Chicken Fajita Mac and Cheese Recipe

The Ultimate Chicken Fajita Mac and Cheese Recipe That Will Change Your Life! – Have you ever found yourself torn between craving the zesty kick of fajitas and the creamy comfort of mac and cheese? So do I!

Chicken Fajita Mac and Cheese

Lumina Liu

A delicious fusion dish combining the southwestern flavors of chicken fajitas with creamy, cheesy macaroni. This Chicken Fajita Mac and Cheese features tender chicken breast, colorful peppers, and onions seasoned with fajita spices, all mixed into a rich, creamy cheese sauce with macaroni. Perfect comfort food with a spicy twist!

4.9 from 267 votes

Prep Time 15 Minutes

Cook Time 25 Minutes

Total Time 40 Minutes

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 570 calories kcal

Ingredients

 

• 500g macaroni
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 packet fajita seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 diced chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small finely diced onion
• 2 finely diced red peppers
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 cup cheddar cheese
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

 

1. Fry your onion, peppers and garlic in olive oil until nicely translucent. Make a well in your veg and add your chicken. Add your seasoning and salt. Allow to colour slightly.
2. Add your cream, stock and macaroni. Cook on low for 20 minutes.
3. Add your cheeses, stir to combine.
4. Top with roasted peppers and parsley.

Nutrition

Calories: 570.00 caloriesFat: 21.00 gCarbohydrates: 65.00 gCholesterol: 95.00 mgFiber: 3.00 gProtein: 32.00 gSaturated Fat: 9.00 g

Keyword Chicken Fajita Mac and Cheese, pasta recipes, chicken pasta, cheesy pasta, fajita recipes, comfort food, American cuisine, one-pot meals

Why choose when you can have both?

This Chicken Fajita Mac and Cheese recipe is the crossover sensation your taste buds have been waiting for — trust me, it’s about to become your new weeknight hero!

Two Comfort Foods Collide — And It’s Magical!

Let’s talk food mashups. Some work, some don’t. But this one? It’s a match made in culinary heaven.

The spicy, vibrant flavors of chicken fajitas dancing with the gooey, creamy goodness of mac and cheese creates something that’s way more exciting than either dish on its own.

I discovered this recipe during my college years when I was looking for ways to jazz up basic mac and cheese without breaking my tiny budget.

One night, with some leftover fajita seasoning and chicken in my fridge — bam! — inspiration struck.

The result was darn close to the recipe I’m sharing today, though I’ve perfected it over the years (and many, many taste tests).

Why This Chicken Fajita Mac and Cheese Works So Well

There’s a reason this fusion dish is taking over dinner tables everywhere.

The contrast between the sharp, spicy fajita elements and the rich, creamy mac and cheese creates this perfect tension in every bite.

But it’s not just about flavor. This dish is:

• Ready in under 30 minutes (seriously!)
• Made in ONE POT (fewer dishes? yes please!)
• Customizable to your spice preference
• Perfect for meal prep
• A guaranteed crowd-pleaser

And the best part? You probably have most of these ingredients hanging out in your pantry right now!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the list of ingredients you’ll need to cook the chicken fajita mac and cheese:

For the Chicken Fajita Component:

• 3 chicken breasts, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 red peppers, finely diced (keep some for topping!)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet fajita seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

For the Mac and Cheese Base:

• 500g macaroni
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (more is always better though, am I right?)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Notice how simple that ingredient list is? No weird, hard-to-find items here! Just honest, delicious components that transform into something magical when they come together.

How to Make Chicken Fajita Mac and Cheese — Step by Step

Let’s follow the guide to making chicken fajita mac and cheese – a step-by-step approach as follows:

Step 1: Create Your Flavor Base

Heat your olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Toss in your finely diced onion, red peppers, and minced garlic. Let these cook until they’re soft and translucent — about 3-4 minutes.

This step is all about building flavor. Don’t rush it! Those softened vegetables release natural sweetness that forms the backbone of our dish.

You’re looking for that moment when your kitchen starts to smell irresistible — you know the one!

Step 2: Add the Chicken and Seasoning

Make a well in the center of your sautéed vegetables and add your diced chicken. Sprinkle the fajita seasoning and salt directly onto the chicken.

Allow it to cook until the chicken begins to color slightly on the outside — about 3 minutes.

Why make a well? This gives your chicken direct contact with the hot pan, ensuring you get a bit of that delicious caramelization rather than just steaming it. The difference in flavor is dramatic!

Step 3: Create the One-Pot Wonder

Now for the magic — add your uncooked macaroni directly to the pan along with the chicken stock and heavy cream. Yes, you read that correctly!

We’re cooking the pasta right in the sauce!

Stir everything together, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

This one-pot method is a game-changer because:
1. The pasta absorbs all the flavors as it cooks
2. The starch from the pasta helps thicken the sauce naturally
3. You save yourself from washing extra pots!

Step 4: Cheese It Up!

Once your pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, it’s time for CHEESE! Remove the pan from heat and stir in your shredded cheddar until completely melted and incorporated.

The residual heat will melt the cheese perfectly without making it stringy or separating. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash more cream or chicken stock to reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top your masterpiece with some additional roasted red pepper pieces and a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. This isn’t just for looks — the fresh herbs cut through the richness and add a burst of color and flavor.

Tips for Chicken Fajita Mac and Cheese Success!

Want to elevate your Chicken Fajita Mac and Cheese recipe even further? I’ve got you covered:

• Cheese selection matters: While cheddar works wonderfully, try mixing in some pepper jack for extra kick or monterey jack for supreme meltability!
• Don’t overcook the pasta: Since it continues cooking in its own heat after you remove it from the stove, aim for slightly firmer than al dente when you add the cheese.
• Make it spicier: Add a diced jalapeño with your bell peppers or stir in a dash of hot sauce at the end.
• Vegetarian version: Skip the chicken and double up on colorful bell peppers, or substitute with black beans for protein.
• Leftovers tip: Add a splash of milk when reheating to bring back the creamy consistency.

Why You Need This Chicken Fajita Mac and Cheese Recipe in Your Life

There’s something undeniably comforting about mac and cheese. And there’s something undeniably exciting about fajitas. Put them together? You’ve got comfort food with attitude!

I’ve served this at potlucks, family dinners, and even made it for friends when they’re having a rough day. It never fails to bring smiles — and recipe requests.

The beauty of this Chicken Fajita Mac and Cheese recipe is its balance. Creamy yet zesty. Familiar yet surprising. Filling yet not heavy. It’s the culinary equivalent of that friend who’s always reliable but never boring.

So grab your pan and get cooking! Your taste buds will thank you, your family will thank you, and you’ll thank yourself for having such an easy, delicious recipe in your arsenal.

What are you waiting for? This Chicken Fajita Mac and Cheese isn’t going to cook itself!