If you’re searching for a delicious, comforting dinner that practically makes itself while you sleep, this Overnight Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Combining tender chunks of chicken with bold fajita flavors, creamy soups, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish brings together everything you love about Tex-Mex and cozy casseroles in one pan. It’s the ideal recipe to prepare ahead of time, so all you have to do in the morning is pop it in the oven and let the magic happen. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or want tasty leftovers, this recipe is a total winner you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Overnight Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe plays an important role, from the creamy soups that add luscious texture to the vibrant bell peppers that bring a fresh pop of color and crunch. The simple list keeps things easy and accessible but packs tons of flavor.
- Cooked chicken (4 cups): Using pre-cooked chicken saves time and ensures tender bites throughout the dish.
- Unsalted cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz can): Adds creaminess and savory depth without overpowering the fajita spices.
- Unsalted cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz can): Balances the dish with earthiness and richness in every spoonful.
- Milk (1¼ cups): Helps create a smooth sauce that’s neither too thick nor too thin.
- Chicken broth (1¼ cups): Infuses the pasta with extra flavor and moisture as it bakes overnight.
- Small onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic punch that elevates the entire meal.
- Bell peppers, chopped (2): Bring vibrant color and a slight crunch for perfect fajita vibes.
- Fajita seasoning packet (1.25 oz): The star spice blend that gives this dish its signature bold, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor.
- Elbow macaroni (8 oz, uncooked): Cooks tenderly in the sauce, absorbing all the delicious flavors as it bakes.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts on top to create a golden, bubbly crust that’s irresistible.
How to Make Overnight Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Start by giving your casserole dish a good spray with cooking spray. This simple step keeps your pasta from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Magic
In a large bowl, combine your cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, milk, chicken broth, chopped onions and bell peppers, plus the fajita seasoning. Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, making sure everything is evenly coated with that flavorful sauce blend.
Step 3: Chill and Let it Marinate
Pour this vibrant pasta mixture into your prepared pan, cover it tightly, and slide it right into the refrigerator. Letting it sit overnight gives those bold fajita flavors time to meld perfectly with the creamy pasta and chicken.
Step 4: Ready to Bake
The next day, take the casserole out of the fridge and uncover it. Preheat your oven to 350ºF. This slow, gentle bake allows the pasta to cook through and the sauce to thicken just right.
Step 5: Cheese It Up and Bake
Sprinkle a generous cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top, then bake uncovered for about 1 hour. The cheese will melt into a beautiful, bubbly golden crust while the pasta cooks fully in that rich, creamy sauce.
How to Serve Overnight Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your dish, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or green onions on top after baking for a fresh herbal burst. A dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime adds a tangy kick that complements the cheesy, spicy pasta beautifully.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some warm, buttery garlic bread to scoop up every last bit of sauce. For a veggie boost, roasted corn or sautéed zucchini make perfect companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your casserole family-style right from the pan for a cozy feel, or plate it individually and garnish artistically with sliced avocado or a sprinkle of queso fresco. For a festive touch, add colorful diced tomatoes or even a handful of black beans right before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Overnight Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop, making for an even tastier next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze the prepared but unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking as directed. This makes meal planning a breeze when you’re short on time.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350ºF until warmed through and the cheese on top is bubbly again, or microwave individual portions for a quick fix. Adding a splash of chicken broth helps revive the creamy texture if it’s thickened too much in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked?
Absolutely! If using raw chicken, you’ll want to cook it thoroughly before mixing it with the other ingredients, or you can bake everything together but increase cooking time and check temperature carefully to ensure chicken is fully cooked.
What kind of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is classic for this recipe, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack for a little heat, or even a Mexican cheese blend to amp up the flavor.
Is this recipe very spicy?
It has a moderate spice level thanks to the fajita seasoning. You can adjust by using less seasoning or choosing a mild blend for a gentler flavor that everyone can enjoy.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Sure! Use dairy-free cream soups, substitute milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk, and swap cheddar for a plant-based cheese alternative to keep it creamy without dairy.
How do I know when the pasta is done baking?
The pasta should be tender but not mushy after baking for 1 hour. You can test by inserting a fork into the casserole towards the end of baking to check for tenderness.
Final Thoughts
This Overnight Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe is a total game changer for easy, flavorful meals that you can prepare ahead and enjoy without stress. It’s like having a warm Mexican-inspired hug waiting for you when it’s dinner time. I hope you love making and eating it as much as I do—once you try it, it’s guaranteed to be a go-to in your recipe collection!
Print
Overnight Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (plus overnight refrigeration)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
Overnight Chicken Fajita Pasta is a delicious and convenient casserole that combines tender cooked chicken, fajita-seasoned vegetables, creamy soups, and pasta. Prepared the night before and baked the next day, this dish delivers rich, hearty flavors with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family meals.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 4 cups chopped cooked chicken
- 1 (10.5-oz) can unsalted cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5-oz) can unsalted cream of mushroom soup
- 1¼ cups milk
- 1¼ cups chicken broth
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
- 1 (1.25-oz) packet fajita seasoning
Pasta & Cheese
- 8 oz elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Spray a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the chopped cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, milk, chicken broth, chopped onion, chopped bell peppers, and fajita seasoning. Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni until well combined.
- Refrigerate overnight: Pour the pasta and chicken mixture into the prepared pan. Cover the dish and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the pasta to begin softening.
- Remove and uncover: The next day, take the casserole out of the refrigerator and remove the cover.
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake the casserole: Place the uncovered pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour until the pasta is tender, the cheese is melted, and the casserole is bubbly and heated through.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is pre-cooked and chopped before combining with other ingredients.
- You can use reduced-fat or whole milk depending on your preference.
- Do not stir the casserole immediately before baking to allow the pasta to cook evenly.
- Cover tightly with foil if the cheese browns too quickly during baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
