Description
This TikTok Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta combines smoky fajita spices, lean ground chicken, colorful bell peppers, and creamy cheese in one easy 35-minute skillet dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken
- 8 oz (225 g) penne pasta
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk or light cream
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add ground chicken and cook 5–7 minutes until browned. Break apart while cooking.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Stir 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook 5 minutes until slightly tender. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Stir in uncooked penne, chicken broth, and milk. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
- Turn off heat. Stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
- Add fresh lime juice and mix gently.
- Rest 2–3 minutes. Garnish with cilantro and serve warm.
Notes
- Add 1/4 cup extra broth if pasta absorbs liquid too quickly.
- For extra spice, add chili flakes or diced jalapeño.
- Store in refrigerator up to 4 days in airtight container.
- Add splash of milk when reheating to restore creaminess.
- Freeze up to 2 months without fresh herbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg