TikTok Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta (One-Pan) – Clean Eating Recipe

Total Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy

If you’ve spent even a few minutes scrolling food videos lately, you’ve probably seen the creamy, colorful pasta dishes taking over kitchens everywhere. This TikTok Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta is one of those viral recipes that actually lives up to the hype. It combines the smoky, sizzling flavors of classic fajitas with the comforting richness of pasta — all made in just one pan.

Imagine tender ground chicken seasoned with bold fajita spices, vibrant red and yellow bell peppers softened to sweet perfection, and perfectly cooked pasta coated in a creamy, lightly spiced sauce. The aroma alone — garlic, cumin, paprika, and sautéed onions — fills the kitchen with warmth and comfort. Every bite delivers savory, smoky flavor balanced with just the right amount of creamy indulgence.

What makes this TikTok Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta extra special is how simple and clean it is. Lean ground chicken keeps it lighter than traditional creamy pastas, while fresh vegetables add color, nutrition, and texture. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep Sundays, or even casual family dinners. Kids love the creamy pasta element, adults appreciate the bold fajita seasoning, and everyone enjoys that it comes together in under 40 minutes.

Estimated calories: approximately 420–480 per serving (depending on cream and cheese quantities).

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Key Ingredients for Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta

This one-pan wonder relies on fresh ingredients and balanced seasonings to deliver big flavor without heaviness. Each component plays a role in building layers of taste and texture.

Ground Chicken (1 lb / 450 g) – Lean and high in protein, it absorbs fajita spices beautifully while keeping the dish light.

Penne Pasta (8 oz / 225 g) – Holds the creamy sauce in its ridges and cooks directly in the pan for maximum flavor absorption.

Red Bell Pepper (1 large, sliced) – Adds sweetness, vibrant color, and a slight crunch that softens as it cooks.

Yellow Bell Pepper (1 large, sliced) – Brings brightness and natural sweetness to balance the smoky spices.

Green Bell Pepper (1 medium, sliced) – Offers a mild bitterness that enhances the fajita flavor profile.

Yellow Onion (1 medium, sliced) – Caramelizes slightly during cooking, adding depth and subtle sweetness.

Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Infuses the entire dish with aromatic warmth.

Olive Oil (1 tablespoon) – Helps sauté the vegetables and keeps everything from sticking.

Chicken Broth (2 cups / 480 ml) – Cooks the pasta while infusing savory flavor.

Milk or Light Cream (1 cup / 240 ml) – Creates the creamy texture without overwhelming richness.

Shredded Monterey Jack or Mozzarella (1 cup / 100 g) – Melts smoothly into the sauce for creamy body and mild flavor.

Chili Powder (1 tablespoon) – The heart of the fajita seasoning; smoky and slightly spicy.

Ground Cumin (1 teaspoon) – Adds earthy warmth and depth.

Smoked Paprika (1 teaspoon) – Provides subtle smokiness and color.

Dried Oregano (½ teaspoon) – Brings a gentle herbal note.

Salt (¾ teaspoon, or to taste) – Enhances all flavors.

Black Pepper (½ teaspoon) – Adds mild heat and balance.

Fresh Lime Juice (1 tablespoon) – Brightens the creamy sauce at the end.

Fresh Cilantro (2 tablespoons, chopped) – Adds freshness and color for garnish.

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How to Make It (Step-by-Step Method) for Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Ground Chicken (5–7 minutes)
Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until no pink remains and edges begin to turn lightly golden. This browning adds flavor, so allow small bits to caramelize slightly before stirring.

Season the chicken with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Stir well so the spices coat the meat evenly and become fragrant — about 30 seconds.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables (5 minutes)
Add sliced onions and bell peppers directly into the pan with the seasoned chicken. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables soften but still hold slight texture. The peppers should look glossy and slightly tender, while the onions become translucent and lightly golden.

Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.

Step 3: Add Pasta and Liquid (15 minutes)
Pour in the uncooked penne pasta, chicken broth, and milk or light cream. Stir well to combine everything evenly. The liquid should mostly cover the pasta.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the liquid and cook directly in the flavorful broth.

You’ll know it’s ready when the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened into a creamy consistency. If the mixture looks too dry before pasta is done, add ¼ cup warm broth or water.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish (3–5 minutes)
Turn off the heat and stir in shredded cheese. The residual heat will melt it smoothly into the sauce. Stir until fully incorporated and creamy.

Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top and gently mix. This step lifts the richness and adds a subtle brightness that makes the flavors pop.

Step 5: Rest and Garnish (2–3 minutes)
Allow the pasta to rest uncovered for a few minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and, if desired, extra cheese or a sprinkle of chili flakes.

Your TikTok Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta is now ready to serve — creamy, colorful, and irresistibly fragrant.

Serving Suggestions for Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta

This TikTok Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta is incredibly versatile when it comes to presentation. For a cozy family dinner, serve it straight from the skillet in a family-style setting. Place the pan in the center of the table and let everyone scoop their own portions. Add small bowls of toppings like sliced avocado, sour cream, extra shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and chopped cilantro. The contrast of creamy pasta with cool avocado and tangy sour cream creates a restaurant-worthy experience at home. Warm tortillas on the side can even turn leftovers into a fajita-style wrap the next day.

For a more modern presentation, serve individual bowls topped with a lime wedge and a sprinkle of smoked paprika for color. If you’re meal-prepping, portion the pasta into glass containers and top each serving with a few fresh herbs before sealing. You can even create a build-your-own bowl bar by pairing the pasta with black beans, corn salsa, or a crisp green salad. The vibrant reds, yellows, and greens of the peppers make this dish visually stunning, making it just as Instagram-worthy as it is comforting.

Storage + Meal Prep for Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta

One of the best parts about TikTok Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta is how well it stores. Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Because the pasta continues to absorb sauce as it sits, you may notice it thickens slightly — this is normal.

To reheat, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore creaminess. Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Avoid overheating, as this can cause the sauce to separate.

Freezing is possible, though the texture of the pasta may soften slightly upon thawing. If freezing, skip adding fresh herbs until after reheating. Freeze for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To refresh leftovers, squeeze fresh lime juice and sprinkle extra cilantro before serving. A few fresh toppings can make day-two pasta taste just as vibrant as when it was first made.

Conclusion

There’s a reason this TikTok Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta has become such a sensation. It captures everything we love about comfort food — creamy texture, bold spices, colorful vegetables — while keeping things light and simple. The one-pan method means minimal cleanup, making it ideal for busy evenings when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Whether you’re cooking for family, prepping lunches for the week, or simply craving a cozy bowl of pasta with a flavorful twist, this dish delivers every time. Feel free to customize the spice level, swap in different vegetables, or experiment with your favorite cheeses. Once you try this TikTok Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta, it just might become a regular part of your weekly dinner rotation. Let me know how you make it your own!