Chicken Chipotle Pasta Recipe

Smoky chipotle sauce and sweet honey elevate this chicken chipotle pasta to a restaurant-quality favorite you’ll always want at the center of your dinner table. It’s delicious with toasted garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, extra lime wedges, a cold glass of sweet tea; in fact most things.

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Chicken Chipotle Pasta Recipe Ingredients

• 2 boneless chicken breasts, cubed
• Juice of 1/2 a lemon
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp chipotle sauce (from canned adobo)
• 1 lb penne pasta
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 6 oz shredded parmesan
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 lb thin asparagus
• Optional: Fresh cilantro and crushed tortilla strips for garnish

How To Make Chicken Chipotle Pasta Recipe

1. Blanch the asparagus: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Toss in your trimmed asparagus spears and cook for just 2 to 3 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Immediately remove them and “shock” them in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve that vibrant color.
2. Boil the pasta: Use the same pot of boiling water, seasoning it generously with salt. Add the penne pasta and cook until it is perfectly al dente. Be sure to scoop out about a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining; this is your insurance policy for a silky sauce later.
3. Prep and season the chicken: While the pasta cooks, place your cubed chicken breasts in a small bowl. Toss them with the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper, letting them marinate for a few minutes to brighten the flavor of the meat.
4. Sauté the garden vegetables: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter with the olive oil over a medium-high heat. Add the chopped bell peppers and onion, sautéing them until they are soft and the onions are translucent. Stir in the minced garlic for the final minute, then remove the vegetables from the pan and set them aside.
5. Sear the honey chicken: Using the same pan, add the seasoned chicken and cook until every side is beautifully browned and cooked through. Just before removing the chicken, drizzle the honey over the meat and give it a quick stir to coat; be careful not to let the honey burn, as you just want it to glaze the chicken.
6. Simmer the smoky sauce: Return the sautéed vegetables to the pan with the chicken. Pour in the heavy cream, chipotle sauce, and shredded parmesan cheese. Stir the mixture over a low heat for a few minutes until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened into a velvety, smoky coating.
7. Pull it all together: Fold the cooked pasta, blanched asparagus, and frozen peas into the sauce. Toss everything gently to ensure the penne is fully coated, adding a splash of your reserved pasta water if the sauce feels too thick. Serve the pasta piping hot, topped with fresh cilantro and a handful of tortilla strips for an extra crunch.

Recipe Tips

• How to control the spice: The heat comes from the chipotle sauce. If you prefer a milder pasta, start with one tablespoon and taste the sauce before adding the second. If you love a challenge, finely mince one of the chipotle peppers from the can and toss it in!
• Why “shock” the asparagus: If you leave the asparagus in the hot water or let it sit on a plate, the residual heat will continue to cook it, turning it mushy and dull. The ice bath keeps it snappy and beautiful.
• How to glaze the chicken perfectly: Wait until the chicken is fully cooked before adding the honey. Honey has a high sugar content and can char quickly; a 30-second toss at the end is all it needs to become a sweet glaze.
• Best way to use parmesan: Shred your own parmesan from a block. Pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that can prevent the sauce from becoming perfectly smooth.

What To Serve With Chicken Chipotle Pasta Recipe?

This Chicken Chipotle Pasta Recipe is a rich, smoky meal that needs a fresh or cooling pairing! A side of Garlicky Texas Toast is the classic choice for mopping up every drop of the chipotle cream. For a lighter touch, a Simple Wedge Salad with a creamy dressing adds a lovely coolness that cuts through the heat of the peppers! A few Lime Wedges for a fresh squeeze or a cold Iced Sweet Tea pairs wonderfully with the sweet-and-spicy honey glaze.

How To Store Chicken Chipotle Pasta Recipe

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Maintain Texture: Pasta cream sauces tend to thicken significantly in the fridge. When reheating, add a tablespoon of milk or water to help loosen the sauce back to its original consistency.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring constantly. Avoid high heat in the microwave, which can cause the cream and parmesan to separate and become oily.

Chicken Chipotle Pasta Recipe Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 680 kcal (per serving)
• Total Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Protein: 32 g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

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