Dairy Free Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta

If you love the flavors of chicken fajitas, this pasta dish brings them all together in one creamy bowl.

It has tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a smooth sauce that coats every piece of penne.

The best part is that it’s completely dairy free. Instead of regular cream and cheese, I use plain dairy free milk and a dairy free cream cheese-style spread to get that same rich texture.

This matters if you can’t have dairy but still want something that tastes comforting and full of flavor.

It comes together in about half an hour, which makes it a great option for a busy weeknight.

Why This Recipe Is a Keeper

Rich and Creamy – Dairy free milk and cream cheese-style spread create a smooth, comforting sauce without dairy.

Big Fajita Flavor – Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, lime, and cilantro give every bite bright, savory flavor.

Perfect Pasta Texture – Al dente penne holds the creamy sauce beautifully, making each forkful satisfying and flavorful.

Tender Seasoned Chicken – Thinly sliced chicken cooks quickly and stays juicy while adding hearty protein to the pasta.

Here’s What You’ll Need

For The Pasta

• 12 Ounces Penne Pasta
• 1 Pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast, Thinly Sliced
• 1 Teaspoon Chili Powder
• 1 Teaspoon Ground Cumin
• 1/2 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika
• 1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt, Divided
• 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 Red Bell Pepper, Thinly Sliced
• 1 Green Bell Pepper, Thinly Sliced
• 1 Yellow Onion, Thinly Sliced
• 3 Garlic Cloves, Minced
• 1 Cup Unsweetened Plain Dairy Free Milk
• 1/2 Cup Dairy Free Cream Cheese-Style Spread
• 1/2 Cup Reserved Pasta Water
• 1 Tablespoon Lime Juice
• 2 Tablespoons Fresh Cilantro, Chopped

How to Make It

Step 1

Cook the penne in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.

Step 2

Toss the chicken with the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper.

Step 3

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes until browned and cooked through, then transfer it to a plate.

Step 4

Add the remaining olive oil, bell peppers, and onion to the skillet. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until tender and lightly charred. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the dairy free milk and dairy free cream cheese-style spread, stirring until smooth.

Step 6

Add the pasta, chicken, remaining salt, and 1/4 cup pasta water. Toss until creamy, adding more pasta water as needed.

Step 7

Stir in the lime juice, garnish with cilantro, and serve hot.

Recipe Tips

Cook the Pasta Just Until Al Dente

Drain the penne when it is still slightly firm in the center. It will keep cooking when you toss it with the warm sauce, so fully soft pasta can become too tender.

Reserve the pasta water before draining. Its starch helps the dairy free sauce cling to the penne and gives it a smoother texture.

Slice the Chicken Evenly

For even cooking, slice the chicken into strips that are close to the same thickness. Chilling the chicken for 15 minutes first can make it easier to create thin, even pieces.

Let the chicken cook in a single layer, and prepare it in two batches if your skillet is small. Extra space helps the chicken develop browned edges instead of releasing too much liquid.

Give the Vegetables Enough Space

Use a wide skillet so the peppers and onion have room to touch the hot surface. If they are crowded, they will release moisture and become soft without developing much color.

Stir them only every minute or so rather than moving them constantly. This gives the vegetables lightly browned edges while keeping a little texture in the center.

What to Make Next

• Dairy Free Cajun Shrimp Alfredo
• Dairy Free Creamy Mushroom Stroganoff
• Dairy Free Creamy Tuscan Chicken
• Dairy Free Creamy White Chicken Chili
• Dairy Free Roasted Poblano Queso

Popular Questions

What type of dairy free milk works best in this pasta?

Use an unsweetened plain dairy free milk, such as oat, soy, or almond milk. Avoid sweetened or vanilla varieties, since they can change the flavor of the creamy sauce.