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Chicken Fajita Pasta Bake

I created this chicken fajita pasta recipe with ingredients I had in the pantry, and it turned into a family favorite!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 8 people
Calories 6729 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Pot For cooking pasta
  • 1 skillet For cooking vegetables and chicken
  • 1 Saucepan For cream cheese sauce
  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl For combining ingredients
  • 1 Baking Pan Oven-safe, for the bake

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion sliced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper sliced
  • 1 pound boneless chicken breast cubed
  • 1 16 ounce jar salsa
  • 2 8 ounce packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1 ounce package taco seasoning
  • 1 15 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 15 ounce can corn, drained
  • 1 16 ounce package shredded Cheddar cheese, divided

Instructions
 

  • Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Add ziti and return to a boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 10 minutes. Drain.
  • Meanwhile, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and green pepper; cook and stir until soft, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.
  • Cook chicken in the same skillet until no longer pink in the center, 7 to 10 minutes.
  • Combine salsa, cream cheese, and taco seasoning in a saucepan over low heat; cook and stir until cream cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Combine ziti, chicken, salsa mixture, onion mixture, black beans, and corn in a large bowl. Add 1/2 of the Cheddar cheese and mix until combined. Pour into a baking pan.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Sprinkle remaining Cheddar over top. Continue to bake until cheese is melted, about 10 minutes. Unknown

Notes

For deeper flavor, consider charring the bell peppers and onions slightly in the skillet before softening, adding a smoky depth to the dish. Ensure cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth sauce. Do not overcook pasta initially as it will continue cooking in the oven. A squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or green onions before serving will brighten the flavors and enhance presentation. For an extra kick, a dash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder can be added to the chicken or sauce.