Shrimp Fajita Pasta Skillet Recipe

The Best Shrimp Fajita Pasta Skillet Recipe For Family Dinners

This shrimp fajita pasta skillet crafts ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Bold spices dance alongside tender seafood and perfectly cooked noodles, creating a symphony of flavors.

Mediterranean and Mexican influences intertwine seamlessly in this one-pan marvel.

creamy textures wrap around each morsel, promising a luxurious dining experience.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this meal comes together without sacrificing depth of taste.

Professional chefs and weeknight warriors alike will fall in love with its harmonious blend of ingredients.

Your dinner guests will be impressed by this unexpected and delightful combination.

Pairing Creamy Shrimp Fajita Pasta Skillet with Sides

  • Sip Zesty Margaritas: Pair this creamy shrimp pasta with a classic margarita to cut through the richness. The citrusy lime and tequila complement the dish's bold flavors, creating a perfect Mexican-inspired meal.
  • Match with Crisp White Wine: Reach for a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio. These light, refreshing wines balance the creamy sauce and enhance the shrimp's delicate flavor without overwhelming the palate.
  • Cool Down with Fresh Salsa: Serve a bright, homemade salsa on the side to add a zesty contrast. The fresh tomatoes, cilantro, and lime will provide a tangy kick that lightens up the creamy pasta.
  • Crunch with Garlic Bread: Add a side of toasted garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. The crispy, buttery bread provides a perfect textural contrast to the creamy pasta and juicy shrimp.

Fun Variations of Creamy Shrimp Fajita Pasta Skillet

  • Southwestern Fusion Pasta: Replace shrimp with seasoned ground beef or pulled chicken for a hearty Mexican-inspired meal that packs extra protein and rich flavors.
  • Vegetarian Pepper Skillet: Swap shrimp for grilled portobello mushrooms or plant-based protein crumbles, maintaining the colorful pepper base and creamy sauce for a meat-free option.
  • Spicy Cajun Seafood Version: Add andouille sausage with shrimp, incorporate Cajun seasoning, and include diced jalapeños to create a bold, zesty Louisiana-style pasta experience with extra kick.
  • Mediterranean Seafood Remix: Trade traditional sauce for a lighter garlic-white wine base, incorporate feta cheese, and add kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-inspired seafood pasta with bright, tangy notes.

Creamy Shrimp Fajita Pasta Skillet: A Flavorful One-Pan Meal

  • Savor Quick Fusion Flavors: This recipe brilliantly combines Mexican-inspired fajita ingredients with classic pasta, creating a mouthwatering meal that delivers exciting taste profiles in just one skillet.
  • Effortless Weeknight Wonder: Perfect for busy home cooks, this dish requires minimal preparation time and uses simple techniques, allowing you to create a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes with minimal cleaning.
  • Protein-Packed Comfort Meal: Loaded with succulent shrimp and balanced nutritional content, the recipe offers a satisfying protein punch while keeping carbohydrates low, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious food lovers who don't want to compromise on taste.
  • Customizable Culinary Canvas: The skillet format allows easy ingredient swapping or additions, giving home chefs flexibility to adjust spice levels, swap proteins, or incorporate extra vegetables based on personal preferences and pantry availability.

Key Ingredients for Creamy Shrimp Fajita Pasta Skillet

Protein:
  • Shrimp: Sweet and succulent seafood that brings oceanic flavor and protein to the dish.
Pasta and Vegetables:
  • Pasta: Hearty base that absorbs the creamy sauce and provides satisfying texture.
  • Bell Peppers: Colorful vegetables that add crunch, sweetness, and vibrant visual appeal.
Sauce and Seasoning:
  • Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth: Creamy base that creates rich, smooth sauce for coating ingredients.
  • Chili Powder, Cumin, Garlic Powder: Warm spices that deliver classic fajita-style seasoning and depth.
  • Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds bright, herbal notes and traditional Mexican-inspired garnish.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall flavor profile.
Cooking Essentials:
  • Olive Oil: Helps sauté ingredients and prevent sticking while adding subtle flavor.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create smooth, velvety sauce texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Optional ingredient that provides savory, salty finish to the dish.

How to Make Creamy Shrimp Fajita Pasta Skillet

Step 1: Combine Sizzling Ingredients

Toss your perfectly cooked pasta, golden-brown sautéed peppers, and succulent shrimp into a large skillet, creating a vibrant and mouthwatering base for your meal.

