Tonight I'm sharing one of my absolute favorite chipotle chicken pasta recipe that consistently wows my family! This creamy, spicy delight combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a smoky chipotle cream sauce that'll have everyone asking for seconds. Who doesn't love a pasta dish that's both simple and incredibly satisfying?
The first time I made this was on a busy Tuesday when I needed something quick but special. Emily was having friends over, and I wanted to impress them without spending hours in the kitchen.
Let me tell you - this recipe was an instant hit! The combination of smoky chipotle flavor with creamy goodness creates the perfect balance of heat and comfort.
What I love most about this dish is how it comes together in just 30 minutes. It's seriously one of those recipes that looks fancy but is surprisingly easy to execute. If you're craving something with a kick but still comforting, this creamy chipotle chicken recipe will become your new go-to dinner solution.
Why You Will Love This Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes - perfect for busy weeknights!
- Perfect Balance: The smoky chipotle gives just the right amount of heat without being overwhelming
- One-Pot Wonder: Most ingredients cook in the same pan, making cleanup a breeze
- Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less chipotle
- Kid-Friendly: My Emily loves this (and she's usually picky about spicy food!)
- Restaurant Quality: Tastes like it came from your favorite Mexican restaurant
Ingredients For Chipotle Chicken Pasta
For the Chicken:
- 8 oz. boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
- Salt and cracked black pepper
- ½ tsp. ground cumin
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
Chipotle Cream Sauce:
- ¾ cup half and half (or heavy cream)
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 large chipotle pepper (or two small peppers)
- 1 tsp. adobo sauce from the chipotle pepper can
- 1 tsp. honey
For the Vegetables:
- ⅓ cup finely chopped yellow onion
- ½ cup finely chopped yellow bell pepper
- ½ cup chopped asparagus spears
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz. dried penne pasta
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- Chopped green onion for garnish
I always keep these ingredients stocked because this recipe is a lifesaver when I need a quick dinner.
The chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are a game-changer - they're available in the Mexican section of most grocery stores!
How To Make Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prepare The Chicken
- Season the chicken thighs (or breasts) generously with salt, pepper, and cumin.
- Let them sit for a few minutes while you prep the sauce - this helps the flavors penetrate the meat.
Make The Spicy Chipotle Cream Sauce
- Combine half and half, garlic cloves, honey, chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, and a pinch of salt in a small blender or food processor.
- Blend until completely smooth. This sauce is the star of the show!
Cook The Chicken Perfectly
- Heat olive oil in a large nonstick pan over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- Transfer to a cutting board and cover with foil to keep warm. Don't skip this resting step - it keeps the chicken juicy and tender!
Sauté The Vegetables
- In the same pan (don't clean it!), add the chopped bell peppers and onions with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The browned bits from the chicken will add incredible flavor to your veggies. This is where the magic happens!
Boil The Pasta Meanwhile
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the penne and cook according to package directions, minus one minute for al dente texture.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Add The Asparagus
- Once the peppers and onions are softened, add the chopped asparagus.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes until it begins to get tender. I love the color and crunch it adds to this dish!
Bring Everything Together
- Pour the chipotle cream sauce into the pan with the vegetables.
- Let it simmer for 5-6 minutes until thickened.
- Meanwhile, cut the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Combine Pasta And Sauce
- Add the drained pasta to the pan with the cream sauce.
- Toss to coat every single noodle - this is where patience pays off!
Final Touches
- Add the chicken pieces, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper.
- Gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. The pasta water helps bind everything together beautifully.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately!
Storage And Reheating Tips For Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe
This creamy chipotle chicken pasta keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
My favorite reheating method? Add the leftover pasta to a saucepan with a splash of chicken broth or milk.
Warm over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. This prevents the sauce from breaking and keeps it creamy and delicious.
You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, adding a tablespoon of liquid and stirring halfway through.
Add a fresh grind of black pepper when serving - it really brightens the flavors!
I've experimented with freezing this dish, but I'll be honest - the texture isn't quite the same after thawing.
