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!
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.