Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta

There’s nothing quite like diving into a bowl of Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta after a long day. It’s one of those dishes that brings an instant smile to my face, a warm hug in a bowl. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma of sautéing spices wafted through my kitchen, and my family couldn’t help but peek in, curious about the deliciousness unfolding. Each bite is a delightful blend of tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and creamy sauce, all wrapped around hearty pasta. On a busy weeknight, this recipe becomes a savior, cutting down on prep and cook time while maximizing flavor.

What to Gather for Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta

When preparing for this dish, it’s important to gather quality ingredients that work harmoniously together. The rich flavors of chicken combined with fresh bell peppers and a hint of fajita seasoning create a mouthwatering experience. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the tender pasta that soaks up the sauce to the heavy cream that brings everything together.

• 4 tablespoons olive oil divided
• 2 lbs chicken breasts boneless skinless – cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning or taco seasoning
• 1/2 yellow onion diced
• 1/2 yellow bell pepper sliced into 1 inch long strips
• 1/2 green bell pepper sliced into 1 inch long strips
• 1/2 red bell pepper sliced into 1 inch long strips
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 3 cups chicken broth reduced-sodium
• 10 oz can diced tomatoes
• 8 oz dried bow tie pasta
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup Mexican cheese shredded
• Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
• Lime wedges
• Sour cream
• Sliced green onions
• Chopped cilantro

Recipe Steps for Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta

Making Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps to create a comforting meal that your family will love. Let’s dive into the process!

1. Toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon of fajita seasoning in a bowl. This step is crucial as it helps the chicken soak up those wonderful spices that give the dish its signature flavor.
2. In another bowl, toss the vegetables—onion and bell peppers—with the remaining tablespoon of fajita seasoning. The seasoning will enhance their natural sweetness and add depth to the dish.
3. Click on the Saute function and select High. Once the display shows HOT, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and brown the chicken. It’s essential to brown in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, which ensures the meat cooks evenly. After browning, set the meat aside.
4. Add 1/4 cup of water to deglaze the pot. This step is vital to scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom, which carry a ton of flavors. Stir well!
5. Add the remaining olive oil to the pot, and sauté the vegetables, including the minced garlic. You’ll want to sauté until they soften and become fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes.
6. Now, add the browned chicken back to the pot. Stir to combine everything, allowing the flavors to mingle. Cancel the Saute function.
7. Distribute the pasta on top of the chicken and veggies, but do not mix. This layering is important to avoid overcooking the pasta.
8. Pour the can of diced tomatoes on top, followed by the chicken broth. The liquid will cook the pasta perfectly when under pressure.
9. Close and secure the lid, sealing the valve. Pressure Cook on High for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release to let the steam escape.
10. Once the lid is open, click on the Saute function again, then add the heavy cream and 1 cup of cheese, stirring to combine. This is where things get creamy and delicious!
11. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with your preferred garnishes like lime wedges, sour cream, green onions, and cilantro for that final touch.

Expert Tips about Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta

Cooking is an art, and with these tips, you can become a master of the Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta. Here are some expert tips to elevate your dish!

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
• Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Pairing: This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Adjusting spice levels: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of fajita seasoning. For more heat, consider adding jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Vegetarian option: Substitute the chicken with plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu for a delicious vegetarian version.

Serving Ideas for Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta

When it comes to serving Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta, the possibilities are endless. Here are some delightful ideas to consider:

• Perfect for Weeknight Meals: This dish can be your go-to for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. It’s easy enough to whip up on busy nights yet impressive enough for guests.
• Family Gatherings: Serve this pasta in a large bowl at family gatherings or potlucks. Its vibrant colors and flavors make it visually appealing.
• Pair with Sides: Complement your pasta with a fresh garden salad or some homemade garlic bread. The crunchy texture of the salad offsets the creamy pasta beautifully.
• Seasonal Touch: During summer, consider adding fresh corn or zucchini to the mix for a seasonal twist that enhances the dish’s freshness.
• Casual Dining: Perfect for casual dining settings, this pasta can be served in bowls and topped with extra cheese and fresh herbs for an inviting presentation.
• Lunch Leftovers: Pack leftovers for lunch; it reheats well and makes for a filling meal. Just add a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving!

FAQ

Conclusion

In a world filled with busy schedules and endless commitments, Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta stands out as a go-to recipe that delivers both flavor and convenience. Its rich, creamy texture paired with zesty spices creates a satisfying meal that everyone will love. I encourage you to give it a try this week and experience the joy it brings to your dinner table.

Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta

The ultimate comfort food, Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta is creamy, spicy, and easy to make for a quick weeknight dinner. Loaded with tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and pasta, this dish comes together in minutes. You won’t want to miss out on this delicious meal tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 6 servings

Calories 540 kcal

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Cutting Board
• Mixing Bowl
• Chef's Knife

Ingredients

  

• 4 tablespoons olive oil divided
• 2 lbs chicken breasts boneless skinless - cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning or taco seasoning
• 1/2 yellow onion diced
• 1/2 yellow bell pepper sliced into 1 inch long strips
• 1/2 green bell pepper sliced into 1 inch long strips
• 1/2 red bell pepper sliced into 1 inch long strips
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 3 cups chicken broth reduced-sodium
• 10 oz diced tomatoes
• 8 oz bow tie pasta dried
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup Mexican cheese shredded
• Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
• Lime wedges
• Sour cream
• Sliced green onions
• Chopped cilantro

Instructions

 

• Toss chicken with 1 tablespoon of fajita seasoning in a bowl.
• Toss vegetables: onion and bell peppers, with 1 tablespoon of fajita seasoning in another bowl.
• Click on Saute and select High, once it displays HOT add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and brown the chicken. Brown in batches, not to overcrowd the meat in the pot. Set aside the meat.
• Add 1/4 cup of water to deglaze the pot. Scrape any bits that stuck to the bottom.
• Add the remaining oil, and saute the vegetables, including the minced garlic.
• Add back the chicken and stir to combine.
• Cancel Saute function.
• Distribute the pasta on top of the chicken and veggies, do not mix.
• Pour the diced tomatoes on top of the pasta.
• Pour the chicken broth on top.
• Close and secure the lid. Seal the valve. Pressure Cook on High for 5 minutes followed by a quick release.
• Open the lid, click on Saute, add the heavy cream and 1 cup of cheese and stir to combine.
• Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve with preferred garnishes.

Notes

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
• Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Pairing: This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Adjusting spice levels: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of fajita seasoning. For more heat, consider adding jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Vegetarian option: Substitute the chicken with plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu for a delicious vegetarian version.

Keyword Chicken Fajita Recipe, easy dinner recipes, Instant Pot Pasta, Quick Pasta Meal

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Meet Penny Porter

I bring the energy to our cooking sessions. I don’t have a “specialty” because I love it all I’m just as happy kneading dough as I am stirring a spicy curry. My favorite part of being on this team is the variety. One day we’re making pasta from scratch, and the next we’re grilling outdoors. I love the fast-paced creative process and am always the first one to grab an apron when a new idea pops up.