the Pasta: It will continue cooking in the oven, so aim for slightly under al dente on the stove.
Use a Large Oven-Safe Skillet: This keeps everything in one pot for easy prep and cleanup.
Adjust the Heat: Add extra fajita seasoning, a dash of hot sauce, or sliced jalapeños for more spice.
Cheese Matters: Shred your own cheese for smoother melting and richer flavor.
Make It Saucy: If your mixture seems too thick, stir in a little extra chicken broth before baking.

Recipe variations to make it your own

This chicken fajita pasta bake is super versatile, so feel free to make it fit your mood or what's in your pantry.

Meat Options: Swap the chicken for shrimp, steak, or turkey.
Veggie Add-Ins: Mix in corn, black beans, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra texture.
Cheese Swaps: Try Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a blend of Mexican cheeses for a different flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or a splash of hot sauce.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and check that your fajita seasoning is gluten-free.

What to serve with chicken fajita pasta

Turn this meal into a full fiesta! Try these sides to go along with your pasta:

Garden Salad: A crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette balances the rich pasta.
Guacamole and Chips: Adds creamy freshness and crunch. Make classic guacamole, or mango pineapple guacamole. Serve with homemade baked tortilla chips.
Mexican Street Corn: A flavorful side that complements the fajita flavors.
Black Beans or Refried Beans: Great for extra protein and fiber.
Garlic Bread: Perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce. Make air fryer garlic bread for a speedy side.

How to store and reheat leftovers

Store: Let the pasta cool, then refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual servings for about 1-2 minutes. Stir in a splash of chicken broth or cream to refresh the sauce.

Freeze: For longer storage, wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently asked questions

Got questions? These are the ones most often asked about pasta bakes.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.

Why is my pasta watery?

It may not have simmered long enough before baking, or your fajita seasoning may lack thickening starch. Simmer a bit longer next time for a thicker sauce.

Can I use leftover chicken instead of rotisserie?

Absolutely! Any cooked chicken works perfectly - baked, grilled, or even smoked.

Can I skip broiling?

Sure! The broil just helps brown the cheese. If you prefer a softer topping, skip it.

More recipes for you to try

Find lots of easy pasta recipes and the best recipes with Mexican flavors right here on 2CM!

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