Fajita Chicken Mac n Cheese
There’s something magical about combining the bold, zesty flavors of fajita-seasoned chicken with the creamy, indulgent comfort of mac and cheese. The first time I made this recipe, it was born out of a craving for something cozy yet exciting—a perfect blend of Mexican-inspired spices and all-American cheesiness. My family was hooked from the first bite! My kids couldn’t get enough of the cheesy pasta, while my husband declared it “dinner perfection.”
This recipe quickly became a go-to for busy weeknights when I wanted to put something special on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. The best part? It’s a one-pan wonder that delivers big on flavor with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this Fajita Chicken Mac n’ Cheese will have your family asking for seconds (and thirds!). Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a regular on your dinner rotation.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Can I use store-bought fajita seasoning?
A: Absolutely! Store-bought seasoning works great and saves time. However, if you prefer homemade, a mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne works wonders.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step, refrigerate it, and then bake it when ready to serve.
Q: What cheese works best?
A: A combination of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack creates the creamiest sauce with a hint of tang.
Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Swap the chicken for roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for a flavorful twist.
Q: What pasta should I use?
A: Shells, rotini, or elbow macaroni work perfectly as they hold the cheese sauce well.
What You Need to Make Fajita Chicken Mac n’ Cheese
Ingredients:
2 cups pasta shells
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
1 packet fajita seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade mix)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 cups milk
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Tools:
Large skillet or oven-safe pan
Medium saucepan
Whisk
Spatula
Cheese grater (if shredding cheese fresh)
How to Make Fajita Chicken Mac n’ Cheese
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Toss chicken cubes with fajita seasoning and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Pasta
Cook pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in milk, ensuring no lumps form. Cook until the mixture thickens.
Stir in garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Gradually add the shredded cheeses, whisking until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Preheat the oven to 375°F (if baking for a golden top).
In the skillet, combine cooked pasta, cheese sauce, and chicken. Mix well.
If desired, top with a little extra shredded cheese and bake for 10 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Garnish with parsley or cilantro and serve hot!
Tips for Making the Best Fajita Chicken Mac n’ Cheese
Spice it up! Add a diced jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for an extra kick.
Make it creamier: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese into the sauce.
Customize your veggies: Bell peppers, onions, and corn make excellent additions.
Perfectly cooked pasta: Undercook the pasta by 1-2 minutes to prevent overcooking when baked.
Reader Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This was a huge hit with my kids! They loved the cheesy goodness, and I loved how easy it was to make!” — Emma J.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Great recipe! Next time, I’ll add a bit more spice to the chicken.” — Sarah B.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “The perfect blend of comfort and flavor. My husband said it’s his new favorite!” — Rachel T.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I made this for a potluck, and everyone asked for the recipe. A total crowd-pleaser!” — Megan L.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Delicious! I substituted the chicken with roasted veggies, and it turned out amazing!” — Lisa K.
Printable Recipe
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Fajita Chicken Mac n Cheese
A creamy, cheesy mac and cheese loaded with fajita-seasoned chicken for a zesty twist on a classic comfort dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners!
Ingredients
- 2 cups pasta shells
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
- 1 packet fajita seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade mix)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- Tools:
- Large skillet or oven-safe pan
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Cheese grater (if shredding cheese fresh)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Toss chicken cubes with fajita seasoning and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Pasta
- Cook pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk, ensuring no lumps form. Cook until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Gradually add the shredded cheeses, whisking until smooth and creamy.
- Combine and Bake
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (if baking for a golden top).
- In the skillet, combine cooked pasta, cheese sauce, and chicken. Mix well.
- If desired, top with a little extra shredded cheese and bake for 10 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with parsley or cilantro and serve hot!
If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it on your social media! I would love for more people to try this delicious and easy-to-make recipe. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! Shhh… Join our secret foodie group on Facebook
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