As a busy mom, I’m always searching for quick and tasty dinner ideas. My family loves them. That’s why I’m excited to share this amazing one-pot shrimp fajita pasta recipe. It’s a mix of Mexican flavours and creamy pasta, all in one pot.
This dish is great for busy weeknights. You can make it with just a few ingredients like fettuccine, bell peppers, onions, shrimp, and creamy Alfredo sauce. It’s ready in under 30 minutes.
I love how this one-pot shrimp fajita pasta brings together spicy fajita flavours and creamy pasta. The homemade fajita seasoning gives it a nice kick. The Alfredo sauce makes it all come together for a delicious meal.
Why This Mexican-Inspired Pasta Dish Will Become Your New Favorite
Imagine a world where Tex-Mex flavours meet Italian pasta. That’s what you get with this one-pot shrimp fist pasta. It’s a mix of spices, fresh veggies, and juicy shrimp. It’s sure to be a hit with your family.
Perfect Weeknight Dinner Solution
Finding time for a homemade meal can be tough. But this dish is quick and easy. It’s ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Fusion of Tex-Mex and Italian Cuisine
This dish combines fajita flavours with tender pasta. The bell peppers, jalapeños, and onions add colour and taste. The shrimp and spices bring the essence of Tex-Mex. It’s a creative twist on fajitas, blending Mexican and Italian flavours.
Time-Saving One-Pot Method
This dish is a lifesaver for busy cooks. It cooks everything in one pot, saving time and effort. The flavours mix perfectly, making it a delicious one-pot meal.
Essential Ingredients for Shrimp Fajita Pasta
To make the perfect shrimp fajita pasta, you need the right ingredients. This Mexican-inspired dish is all about flavour and nutrition. It starts with a few key components.
Fettuccine, or medium-shell pasta, is the base, providing carbs. Shrimp, a lean protein, is essential for its vitamin D. Bell peppers and onions add to the fajita taste.
Fajita seasoning is crucial for flavour. The creamy sauce, made with Alfredo or Enchilada sauce, adds richness. Shredded cheese, like cheddar or Monterey Jack, makes it extra special.
If you like it spicy, add diced jalapeños. Fresh lime wedges, cilantro, guacamole, sour cream, or pico de gallo can also enhance the taste.
This recipe is versatile. You can swap protein with chicken or steak and veggies with your favourites. It’s all about making it your own.
“This shrimp fajita pasta is a delicious fusion of Tex-Mex and Italian cuisines, delivering a truly satisfying and flavor-packed meal.”
With the right ingredients, you’ll make a dish everyone will love. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s sure to please.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make tasty one-pot shrimp pasta, you need some basic kitchen tools. A large, heavy-bottomed pot or skillet is key. It should be oven-safe for melting cheese later.
You’ll also need a few more items:
- Colander for draining the cooked pasta
- Cutting board and sharp knife for chopping the vegetables
- Measuring spoons for accurately portioning the seasonings
- Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula for stirring the ingredients
- Tongs for easily handling and transferring the shrimp
Recommended Pot Size and Type
A 5-6 quart stock pot or high-sided skillet is perfect for this recipe. It’s big enough to hold all the ingredients without crowding. Choose a pot or skillet with a thick bottom for even heat and to prevent sticking.
Additional Cooking Utensils
While not necessary, some extra tools can help a lot. A zester for grating garlic, a slotted spoon for pasta, and a liquid measuring cup for liquids are useful.
Step-by-Step One-Pot Shrimp Fajita Pasta Recipe
Looking for a quick, tasty pasta dish that mixes Tex-Mex and Italian flavours? Our one-pot shrimp fajita pasta recipe is perfect for busy nights. It’s ready in 30 minutes, blending bold fajita spices with creamy pasta in one pan.
- First, cook 1 pound of fettuccine as the package says. Drain and set it aside.
- In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add 1 diced red bell pepper, 1 diced green bell pepper, and 1/2 diced red onion. Cook the veggies for 3-5 minutes until they’re soft.
- Then add 1 pound of raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp to the pot. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of fajita seasoning over them and the veggies. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are white and cooked.
