Chicken Chipotle Pasta: A Spicy, Creamy, and Flavor-Packed Delight
Bold, smoky, and irresistibly creamy, Creamy Chicken Chipotle Pasta Recipe is a dish that brings a perfect balance of heat and comfort to the dinner table. Tender chunks of chicken are enveloped in a luscious chipotle-infused sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, and finished with a hint of smoky spice that excites the palate. This dish is ideal for those who love a little kick without overwhelming the subtle creaminess that makes pasta so comforting.
Combining the smoky depth of chipotle peppers with the richness of cream and the freshness of herbs, chicken chipotle pasta transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal at home. Its versatility makes it perfect for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or even impressing guests with minimal effort. Cooking from scratch allows full control over the spice level, texture, and seasoning, resulting in a dish tailored perfectly to your taste.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a complete list of ingredients with approximate calorie counts (for 4 servings):
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approximate Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breast, boneless & skinless | 1 lb (450 g) | 750 kcal |
| Pasta (penne or fettuccine) | 12 oz (340 g) | 1,260 kcal |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | 240 kcal |
| Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce | 2 peppers + 2 tbsp sauce | 70 kcal |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | 800 kcal |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 cloves | 15 kcal |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 medium | 45 kcal |
| Chicken broth | ½ cup | 10 kcal |
| Salt | 1 tsp | 0 kcal |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp | 0 kcal |
| Lime juice | 1 tbsp | 5 kcal |
| Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional) | 2 tbsp | 1 kcal |
| Parmesan cheese, grated (optional) | ½ cup | 200 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Prepare the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and black pepper. Sear chicken pieces for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Make the Chipotle Cream Sauce
Add chopped chipotle peppers and adobo sauce to the skillet. Stir to combine, then pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Simmer gently for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Combine Chicken and Pasta
Return cooked chicken to the skillet, slicing into bite-sized pieces if desired. Toss in the cooked pasta and mix until every piece is coated in the chipotle cream sauce. Use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency if needed.
6. Finish and Serve
Stir in lime juice and optional fresh cilantro. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top for extra richness. Serve immediately while warm.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Adjust Spice Level: Add more chipotle peppers for heat or reduce for a milder version.
- Protein Alternatives: Shrimp or turkey can replace chicken for variety.
- Creamy Variations: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Vegetable Boost: Add bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for color and extra nutrition.
- Herb Twists: Fresh parsley or basil can be used alongside or instead of cilantro.
Nutritional Information
Approximate values per serving (4 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 850 kcal |
| Protein | 45 g |
| Carbohydrates | 70 g |
| Fat | 50 g |
| Saturated Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
| Vitamin A | 20% DV |
| Calcium | 25% DV |
Chicken chipotle pasta provides a hearty, protein-rich meal with a satisfying balance of carbs, fats, and vitamins, making it a filling and energizing dish.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Serve with garlic bread or warm baguette to soak up the creamy chipotle sauce.
- Garnish with extra fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or shredded cheese for presentation.
- A chilled glass of white wine or light beer complements the smoky, spicy flavors perfectly.
Chicken Chipotle Pasta: A Spicy, Creamy, and Flavor-Packed Delight
4
servings15
minutes25
minutes850
kcalIngredients
1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, boneless & skinless
12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne or fettuccine)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce + 2 tbsp sauce
1 cup heavy cream
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
½ cup chicken broth
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp lime juice
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, sauté onion for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Make Chipotle Cream Sauce:
- Stir in chopped chipotle peppers and adobo sauce. Add heavy cream and chicken broth, simmer 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta:
- Slice chicken into bite-sized pieces. Toss chicken and pasta into the sauce. Use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency if needed.
- Finish and Serve:
- Stir in lime juice and cilantro (if using). Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. Serve warm.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Control the Heat: Adjust the number of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to make the dish mild or extra spicy. Removing seeds reduces heat further.
Pasta Tips: Cook pasta al dente so it holds up well when tossed with the creamy sauce. Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh cilantro adds brightness, but parsley or basil can also work if you prefer. Add herbs at the end to retain their flavor.
FAQs
1. What gives chicken chipotle pasta its smoky flavor?
The smoky flavor comes from chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. These are smoked jalapeños that add both heat and a rich, deep smokiness to the creamy sauce.
2. Can I adjust the spiciness of this dish?
Yes! Add more chipotle peppers for extra heat or reduce the amount for a milder version. You can also remove seeds to decrease spiciness.
3. Which pasta works best for chicken chipotle pasta?
Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni are great choices because their shapes hold the creamy sauce well. Spaghetti can also be used for a lighter, classic feel.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance. Store separately from the pasta in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta for best results.
5. Can I make it healthier or lower in calories?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories and fat. Using whole wheat pasta adds fiber, and adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers boosts nutrition.
Conclusion
Chicken chipotle pasta is a perfect blend of smoky spice, creamy sauce, and tender chicken, making it a standout dinner option for any occasion. Its bold flavors and rich texture prove that comfort food can also be exciting and flavorful. Easy to make at home, this dish brings a restaurant-quality experience to your kitchen with minimal effort. Perfect for weeknights, dinner parties, or casual meals, every bite delivers a satisfying combination of heat, creaminess, and indulgence that your family and friends will love.
