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Fajita Pasta Recipe

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3.8 from 36 reviews

Fajita Pasta is a flavorful fusion dish that combines the bold, smoky spices of fajitas with tender pasta for a quick and hearty meal. With ground beef, sautéed onions and bell peppers, and a zesty sauce made from orange juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner that brings a Tex-Mex twist to traditional pasta dishes.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 2 cups diced onions
  • 2 cups sliced bell peppers

Seasonings and Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon granulated garlic
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar (or honey)
  • 2 cups orange juice or pineapple juice
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce

Pasta and Garnish

  • 12 ounces cooked pasta (ziti, penne or cavatappi)
  • Cilantro for garnish
  • Diced tomatoes for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks until evenly browned on all sides. Drain excess grease if there is more than a few tablespoons to keep the dish from being too oily.
  2. Sauté vegetables: Add the diced onions and sliced bell peppers to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Prepare the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the ground cumin, granulated garlic, chili powder, black pepper, cornstarch, and brown sugar (or honey). Gradually add the orange juice and soy sauce, whisking until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the sauce is smooth.
  4. Cook the sauce and combine: Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet with the beef and vegetables. Stir frequently as the mixture comes to a low boil and thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
  5. Add the pasta: Stir in the cooked and drained pasta, mixing thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through and ensure flavors meld together.
  6. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with optional diced tomatoes on the side for added freshness and color.

Notes

  • For a healthier option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
  • Adjust the sweetness by using honey or brown sugar depending on your preference.
  • Feel free to substitute orange juice with pineapple juice for a slightly different fruity flavor.
  • Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for gluten intolerance.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/fajita-pasta-recipe/