It's best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it.
Popular Variations For This Chipotle Pasta Recipe
Want to mix things up? Here are some variations I've tried and loved:
- Add Different Proteins: Try this chipotle honey chicken variation or even shrimp for a seafood twist
- Vegetable Swaps: Use zucchini, spinach, or cherry tomatoes instead of asparagus
- Cheese Options: Substitute cream cheese or Mexican crema for different richness levels
- Spice Levels: For less heat, use just the adobo sauce without the pepper
- Pasta Shapes: Penne, rigatoni, or even shells work wonderfully
I once made this with leftover blackened salmon instead of chicken - absolutely delicious!
Sometimes the best recipes come from happy accidents.
For something different, try making it burrito-style with this chipotle chicken burrito recipe - it's another family favorite!
Frequently Asked Questions About Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe
The closest substitute for chipotle is smoked paprika combined with cayenne pepper or chili powder. Use 1 teaspoon smoked paprika plus ¼ teaspoon cayenne to replace 1 chipotle pepper. I discovered this when I ran out of chipotles mid-recipe!
Yes, absolutely! I've done this many times when I'm out of cream. Use whole milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent curdling. The sauce will be lighter but still delicious. Just whisk that flour in well!
Chipotle seasoning typically contains ground chipotle peppers, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and sometimes oregano and black pepper. It's like a little smoky flavor party in a jar!
Essential additions for chicken pasta include aromatics like garlic and onions, vegetables like bell peppers and asparagus, herbs like parsley or basil, cheese (Parmesan is my favorite), and a good sauce - whether creamy or tomato-based. The key is balancing flavors and textures.
Recipes You May Like
- Chipotle Chicken Burrito Recipe - Another amazing way to use chipotle flavors!
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken - If you love creamy chicken dishes
- Homemade Enchilada Sauce - Perfect for more Mexican-inspired dinners
Conclusion
This chipotle chicken pasta recipe has become one of our family's most requested meals, and I think it'll become one of yours too! The combination of smoky chipotle, tender chicken, and fresh vegetables creates a dinner that's both satisfying and exciting.
I love how this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors to your own kitchen without any fuss. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself to something special, this pasta delivers every single time.
Give this recipe a try tonight - I promise you won't regret it! Save it to Pinterest so you can find it again, and let me know in the comments how your family likes it.
Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe
Equipment
- Large nonstick pan
- Large pot for pasta
- Small blender or food processor
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 8 oz boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
- salt
- cracked black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Chipotle Cream Sauce
- ¾ cup half and half or heavy cream
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 large chipotle pepper or two small peppers
- 1 teaspoon adobo sauce from the chipotle pepper can
- 1 teaspoon honey
For the Vegetables
- ⅓ cup finely chopped yellow onion or white onion
- ½ cup finely chopped yellow bell pepper
- ½ cup chopped asparagus spears
For the Pasta
- 8 oz dried penne pasta
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- chopped green onion for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken thighs (or breasts) generously with salt, pepper, and cumin. Let them sit for a few minutes while you prep the sauce - this helps the flavors penetrate the meat.
- Combine half and half, garlic cloves, honey, chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, and a pinch of salt in a small blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth. This sauce is the star of the show!
- Heat olive oil in a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- Transfer to a cutting board and cover with foil to keep warm. Don't skip this resting step - it keeps the chicken juicy and tender!
- In the same pan (don't clean it!), add the chopped bell peppers and onions with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package directions, minus one minute for al dente texture. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Once the peppers and onions are softened, add the chopped asparagus. Cook for 3-4 minutes until it begins to get tender. I love the color and crunch it adds to this dish!
- Pour the chipotle cream sauce into the pan with the vegetables. Let it simmer for 5-6 minutes until thickened. Meanwhile, cut the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Add the drained pasta to the pan with the cream sauce. Toss to coat every single noodle - this is where patience pays off!
- Add the chicken pieces, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper. Gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. The pasta water helps bind everything together beautifully.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately!
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