Chicken fajita pasta bake

Chicken fajita pasta bake

50 min
Enjoy the blend of Mexican spices and pasta comfort with our chicken fajita pasta bake. This dish combines the smoky flavour of a fajita seasoning mix with the richness of a classic pasta bake. Succulent chicken, sautéed sweet peppers, and a layer of golden cheese are all wrapped in a creamy béchamel sauce. Ideal for a family dinner or a weekend meal, this dish is sure to become the highlight of your dining table.
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Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 180 °C, fan-assisted oven.
  • Cook pasta according to package instructions in lightly salted water.
  • Remove the seeds from the peppers and cut them into strips. Cut onion into slices.
  • Let a pan get smoking hot. Add half the oil and fry the chicken breasts on medium heat for about 3–4 minutes on each side. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Remove the chicken breasts from the pan and let them rest while you fry the vegetables.
  • Add the remaining oil to the same pan and fry the vegetables for 3 minutes at medium heat. Season with paprika, onion powder, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper.
  • Cut the chicken into smaller cubes and toss with vegetables, pasta, and béchamel. Put the mixture in an ovenproof dish, top with grated cheese, and bake for approximately 15 minutes.
  • Serve with finely chopped parsley and lime.
Enjoy!

FAQ: Questions about chicken fajita pasta bake

We have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about chicken fajita pasta bake to make your cooking adventure smooth and delightful.

Can I make chicken fajita pasta bake in advance?
Indeed, you can prepare the chicken fajita pasta bake beforehand by assembling the dish and keeping the unbaked pasta bake chilled in the fridge. Ready to eat? Just bake it as the recipe suggests. Remember, if it is coming straight from the fridge, it might need an extra 5–10 minutes in the oven.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Transfer any leftovers to a container with a tight lid to stop the pasta from drying out. It will stay good for up to four days. When you wish to reheat it, warm it in the oven with a splash of cream or milk to make the sauce creamy again. You can also microwave it and heat it through until it is hot all the way.
Can I freeze chicken fajita pasta bake?
Yes, you can freeze chicken fajita pasta bake. Let the dish cool, then wrap it tightly in foil or store it in a sealed container to protect it from freezer burn. It will keep well for up to three months in the freezer. Thaw it in the fridge overnight when you are ready to eat, and then reheat it in the oven or the microwave.

Ingredients

Penne pasta
500 g
Salt
1 tbsp
Red pepper
1
Green pepper
1
Yellow pepper
1
Onion
1
Taste-neutral oil
50 ml
Chicken breasts
400 g
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Paprika
1½ tsp
Onion powder
1½ tsp
Ground cumin
1½ tsp
Ground coriander
1½ tsp
Bechamel sauce with cheese
1 l
Mozzarella, grated
100 g
Arla® LactoFREE Cheddar Block, grated
100 g
To serve
Broadleaved fresh parsley
Lime fruits
Other recipes
See more

Tips: Make a tasty chicken fajita pasta bake

With a few neat tips and tricks, we will help you cook a wonderful chicken fajita pasta bake. Discover the best ways to cook the pasta and cut the vegetables.

Al dente pasta

To ensure your pasta bake keeps its texture and soaks up the sauce's rich flavours, it is important to slightly undercook the penne. By doing so, the pasta will finish cooking in the oven, absorbing the béchamel and spices without becoming soggy. Watch the cooking time closely – it should be similar to boiling in water, but the pasta needs to remain firmer. Test a piece before baking to ensure it has that firm bite.

Uniformly sliced vegetables

Slice your sweet peppers and onion to the same size to ensure they cook evenly. This prevents any pieces from being under or overcooked. Soften your vegetables in the pan just enough to bring out their bright colours and keep their texture crisp.

Easy chicken fajita pasta bake

Pop a tasty chicken fajita pasta bake into the oven, and watch as it turns into a delightful creamy dish with flavourful spices. Our recipe uses a wonderful mix of typical Mexican spices and combines them with chicken, vegetables, and béchamel sauce. Top it off with a layer of golden cheese, and enjoy. It is so delectable that you can safely add this chicken fajita version to your pasta bake recipe collection.

Cheesy baked pasta with a Mexican twist

A big plate of cheesy baked pasta is a great way to embrace a comfort meal. But even familiar comfort food recipes may need a twist every once in a while. Our pasta bake adds a Mexican twist by adding warm, robust spices. Fajita is a common Mexican dish that combines tender chicken strips with veggies. As with classic fajita dishes, we use cumin, coriander, and paprika to give earthy, warm, and smoky nuances to the vegetables and chicken, while chopped parsley and zesty lime give the bake a refreshing finish.

You should also try our tasty pasta bake with chicken, tuna pasta bake, or a layered pasta bake with vegetables, depending on your preferences.

With colourful sweet peppers and onion

Sweet peppers and onion are classic ingredients in fajita dishes. Not only do they offer a colourful interplay, but they also add sweet and earthy flavours along with a bit of bite. When sautéed, the vegetables will caramelise slightly in the pan and release their natural sugars. While the onion and sweet peppers become tender, they still maintain a slight firmness that balances the tender pasta and chicken.

Discover a new family favourite

Chicken fajita pasta bake is excellent for entertaining friends and family. It will cook up nicely in the oven for about 15 minutes, and the warm aromas will fill the kitchen while you spend time with your loved ones. The mix of warm, smoky flavours and creamy béchamel sauce creates a thrilling dish sure to be a hit with the whole family. Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar on top for an irresistible crust that turns golden brown in the oven. This is comfort food at its finest.

Experiment with the recipe

Explore fun and exciting ways to personalise your chicken fajita pasta bake. For a version with a more pronounced spicy flavour, marinate the chicken in the ground cumin, coriander, and paprika before cooking. Even a few hours of marination allow the spices to infuse the meat and make it even more tender. If you and your dinner guests enjoy a spicy punch, consider adding chilli flakes to the mix. The heat from the chilli provides a delightful contrast to the creamy béchamel sauce and gooey cheeses.

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