Are you looking for a delicious dinner idea, that is also budget friendly? This Creamy Fajita Pasta recipe is so delicious, and super easy to prep and make. My kids absolutely love this different pasta recipe, and devoured more than one helping. This fast prepped dinner recipe can be made in the slow cooker with only a couple minutes of effort. TIP: Double the ingredients, make one fresh and freeze the other one.
Why you will love this easy family dinner recipe!
- Fast Dinner Recipe
- Kid Friendly
- Quick Clean Up
- Low Ingredient Recipe
- 5 Minute Prep Time
Cooking Hack for this 5 Ingredient Creamy Fajita Pasta!
An easy way to make this recipe fast and easy is to buy frozen diced peppers and onions. This will save you time on chopping as well as save your eyes from becoming a watery mess. Enjoy the convenience of frozen vegetables.
- 1 gallon freezer bag
- 1 Slow Cooker
- 2 lbs Chicken Thighs
- 1 bag frozen peppers and onions
- 2 packages fajita seasoning mix
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 16 oz pasta noodles Cooks preference
- 1 cup water If liquid needed when adding noodles
- Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
- Add all ingredients, except Day of Cooking ingredients, to the freezer bag.
- Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months.
- Thaw freezer bag in fridge 12-24 hours before cooking.
- Dump contents of the freezer bag into a slow cooker.
- Cook on high 4-6 hours
- With 1 hour cook time remaining, Add 16 oz of pasta and 1 cup water if necessary, cook on high for an additional 30 minutes.
- Stir to combine, ensure noodles cooked through, and serve.
- Dump the contents of the freezer bag into the Instant Pot, add 1/2 cup water.
- Set to High Pressure for 20 minutes, then allow a 10-minute natural release followed by a quick release.
- Set to Saute mode, shred chicken, and stir in pasta. (Add 1 cup water if more liquid is needed)
- Saute until noodles are cooked through, stir, and serve.
- Use a gluten free pasta (My favorites are brown rice or red lentil pasta)
- Replace 8 oz cream cheese with 1/2 cup cashew butter
- OR Replace 8 oz cream cheese with a dairy free cream cheese alternative
Nutrition
Delicious pairings with your Quick Weeknight Dinner Creamy Fajita Pasta
Sides:
- Mexican Street Corn
- Southwest Salad
- Roasted Veggie Medley
Desserts:
- Mexican Hot Chocolate Brownies
- Tres Leches Cake
- Lime Sorbet
Mocktails:
- Virgin Mango Mojito:
- Hibiscus Agua Fresca:
- Sparkling Citrus Cooler:
Can I make this Mexican inspired recipe gluten free?
Your Creamy Fajitas can be made gluten free by finding a pasta that is gluten free. Make sure your cream cheese is also gluten free as some may contain gluten.
Can I make this easy 5 ingredient recipe dairy free?
Yes, simply omit the cream cheese and use coconut cream instead.
Do I need a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, this one-pot pasta recipe can also be made over the stove top with adjusted time settings and instructions.
I forgot to thaw my freezer meal, now what?
This Creamy Pasta recipe can be made while unthawed, however, I would suggest running some water over the freezer bag, to help with the thawing out process. You may also cook this recipe on high for an additional hour in order to make sure your cooking is thorough.
How long will creamy fajita pasta stay good in the freezer? fridge?
This recipe will stay good in the freezer for up to 6 months. In the fridge, keep this recipe sealed in a container for 3-5 days.
Don’t forget to Pin this recipe for later!
Your Questions Answered
Equipment needed to make Family-friendly Creamy Fajita Pasta dish?
- 1 gallon freezer bag
- 1 Slow Cooker
Can I use different proteins in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts, shrimp, or even ground turkey. For an easy dinner with a vegetarian twist, try black beans or sautéed mushrooms.
Popular Substitutions and Additions
Substitutions:
Chicken Thighs → Ground Turkey or Chicken: Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that freezes and reheats well.
Frozen Peppers and Onions → Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Replace with a bag of frozen mixed vegetables (e.g., carrots, peas, and green beans) for a different flavor profile while still maintaining the freezer-friendly aspect.
Cream Cheese → Dairy-Free Cream Cheese or Coconut Cream: For a dairy-free option, substitute with dairy-free cream cheese or use full-fat coconut cream to maintain creaminess.
Additions:
Frozen Corn: Add 1 cup of frozen corn for a sweet and savory balance that pairs perfectly with fajita flavors.
Black Beans or Pinto Beans: Toss in 1 cup of cooked and drained black beans or pinto beans for added protein and texture.
Shredded Cheese (Cheddar or Monterey Jack): Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese before freezing for extra creaminess and flavor. It melts beautifully when reheated.
How Can I make this Fajita Recipe spicer?
The great thing about this recipe is the ability to customize it to your liking. Want it spicer? No Problem, Add sliced jalapeños, extra fajita seasoning, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. Adjust to taste. Start small, and add too it if you want it spicer.
Can I freeze this recipe after cooking?
Yes! We recommend freezing this recipe raw, but you can also freeze after cooking. Just make sure to follow the cooling protocols, and use the proper storage containers to ensure safe freezing.
If you like this recipe here are some other easy recipes you’re sure to love:
- Slow Cooker Tuscan Tortellini Soup
- Mexican Shredded Beef
- Slow Cooker General Tso Chicken
- Red Thai Coconut Curry
- Vegetarian Freezer Burritos
Don’t forget to come back and let me know how your Creamy Fajita Pasta recipe turned out!! I really want to know.
And if you have ANY QUESTIONS comment here, I’m happy to help.
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Michelle says:
Does this recipe need any liquid?
Hannah Stewart says:
Yes, I would add 1-2 cups depending on the amount of pasta being added. We are working to update this recipe
Michelle says:
Does this recipe not need any liquid?
Hannah Stewart says:
Yes I would add 1-2 cups of broth depending on how much pasta you are adding. Working to update this recipe
Becca says:
Is any water supposed to be added to the slow cooker as well? Thanks! Trying this tonight.
Hannah Stewart says:
Yes, we are updating this recipe to show the correct amounts