Creamy Chicken Chipotle Pasta Recipe

Looking for an easy, flavorful dinner idea that’s sure to impress? This creamy chicken chipotle pasta has got you covered! Combining tender chicken, a smoky chipotle kick, and a luscious cream-based sauce, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or whenever you’re craving something rich and delicious.

Best of all, it’s a one-pan recipe that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Follow along for the ultimate guide to making this crowd-pleasing pasta dish.

What You’ll Learn in This Recipe

By the end of this post, you’ll know how to:

Cook tender and juicy chicken for your pasta.
Balance the smoky, spicy flavors of chipotle with creamy sauce.
Quickly whip up a meal that tastes like it’s from a restaurant.

Let's jump right into the recipe and make something truly mouthwatering!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To ensure the perfect flavor and texture in your chicken chipotle pasta, here’s what you’ll need:

For the Main Dish:

2 large chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
Salt and pepper to season chicken
2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking the chicken)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
8 oz (225 g) penne pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
3 tablespoons adobo sauce (from the chipotle peppers can)
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Optional Add-ins:

Fresh spinach for extra greens
Corn kernels for added sweetness

Pro tip: You can adjust the chipotle peppers based on your spice preferences. Two peppers will provide a medium heat level.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite).
Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

While your pasta is cooking, season the diced chicken with salt and pepper.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the chicken and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Toss in the sliced red and yellow bell peppers. Cook until the peppers are slightly tender but still crisp (around 4-5 minutes).

Step 4: Create the Creamy Chipotle Sauce

Push the veggies to one side of the skillet and melt the butter on the empty side.
Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, and smoked paprika. Mix everything until combined.
Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Combine It All

Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, followed by the drained pasta.
Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce.
If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh cilantro or an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Serve hot and watch your family or guests dig in with delight!

Tips for Perfect Chicken Chipotle Pasta

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, peppers, and Parmesan cheese make a world of difference in flavor.
Adjust the Spice Level: If you’re not a fan of spice, reduce the number of chipotle peppers or stick to just the adobo sauce for a mild kick.
Make It Versatile: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or shredded cheese for additional variety.
Prep Ahead: Chop all your vegetables and chicken ahead of time to make cooking easier, especially on busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Balanced Flavors: The smokiness of chipotle peppers pairs beautifully with the creaminess of the sauce.
Quick & Easy: From prep to plate, this dish can be on your table in just 30 minutes.
Customizable: Adapt it to suit your spice levels, add veggies, or swap chicken for shrimp to keep things fresh and exciting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken can save you time. Simply shred the meat and add it in during Step 5 when combining the pasta.

What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?

Penne works wonderfully because it holds the sauce well. Other excellent options include fusilli, farfalle, or rigatoni.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Cook the pasta fresh when you're ready to serve for the best texture.

Is there a dairy-free option for the creamy sauce?

You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and the Parmesan cheese with a plant-based alternative for a dairy-free version that’s just as delicious!

Closing Thoughts

As you can see, this creamy chicken chipotle pasta recipe is as simple as it is satisfying. Perfect for pasta lovers and chipotle fans alike, it combines comfort and spice in a way that’s sure to become a household favorite.

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