This creamy spicy chicken chipotle pasta is a flavorful delight! Tender chicken and pasta get together in a rich, spicy sauce that warms you from the inside out. Yum!
Every bite is a little adventure, with just the right kick. I love to pair it with garlic bread—there’s nothing better than wiping up that tasty sauce!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using penne for this dish, but feel free to use any pasta you have—rigatoni or fusilli work great too! Whole wheat pasta or a gluten-free variety are perfect alternatives if you need them.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts hold up well and cook quickly. You could swap them for thighs for a juicier option or use rotisserie chicken for an easy shortcut.
Chipotle Peppers: These peppers add heat and flavor. If you want less spice, use just one pepper or opt for smoked paprika instead of the chipotle in adobo for a milder touch.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, substitute with half-and-half or use coconut cream for a dairy-free version. The texture may change slightly, but the dish will still be delicious!
How Can I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken pieces just right is key for this pasta. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat before adding the seasoned chicken.
- Make sure the chicken pieces are in a single layer, giving them space to brown. Cook until browned on the outside and no longer pink inside, about 5-7 minutes.
- To avoid overcooking, remove the chicken from the skillet as soon as it’s fully cooked, then set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
This method will keep your chicken juicy and flavorful!
How to Make Creamy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
For the Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
For the Sauce:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from the chipotle peppers can)
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded smoked cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup (15 g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
For Garnishing:
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe should take about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping and another 20 minutes cooking everything together. It’s a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Cooking the Chicken:
While your pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and put it aside.
3. Making the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion. Cook it for about 3-4 minutes, until it’s softened. Then, add the minced garlic, chopped chipotle peppers, and adobo sauce, stirring everything together. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant.
4. Combining the Ingredients:
Now, reduce the heat to medium and pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Season the sauce with smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if you’re feeling bold), along with any leftover salt and pepper to taste. Next, stir in the shredded cheese and Parmesan until it’s melted and the sauce is creamy.
5. Finishing Up:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together gently, making sure the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy chipotle sauce. Allow it to cook on low heat for another 2 minutes so all the flavors can meld together.
6. Serving:
Serve your creamy spicy chicken chipotle pasta hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy every flavorful bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work great, you can use any pasta you have on hand. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta will also work well; just be sure to adjust the cooking time as necessary.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the number of chipotle peppers or skip the cayenne pepper entirely. Alternatively, you can add more cream to balance the heat after tasting the sauce.
How Do I Store Leftover Pasta?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore the creaminess and prevent the sauce from becoming too thick.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply replace the chicken with your favorite protein like tofu or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The rest of the sauce will still be delicious!
