Sometimes the end of a long day demands something both comforting and light, and that’s where this low calorie chicken fajita pasta jumps in. It’s the kind of meal you throw together when you’re halfway distracted—maybe checking your phone for a message or glancing at the clock wondering if you have enough time to cook and still catch that show you’ve been meaning to watch. The aroma of smoky paprika and fresh lime fills the kitchen, pulling you back to the moment. You hear the sizzle of chicken mingling with colorful bell peppers, their crispness promising a satisfying bite. It’s not just dinner; it’s a quick pause, a few minutes of focus on something delicious and nourishing.

One evening, I remember almost burning the garlic because I was multitasking, trying to answer a text and stir the skillet at the same time. The kitchen smelled amazing, though, and the slight char on the chicken added a little extra texture I hadn’t planned for. It’s those imperfect moments that make this pasta feel like a real meal, not just a recipe.

Why You’ll Love It

Bright and colorful, it brings a fresh pop to your dinner plate without feeling heavy.
The fajita seasoning is flavorful but subtle enough to let the whole wheat pasta and fresh veggies shine through.
It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps, just straightforward ingredients coming together fast.
Low calorie but still filling, making it a great choice for busy nights when you want to eat well without fuss.

Even if you’re not a seasoned cook, this dish feels approachable and satisfying. It’s the kind of recipe that quietly builds confidence each time you prepare it.

Low Calorie Chicken Fajita Pasta

Print Recipe

A healthy and flavorful low calorie chicken fajita pasta combining tender chicken breast, colorful bell peppers, and whole wheat pasta with a light fajita seasoning sauce. Perfect for a quick and nutritious weeknight dinner.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4

Ingredients

Scale

8 ounces whole wheat penne pasta
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 medium yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

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Instructions

Cook the whole wheat penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a small bowl, combine chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the fajita seasoning.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breast and sprinkle half of the fajita seasoning over it. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the sliced onion, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Add the minced garlic and remaining fajita seasoning to the vegetables. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and fresh lime juice. Stir to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce slightly reduces.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the pasta. Serve immediately.

Kitchen Notes: I usually cook this in a large skillet and find that it’s easiest to stir everything together right at the end to keep the veggies crisp. A squeeze of extra lime over the top brightens it up just before serving. You can swap in different bell pepper colors or even add a handful of spinach if you want to sneak in more greens—although I haven’t tried that with the lime juice, so results might vary. For a little crunch, tossing in some toasted pepitas could be fun too, if you’re feeling adventurous.

FAQ

Can I use a different protein? Sure, shrimp or turkey would work, but cooking times will vary a bit. Just watch the skillet closely.

Is whole wheat pasta necessary? Not at all. Regular pasta or even a gluten-free option will work fine; whole wheat just adds a bit more fiber.

How spicy is this dish? It has a mild kick from the cayenne and chili powder, but you can always adjust those spices to suit your taste.

When hunger strikes and time is short, this low calorie chicken fajita pasta steps up with bright flavors and a quick prep that feels like a small win. Save it, print it, and let this easy dinner become part of your weeknight rhythm.