The first time I cooked Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta Recipe, my kitchen was filled with the warm, smoky aroma of chipotle peppers, and I knew something incredible was underway! This dish has everything I love in a pasta recipe—tender chicken, sautéed veggies, al dente pasta, and a luxuriously creamy, spicy sauce that ties it all together. It’s hearty yet quick, perfect for impressing family or guests on a busy evening.
For me, the real winner is the chipotle sauce. It’s got just the right balance of heat and creaminess that makes every bite absolutely irresistible. After trying this, I haven’t even thought about ordering it from a restaurant—homemade is that much better! If you’re a fan of bold, vibrant flavors, then this recipe is destined to become a staple in your home. Trust me, one taste, and you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Packed with Bold Flavors
The smoky chipotle peppers blend perfectly with the creamy sauce, creating a dish that bursts with rich, spicy goodness!
Quick and Easy
Made in just 40 minutes, this recipe is perfect for weeknights when you need something delicious on the table without a lot of fuss.
Versatile and Customizable
Not a fan of spice? Simply adjust the level of chipotle peppers! Want more greens? Feel free to add your favorite veggies.
Perfect for Any Meal
With tender chicken, pasta, and colorful vegetables, it’s a complete meal that satisfies every craving in one bowl.
Great for Leftovers
This dish reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- Penne pasta
- Chicken breast
- Olive oil
- Yellow onion
- Red bell pepper
- Asparagus
- Frozen peas
- Canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- Garlic
- Honey
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh cilantro
Variations
Spicy chicken chipotle pasta is delicious on its own, but you can easily tweak it to suit your taste.
- Lower Spice: For a milder version, use fewer chipotle peppers and less adobo sauce.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with tofu or mushrooms for a meat-free alternative.
- Extra Creaminess: Add a dollop of cream cheese to the sauce to make it even richer.
- Gluten-Free: Swap the pasta for gluten-free penne or zucchini noodles.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large Skillet: For cooking the chicken, veggies, and sauce together.
- Pot: For boiling the pasta.
- Sharp Knife: To dice chicken and veggies.
- Wooden Spoon: For stirring the sauce and combining all ingredients.
How to Make Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta?
Follow these simple steps to create your new favorite pasta dish!
Step 1: Cook the Pasta 🍝
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until it’s just al dente. Drain and set aside. The pasta should have a slight chew, as it will absorb some sauce later!
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken 🍗
Dice the chicken into bite-sized cubes and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook the chicken pieces until golden and cooked through. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies 🫑
Add a bit more olive oil to the skillet, then toss in the chopped onion, red bell pepper, asparagus, and frozen peas. Cook until the veggies are tender and fragrant, which only takes about 8-10 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Chipotle Peppers 🌶️
Dice a few chipotle peppers from the can and add them to the skillet along with a couple of tablespoons of adobo sauce. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an extra two minutes to release all the smoky flavors.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce 🧀
Pour in the heavy cream while stirring, then add honey to balance the spice. Sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese into the mixture and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Combine and Finish 🌟
Toss the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet, ensuring everything is coated evenly in the sauce. Simmer for a few more minutes to meld the flavors together. Finally, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and another sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy every delicious bite!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep it slightly underdone to prevent it from getting mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents and doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- Add in Batches: When adding Parmesan to the sauce, stir in small amounts at a time to avoid clumping.
- Taste Test: Adjust the spice level and salt according to your preferences before serving.
How to Serve Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta?
Serve this dish warm in a large pasta bowl with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for color. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a simple side salad. To elevate the presentation, drizzle a small amount of extra adobo sauce on top, and add a wedge of lime for a zesty finish. For family-style dinners, you can serve it in a large skillet with extra sauce on the side to accommodate different spice levels.
Nutritional Information
This spicy chicken chipotle pasta is as nutritious as it is tasty! Here’s a quick breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 546
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fat: 29g
Make Ahead and Storage
Prep in Advance
Save time on busy nights by prepping the chicken and veggies in advance. You can also cook the pasta ahead of time and toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
Storing Leftovers
This dish stays fresh for up to 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, microwave individual portions on high or warm it gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Note that freezing is not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate when thawed.
Spicy chicken chipotle pasta is the ultimate comfort food with its creamy, smoky sauce and satisfying layers of flavor. Whether you’re making it for a quiet dinner at home or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress. Just one bite, and you’ll see why it’s a fan favorite!
Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion minced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- ¾ lb asparagus coarsely chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 7 oz can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 2 cloves garlic minced
Sauce:
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Chopped cilantro
- Shredded parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Dice the chicken breast into 1-inch pieces and season with salt and pepper. Trim the tough ends off the asparagus and prepare the remaining vegetables.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sauté until browned and fully cooked.
- Add the onion, red bell pepper, asparagus, and frozen peas to the pan. Sauté for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Remove the chipotle peppers from the can, reserving the adobo sauce. Dice the peppers into small pieces.
- Stir 3 tablespoons of diced chipotle peppers and garlic into the skillet with the chicken and vegetables. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add ¼ cup adobo sauce, honey, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper to the pan. Stir to combine.
- Mix in the cooked pasta and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro and extra shredded parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reduce heat by omitting chipotle peppers and using less adobo sauce.
- Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth.
