Quick and Delicious Instant Pot Fajita Pasta Recipe
Dear food enthusiast,
Are you tired of the same old chicken fajita and pasta recipes? Do you want to try something new, exciting and simply delectable? Look no further because I present to you my Instant Pot Fajita Pasta recipe!
This recipe is an absolute game-changer as it combines the flavors of classic chicken fajitas with tender pasta in one mouthwatering dish. What’s more, it comes together in just one pot, which means minimal mess and cleanup for you.
This Instant Pot Fajita Pasta recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner at home or even a gathering with friends and family. It is versatile and can be customized to suit your taste buds. Plus, it is budget-friendly – using simple ingredients that are easily available in most kitchens.
So grab your Instant Pot, fire up your taste buds and get ready for a flavor explosion that will keep you coming back for more. Follow me through this recipe article as I guide you step-by-step on how to create this scrumptious chicken fajita pasta dish.
Let’s get cooking!
Sincerely,
Your Chef
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
My dear foodies, have you ever found yourself in a dilemma of whether to make fajitas or pasta for dinner? What if I told you that you could satisfy both cravings with just one dish? Allow me to introduce you to the Instant Pot Fajita Pasta Recipe!
This dish is a game-changer, combining the flavors of traditional chicken fajitas with dry penne pasta. Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it is also quick and budget-friendly. This recipe will save you time, money, and the hassle of having to do multiple dishes.
Imagine tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich and flavorful fajita seasoning blend, mixed with perfect bite-size pasta cooked to perfection. The canned tomatoes and bell peppers add a sweet tanginess to this savory dish, making it impossible not to love.
The ingredients for this recipe are easily accessible, and they all combine to create a deliciously satisfying meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or looking for something new to add to your weeknight dinner plans, the Instant Pot Fajita Pasta Recipe won’t disappoint.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can switch out the chicken for steak fajita or make it a vegetarian dish by removing the meat altogether. The possibilities are endless!
So what are you waiting for? Try this recipe today and fall in love with the explosion of flavors it has in store for you. Not only will your taste buds thank you, but your family and friends will too!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you need to make this delicious Instant Pot Fajita Pasta Recipe:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced into thin strips
- 1 large onion, sliced thinly
- 1 can diced tomatoes, drained (14.5 oz)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken stock (or use stock instant pot)
- 10 oz dry penne pasta
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
These are all the recipe ingredients needed to make a entrancing one pot chicken pasta that is infused with rich fajita seasoning. Making a vegetarian pasta? You can omit the chicken and swap it for steak fajita or add more veggies to the mix. When shopping for pasta recipe ingredients, do make sure that they fit this ingredient list perfectly so that you end up with delicious pasta recipe ready.
The Recipe How-To
Now it’s time to get into the meat of the recipe with step-by-step instructions on how to make this delicious Instant Pot Fajita Pasta. Don’t forget to prep your ingredients before you start cooking. This will ensure a smoother process and prevent you from scrambling around mid-recipe.
Ingredients:
- 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced thinly
- 1 large onion (yellow or red), sliced thinly
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 2 cups dry penne pasta
- 2 cups chicken stock (Instant Pot chicken stock or stock from a carton)
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions:
- Turn on your Instant Pot and select “sauté” function.
- When it is hot, add olive oil and chicken to the pot.
- Cook chicken for about 4 to 5 minutes, or until it’s no longer pink.
- Remove chicken from Instant Pot and set it aside.
- Add onion and bell pepper to the Instant Pot. Sauté for about two minutes, stirring occasionally until onions are translucent.
- Next, stir in garlic and sauté for about one minute more.
- Add diced tomatoes including the juice, chicken broth, seasonings (1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon cumin, and ½ teaspoon dried oregano) and penne pasta to the Instant Pot. Stir until well combined.
- Select pressure cook and cook for five minutes on high pressure
- After cook time has ended, allow for a quick release of steam (QR).
- Once pressure has released, stir in cooked chicken.
- Top with shredded cheese then close the lid again to let the cheese melt.
- Give it a good stir; it should be a thick and creamy saucy consistency.
Your Instant Pot Fajita Pasta is now ready. Enjoy your delicious masterpiece!
Substitutions and Variations
My dear foodies, let’s talk about the many possibilities that this Instant Pot Fajita Pasta recipe offers. Don’t be afraid to add your own spin and flavors to make it your own.
Firstly, this recipe can easily be made vegetarian by replacing chicken breasts with mushrooms, like sliced portobello or oyster mushrooms. You could also keep the chicken out and use only vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, and cauliflower for a tasty vegetarian pasta.
For those who love steak fajitas, swap out chicken for thinly sliced beef sirloin or flank steak to make a delicious steak fajita pasta bake instead. The steak will pair perfectly with the peppers and onions, giving your dish a tangy, sweet and salty taste that has so much flavor.
If you are looking for a different kind of cheese or want to reduce calories, swapping out the shredded cheddar cheese with mozzarella, Monterey jack or even parmesan will still give you a delicious creamy pasta dish.
For those who prefer spicier flavors, add extra chili or cayenne pepper to the pot for that extra kick. You could also replace the regular canned tomatoes with fire-roasted tomatoes to add an extra depth of flavors.
