Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta

As I was rushing home from work one evening, the thought of indulging in a warm, comforting meal filled with zesty flavors danced in my mind. That’s when I decided to whip up some Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta. It’s one of those dishes that combines all my favorite elements of a classic chicken fajita with the delightful twist of pasta. With the Instant Pot, I knew I could create a flavorful feast in no time at all, making it perfect for a busy weeknight. The aroma of sautéed chicken mingled with vibrant bell peppers and aromatic spices is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, which means less cleanup—a win-win in my book!

What You Need for Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta

The ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta come together to create a delightful harmony of flavors and textures. Each key player plays a vital role in the overall experience, from the juicy, tender chicken to the crunchy bell peppers and creamy heavy cream. It’s this combination that makes the dish not only delicious but also satisfying. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil – The perfect base for sautéing and bringing out the flavors of the dish.
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into thin strips) – A lean protein that cooks quickly and absorbs the spices beautifully.
• ½ pound dry penne pasta – The pasta adds heartiness and helps soak up the flavorful sauce.
• 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth – Keeps the pasta moist while infusing it with savory goodness.
• 1 red onion (finely diced) – Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
• 2 cloves garlic (minced) – Essential for that aromatic base that elevates every dish.
• 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning – The key spice blend that brings all the flavors together for that authentic fajita taste.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste) – Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste) – A little kick to complement the other spices.
• ¾ cup diced tomatoes – Adds juicy freshness and acidity to balance the richness.
• ½ cup heavy cream (room temperature) – Provides a luscious creaminess that brings the dish together.
• 3 bell peppers (any color; deseeded and sliced) – For that vibrant color and crunch.
• chopped fresh cilantro – A fresh garnish that brightens up the dish.
• shredded cheese – Because who doesn’t love a cheesy finish?
• sour cream – A cooling counterpart to the spices.
• lime wedges – To squeeze over the top for an extra burst of brightness.

The Method for Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta

Cooking Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta is as easy as it is delicious. With the help of the Instant Pot, you’ll have dinner on the table in no time! Just follow these simple steps to get that perfect, creamy pasta with vibrant flavors.

1. Start by adding olive oil to your Instant Pot. Turn on the sauté function and allow the oil to heat up. This step is crucial as it creates a nice base for your chicken. Once the oil shimmers, it’s ready.
2. Next, toss in the boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Sauté them until they are golden brown, which should take about three to four minutes. You want to sear the chicken to lock in those delicious juices.
3. Add the dry penne pasta, followed by the low-sodium chicken broth, making sure the pasta is well submerged in the liquid. This is essential to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and absorbs all the flavors.
4. Now, sprinkle in the red onion, garlic, fajita seasoning, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Stir everything together so the spices coat the chicken and pasta evenly. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen!
5. Carefully add the diced tomatoes on top, but do not stir this time. This will help to prevent the dreaded burn notice during cooking by keeping the tomatoes on top.
6. Close your Instant Pot and ensure the valve is set to the “SEAL” position. Pressure cook on “HIGH” for four minutes. This short cooking time is enough to perfectly cook the pasta and chicken.
7. Once the cooking time is up, quickly release the pressure. Be cautious as hot steam will escape. It’s safer to keep your face away from the vent.
8. Open the lid and add the heavy cream. Quickly stir it in until everything is well combined. The cream will transform your dish into a rich, velvety pasta.
9. Finally, fold in the sliced bell peppers and close the lid for just a couple of minutes. This allows the peppers to soften slightly while retaining a bit of crunch, adding a delightful texture contrast.
10. Mix everything together well, then serve your Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta garnished with chopped fresh cilantro, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a squeeze of lime juice. Enjoy!

Helpful Notes about Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta

When making Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta, keep these helpful tips in mind to make your cooking experience smooth and successful:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
• Freezing: You can freeze the pasta for up to three months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
• Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Freshness: For the best flavor, use fresh vegetables whenever possible. They add a pop of color and nutrients.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of fajita seasoning to suit your taste. For a milder dish, use less seasoning.
• Creamy Texture: Ensure the heavy cream is at room temperature before mixing it into the pasta for a smooth consistency.

Serving This Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta

When it comes to serving Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta, the options are endless! Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Garnish: Top your pasta with chopped fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, and serve with lime wedges for a burst of flavor.
• Side Dishes: Pair with a light side salad for a refreshing contrast, or some garlic bread to complement the meal.
• Occasions: This dish is perfect for casual weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even as a comforting meal during game nights.
• Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it great for meal prep!
• Seasonal Pairings: Enjoy this dish year-round, but it’s especially comforting during the cooler months.
• Meal Prep: This recipe is great for making in bulk, so consider doubling it for easy lunches throughout the week.

FAQ

Conclusion

Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta is a fantastic fusion of comfort food that satisfies your cravings while being easy to whip up in the Instant Pot. With its creamy texture and bold flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite. I encourage you to try this delicious dish tonight, and I guarantee it will be a hit at your dinner table!

Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta

The ultimate comfort food that blends the zest of fajitas with creamy pasta. This Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta is an easy weeknight dinner packed with flavor. You've got to try this delicious dish tonight!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 620

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts Cut into thin strips
• ½ pound Dry Penne Pasta
• 2½ cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
• 1 unit Red Onion Finely diced
• 2 cloves Garlic Minced
• 2 tablespoons Fajita Seasoning
• ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt Or to taste
• ½ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper Or to taste
• ¾ cup Diced Tomatoes
• ½ cup Heavy Cream Room temperature
• 3 units Bell Peppers Any color; deseeded and sliced
• 1 unit Chopped Fresh Cilantro
• 1 cup Shredded Cheese
• 1 cup Sour Cream
• 1 unit Lime Wedges

Equipment

• Instant Pot

Method

 

1. To the Instant Pot, add the olive oil, chicken, penne pasta, chicken broth, red onion, garlic, fajita seasoning, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Make sure the pasta is submerged in liquid.
2. Add the diced tomatoes on top (do not mix).
3. Close the Instant Pot and set the valve to the "SEAL" position. Pressure cook on “HIGH” for four minutes. When done, quickly release the pressure.
4. Open the Instant Pot, add the heavy cream, and quickly mix well.
5. Add the sliced bell peppers and close the Instant Pot for a few minutes to allow the peppers to soften.
6. Mix everything together well, then serve with garnishes and toppings of choice.

Notes

• Make sure: The pasta is submerged in liquid to ensure it cooks properly. If needed, add a little more chicken broth, ¼ cup at a time, to fully submerge all of the noodles.
• To avoid: Getting the “burn” notice, do not mix after adding the chopped tomatoes.
• Be careful: When releasing the pressure immediately after cooking as quite a bit of steam has built up. Make sure you are away from the direction of the vent.
• Work quickly: When mixing in the heavy cream as you do not want the heat to escape before adding the peppers.
• Nutritional information: Does not include optional toppings.

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Meet Molly Brooks

I love mixing nostalgic flavors with fun, fresh twists. My goal is to make cooking the best part of your day. I loved making this recipe, and I hope it becomes a new favorite in your home!