- Lower the heat to low and pour in 15 ounces of creamy Alfredo sauce. Stir until the shrimp, veggies, and sauce are well-mixed.
- Finally, add the cooked fettuccine back to the pot. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the fajita sauce.
Serve the one-pot shrimp fajita pasta right away, topped with fresh cilantro. This easy dish will quickly become a family favourite!
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fettuccine | 1 pound |
| Unsalted butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Red bell pepper, diced | 1 |
| Green bell pepper, diced | 1 |
| Red onion, diced | 1/2 |
| Raw shrimp peeled and developed | 1 pound |
| Fajita seasoning | 3 tablespoons |
| Alfredo sauce | 15 ounces |
| Cilantro (for garnish) | As needed |
“This one-pot shrimp fajita pasta is a game-changer! The mix of bold fajita flavors and creamy pasta is delicious. It’s the ideal easy dinner for weeknights.”
Perfect Fajita Seasoning Blend
Make your spicy shrimp pasta and fajita pasta dishes better with homemade fajita seasoning. This mix has chilli powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. It turns your one-pot shrimp fajita pasta into a Mexican feast.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought Options
Store-bought fajita seasoning, like McCormick® Fajitas Seasoning, is easy to use. But making your own lets you control the spice and ingredients. You can also make more for later, so your fajita pasta always tastes the same.
Adjusting Spice Levels
- For spicier spicy shrimp pasta, add more chili powder or red pepper flakes.
- For a milder taste, use less chili powder and choose a less spicy enchilada sauce.
- Change the seasoning to fit your family’s taste. Enjoy a fajita pasta dish just the way you like it.
| Homemade Fajita Seasoning Blend | Measurements |
|---|---|
| Chili Powder | 2 tablespoons |
| Cumin | 1 tablespoon |
| Paprika | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
This seasoning blend makes your spicy shrimp pasta or fajita pasta taste like a Mexican dish. Your family and guests will want more.
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Shrimp
When you’re making shrimp pasta recipes or seafood pasta, cooking the shrimp right is key. Here are some tips to help you get the best results:
- Pat the shrimp dry before seasoning. This helps the seasonings stick better and prevents steaming instead of searing.
- Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes per side or until they curl up and become opaque. Avoid overcooking, as this can result in a rubbery texture.
- Adjust the cooking time based on the size of your shrimp. Smaller shrimp will cook faster than larger jumbo shrimp (21–25 per pound).
- Consider using frozen, deveined, and easy-peel shrimp to save time on preparation.
| Shrimp Size | Approximate Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| Small (41-50 per pound) | 1-2 minutes per side |
| Medium (31-40 per pound) | 2-3 minutes per side |
| Large (21-25 per pound) | 3-4 minutes per side |
Remember, the exact cooking time may vary depending on the heat level and the freshness of your shrimp. Always keep a close eye on them to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
“The key to perfectly cooked shrimp is to not overcook them. They should be opaque and slightly curled when done.”
Customization Options and Variations
The one-pot shrimp fajita pasta is a tasty mix of Tex-Mex and Italian flavors. You can change it up to fit your taste. Swap the protein, add more veggies, or tweak the sauce. This recipe is perfect for adding your twist.
Protein Substitutions
Want to swap out the shrimp? No problem. Try using grilled or sautéed chicken, ground beef, or tofu. Just make sure the new protein is cooked right.
Vegetable Alternatives
Don’t just stick to bell peppers and onions. Add sliced zucchini, mushrooms, or corn for more flavour and texture. Cook them until they’re just right.
Sauce Modifications
Love the creamy sauce but want to try something new? Use cashew cream or enchilada sauce for a dairy-free option. Add jalapeños for spice, or use a hotter salsa. Adjust the seasoning to your liking.
With these tweaks, you can make the one-pot shrimp fajita pasta your own. It’s great for a protein-rich meal or a veggie-packed dish. This recipe is all about exploring and finding your flavours.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
After enjoying this one-pot shrimp pasta, you might have leftovers. Don’t worry; it tastes great the next day. Here’s how to store and reheat your weeknight dinner or easy pasta dish:
- Put leftover shrimp fajita pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- When reheating, add a bit of water or broth to keep the pasta moist.
- Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir often until it’s hot.
- For the best taste and texture, eat leftovers within 2 days.
By following these steps, you can enjoy this Mexican-inspired pasta dish for days. It’s a convenient and easy recipe, perfect for weeknights. It’s sure to become a favourite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
1 lb. fettuccine pasta
2 tbsp. unsalted butter
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1/2 red onion, diced
1 lb. raw shrimp, peeled and developed
3 tbsp. fajita seasoning
15 oz creamy Alfredo sauce
Fresh cilantro for garnish (as needed)
Homemade Fajita Seasoning (optional)
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tablespoon cumin
1 tbsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Optional Toppings and Garnishes
1 tbsp. fresh lime juice or lime wedges
1-2 sliced jalapeños for added spice
1/4 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
Execution
Cook the Fettuccine
Begin your one-pot shrimp fajita pasta by cooking the fettuccine.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
Add 1 lb of fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (around 10 minutes).
Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
For the fajita flavour, sauté the bell peppers and onion until soft.
In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat.
Add 1 diced red bell pepper, 1 diced green bell pepper, and 1/2 diced red onion.
Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized.
Add the Shrimp and Seasoning
Add shrimp and fajita seasoning for a bold, Tex-Mex-inspired flavour.
Add 1 lb of raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp to the pot with the vegetables.
Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of fajita seasoning evenly over the shrimp and veggies.
Stir to coat everything in the seasoning, then cook for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turns opaque and pink.
Incorporate the Alfredo Sauce
For a creamy pasta dish, add Alfredo sauce to coat the shrimp and veggies.
Lower the heat to medium-low.
Pour in 15 ounces of creamy Alfredo sauce and stir to combine.
Allow the sauce to heat through, blending the flavours for about 2 minutes
Mix in the Cooked Pasta
Combine the fettuccine with the shrimp fajita mixture for a delicious, well-blended pasta.
Return the cooked fettuccine to the pot.
Toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated in the fajita sauce and the ingredients are well mixed.
Garnish and Serve
Finish the one-pot shrimp fajita pasta with fresh garnishes.
Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a burst of colour and flavour.
If desired, add lime wedges, sliced jalapeños, or shredded cheese as toppings.
Serve immediately while hot.
Additional tips
- Pat the Shrimp Dry: Ensure the shrimp is dry before cooking to help the seasoning stick and prevent a watery sauce.
- Use fresh lime juice: squeeze fresh lime juice over the finished pasta for a burst of zesty flavour.
- Add a Dash of Hot Sauce: If you like extra heat, add a few drops of hot sauce to the Alfredo sauce for a spicier kick.
- Try Different Pasta Shapes: Fettuccine works well, but you can also use penne or rigatoni for a different texture.
- Experiment with Toppings: Sprinkle shredded cheese, sliced green onions, or pickled jalapeños for extra layers of flavour.
- Add a Splash of Broth: If reheating leftovers, add a splash of chicken or vegetable broth to prevent the pasta from drying out.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Substitute Alfredo sauce with cashew cream or a non-dairy creamy sauce for a vegan option.
These simple tips will help you enjoy this shrimp fajita pasta for days. Its convenience and ease make it a great weeknight dinner choice. It’s sure to become a favourite.
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Serving Suggestions and Garnishes
Make your one-pot Mexican-inspired pasta even better with colourful toppings. Start by adding fresh, chopped cilantro on top. It brings a burst of herbal flavour. For a spicy touch, try adding sliced jalapeños.
Don’t forget to serve the Tex-Mex pasta with fresh lime wedges. This adds a zesty citrus flavour. You can also garnish with sliced green onions for a mild onion taste and a bit of crunch.
Pair the pasta with sides like a simple salad or garlic bread. For a true Tex-Mex experience, offer guacamole, sour cream, pickled red onions, or pico de gallo. These toppings and sides will make your meal complete and delicious.