Lastly, if penne pasta isn’t your favorite type of pasta, go ahead and use spaghetti or linguine instead. Just be aware that cooking times may vary depending on what kind of pasta you choose.
Remember, cooking is not just about following recipes; it’s about creating something unique that fits your taste buds perfectly. So go ahead and play around with the ingredients to create your favorite one-pot fajita pasta recipe!
Serving and Pairing
Oh, my darlings! This Instant Pot Fajita Pasta dish is a flavor bomb waiting to explode inside your mouth. You can serve it up as a lunch or dinner, but also as an impressive entrée when hosting a special gathering. The natural heat and spice from this pasta dish pairs great with something that balances it out. I suggest serving it with a bottle of your favorite red wine, such as a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. But if you prefer something non-alcoholic, go for an ice-cold lemonade topped with a splash of ginger ale.
My advice is to garnish this savory fajita pasta with some fresh cilantro leaves, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, and maybe even a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt right on top. It adds creaminess and tang to the dish. Also, you could add some sliced avocado for extra flavor and healthy fats.
This chicken fajita pasta is already a complete meal in itself, but you can pair it with some fresh greens or veggies for added nutrition. My personal favorite is roasted Brussels sprouts with garlic and honey or a simple arugula salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette.
Remember, my sweet ones, there are no rules when it comes to food pairing! Sometimes it’s best to get creative and experiment with different flavors and textures. That’s where magic can happen!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you’ve mastered the art of making this irresistible fajita pasta, it’s time to learn about storing and reheating options. This chicken fajita pasta recipe is perfect to meal prep or make ahead to have dinner ready for busy weeknights.
To make this dish ahead of time, cook the entire recipe as per instructions and transfer it into a large airtight container. Keep the container in the refrigerator or freezer depending on when you plan to have it. You can keep it in the fridge for up to four days, or in the freezer for at least two months.
When you’re ready to reheat, there are two different methods depending on how much time you have. For a quick and easy option, place the fajita pasta into the microwave and heat for 2-3 minutes on high, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can use an oven-safe dish and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
If you find that your pasta is slightly dry after refrigeration or freezing, consider adding a splash of chicken broth before reheating to bring back some moisture. Additionally, adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or parsley can help enhance the flavor profile even further.
And don’t worry if you have leftovers – they freeze beautifully and can be enjoyed within a few months after preparation. Just defrost and reheat following these simple steps and you’ll be enjoying the delicious flavors of this fajita pasta recipe in no time!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making Instant Pot Fajita Pasta, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you achieve the perfect results every time. Here are some of my recommendations to make sure your pasta comes out tender, flavorful, and comforting.
Firstly, make sure to use enough liquid in the recipe. The pasta needs enough liquid to cook thoroughly and absorb all the flavors from the seasonings and vegetables. If you find that your pasta is too dry or undercooked, try adding more chicken stock or canned tomatoes.
Secondly, don’t overcook the pasta! It might be tempting to let it cook for longer than necessary, but no one likes soggy noodles. Follow the instructions carefully and set a timer to avoid overcooking.
Thirdly, play around with the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Some people prefer more chili powder and cumin for a spicier kick, while others might want less. You can customize the seasoning blend based on your preferences!
Fourthly, don’t skip sautéing the chicken and vegetables before cooking them in the Instant Pot. This step helps bring out their natural flavors and adds additional depth to the dish.
Lastly, make sure to let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally after cooking! Doing this ensures that all the flavors have time to meld together and results in a creamier sauce overall.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to create an Instant Pot Fajita Pasta dish that will impress your family and friends with its rich flavors and tender bite-size pieces of chicken.
Bottom Line
May I suggest that you get your Instant Pot and cooking utensils ready because this recipe is worth it. The fajita pasta recipe not only offers a delicious combination of spices and flavors but also an easy cooking experience in just one pot. Don’t be afraid to switch things up by trying out different types of meat or vegetables to make this recipe work for your preferences.
Moreover, the convenience of this recipe doesn’t have to end after dinner time. The leftovers can be stored in the fridge or freezer and reheated for later meals. It’s perfect for when you’re in a rush and want something quick yet satisfying.
In conclusion, this Instant Pot fajita pasta recipe is a must-try dish that will satisfy any craving you have for Mexican-inspired cuisine. Whether you are serving it up for a family dinner or meal prepping for yourself, it’s the perfect choice. So go ahead and try it out today!
Instant Pot Fajita Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1/2 lb meat (ground pork or beef or cubed chicken)
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/2-1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup chicken stock (or beef)
- 10 ounces canned tomatoes
- 8 ounces dry penne pasta
- 1 cup cheese, grated
Instructions
- Select saute and adjust to More for high heat. Allow to heat until pot reads HOT. Add oil. When oil is hot add meat, tossing to coat well. Saute until cooked through.
- Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic, along with spices. Stir well to coat; stir often and cook until veggies are slightly tender, about 2 minute.
- Add broth, tomatoes with all its juices, and dry pasta to the pot. Cover and select Manual for 6 - 8 minute Once done, quick release the pressure. Liquid should be mostly absorbed.
- Serve and top each portion with grated cheese.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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