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High Protein Chicken Fajita Pasta - A Flavor-Packed Weeknight Winner

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer)
  • Pasta: 12 ounces whole-wheat penne or high-protein pasta
  • Veggies: 1 large onion (yellow or red), 3 bell peppers (mixed colors), 2–3 garlic cloves
  • Spices: Chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper
  • Liquids: Low-sodium chicken broth (1.5 cups), lime (1–2 for juice and zest)
  • Creaminess: 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or 0%) or low-fat cream cheese
  • Cheese: 1/2 cup shredded Mexican blend or reduced-fat cheddar (optional)
  • Oil: Olive oil or avocado oil
  • Fresh toppings: Cilantro, green onions, jalapeño (optional)
  • Extras (optional): Canned fire-roasted tomatoes (1/2 cup, drained) or a splash of hot sauce

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
  2. Mix the fajita seasoning: In a small bowl, combine 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  3. Prep the chicken: Slice chicken into thin strips. Pat dry and toss with half the seasoning and 1 teaspoon oil.
  4. Sear the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add 1 tablespoon oil. Cook chicken in a single layer, 3–4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
  5. Sauté the veggies: In the same skillet, add another teaspoon oil if needed. Add sliced onion and bell peppers with a pinch of salt. Cook 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender with light char. Add minced garlic and the remaining seasoning; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Build the sauce: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in the cooked chicken (and fire-roasted tomatoes if using). Lower heat to medium-low.
  7. Make it creamy: In a small bowl, whisk Greek yogurt with a few tablespoons of warm broth from the pan to temper it. Stir the tempered yogurt into the skillet. Keep heat low to prevent curdling. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if you want a looser sauce.
  8. Add the pasta: Toss in the cooked pasta and fold to coat. Squeeze in the juice of 1 lime and add lime zest. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and heat. If using, sprinkle in the cheese and let it melt.
  9. Finish and serve: Top with chopped cilantro, green onions, and sliced jalapeño if you like it spicy. Serve hot with extra lime wedges.