Step 2: Drench in Creamy Goodness

Gently mix all the ingredients, ensuring every morsel gets generously coated with the rich, velvety sauce for maximum flavor in each bite.

Step 3: Warm and Elevate

Heat the skillet contents until everything is piping hot and the flavors meld together beautifully. Sprinkle fresh, bright cilantro over the top to add a burst of freshness.

Step 4: Serve and Savor

Transfer the steaming Creamy Shrimp Fajita Pasta Skillet directly to the table, inviting everyone to dive into this delectable, restaurant-quality dish right away. Watch as hungry diners can’t resist the tempting aromas and colorful presentation.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Shrimp Fajita Pasta Skillet

  • Perfectly Sear Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry before cooking to achieve a golden-brown exterior without releasing excess moisture.
  • Balance Sauce Consistency: Adjust cream sauce thickness by adding pasta water if it's too thick or simmering longer if too thin.
  • Prevent Pasta Overcooking: Cook pasta just al dente since it will continue heating in the skillet with the sauce.
  • Layer Flavors Strategically: Sauté peppers and shrimp separately to maintain distinct textures and maximize caramelization.
  • Garnish for Freshness: Sprinkle fresh cilantro right before serving to add brightness and enhance the overall flavor profile.

Storing and Reheating Creamy Shrimp Fajita Pasta Skillet

  • Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Store leftovers separately from garnishes to maintain texture and freshness. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore creamy consistency and prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent sticking, ensuring shrimp and pasta warm without becoming tough or rubbery.
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Shrimp Fajita Pasta Skillet Recipe

Shrimp Fajita Pasta Skillet Recipe


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4.8 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy shrimp fajita pasta skillet blends Mexican and Italian cuisines into one irresistible dish. Succulent shrimp, peppers, and pasta intertwine with a rich, spicy cream sauce that promises delicious comfort on your dinner plate.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Dairy and Cheese:

  • 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream

Sauce and Liquid Ingredients:

  • 1 can (14 ounces/400 grams) diced fire-roasted tomatoes
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth

Garnish:

  • Chopped cilantro (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, preparing the stage for a vibrant culinary fusion of pasta, seafood, and zesty vegetables.
  2. Combine cream cheese, heavy cream (240 milliliters or 8 fluid ounces), and selected seasonings to create a luxurious, velvety sauce base that will envelop the ingredients.
  3. Gently fold the cooked pasta (approximately 340 grams or ) into the creamy mixture, ensuring each strand is generously coated with the rich, silky sauce.
  4. Introduce sautéed bell peppers and succulent shrimp into the skillet, stirring carefully to distribute the protein and vegetables evenly throughout the pasta.
  5. Allow the entire ensemble to simmer for 2-3 minutes, permitting the flavors to meld and the shrimp to reach perfect tenderness without overcooking.
  6. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro across the surface, adding a burst of bright, herbaceous flavor and a visually appealing garnish.
  7. Transfer the steaming skillet directly to the table, inviting diners to savor this harmonious blend of textures and tastes while the dish remains piping hot.

Notes

  • Chop bell peppers into uniform strips for even cooking and vibrant color contrast.
  • Ensure shrimp are deveined and patted dry to prevent excess moisture during sautéing.
  • Select medium-sized shrimp for optimal texture and easier eating in this one-pan meal.
  • Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process and reduce kitchen stress.
  • Fresh cilantro adds a bright, zesty finish that elevates the entire dish’s flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 38g
  • Saturated Fat: 23g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg
Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen

Founder, Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Artisanal Bread Making
  • Exquisite Pastry Craftsmanship
  • Creative Dessert Presentation
  • Flavor Profile Development
  • Menu Concept Innovation.

Education

Savannah Technical College

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts
  • Focus: A specialized program focusing on baking and pastry fundamentals, including bread making, cake decorating, and advanced pastry techniques. Developed creative presentation skills and an understanding of ingredient functions through lab-based practice.

Mary Ellen is the heart and soul of thatsmyhome.com. As the founder, pastry chef, and recipe developer, she refined her skills at Savannah Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts. 

Mary blends classic techniques with modern twists to make artisanal breads, beautifully crafted pastries, and desserts full of unique flavor. Her passion is evident in every recipe, and she enjoys sharing her expertise through hands-on pastry workshops and insightful articles in local culinary magazines.

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