A flavorful and comforting chicken fajita pasta bake that combines seasoned chicken, sautéed bell peppers, onions, and pasta in a creamy, cheesy sauce, baked to perfection.
Author:Emma Harper
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:6 servings 1x
Category:Main Dish
Method:Baking
Cuisine:Tex-Mex
Diet:Low Lactose
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups cooked chicken breast, sliced or shredded
8 oz penne or rotini pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté bell peppers and onions for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
Add cooked chicken and diced tomatoes to the skillet and stir to combine. Remove from heat.
In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken and pepper mixture, sour cream, half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Mix until well coated.
Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
For a spicier version, add sliced jalapeños or use hot diced tomatoes.
Can be assembled ahead and baked later—just increase baking time slightly if baking from cold.
Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter option.