Chipotle Pasta​ Recipe

This Chipotle Pasta Recipe is inspired by the legendary, bold fusion dishes found at upscale American bistro chains. It is a sweet and smoky recipe, which calls for honey-glazed chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and tender asparagus in a velvety chipotle cream sauce. It’s a restaurant-quality recipe, ready in about 45 minutes.

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Chipotle Pasta Recipe Ingredients

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 lb penne pasta
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 0.5 tsp kosher salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 0.25 cup honey
• 2 tbsp chipotle sauce (from a can of chipotle peppers in adobo)
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 0.5 yellow onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed (thinner spears are best)
• 6 oz Parmesan cheese, shredded
• Optional toppings: Chopped cilantro and crushed tortilla strips

How To Make Chipotle Pasta

1. Blanch the asparagus: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, drop in the trimmed asparagus. Cook for only 2 to 3 minutes; you want them to be bright green and still have a slight “snap” or bite. Use tongs to remove the asparagus and immediately rinse them under cold running water to stop the cooking process.
2. Cook the pasta: In that same pot of boiling water, drop the penne pasta. Cook until it is almost done (slightly firmer than al dente). Drain the pasta and toss it into a large bowl with the blanched asparagus. Do not rinse the pasta; the starch on the noodles is the secret to helping the sauce stick later.
3. Marinate the chicken: While the water is boiling, toss the chicken chunks in a medium bowl with the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Letting the chicken sit for even 10 minutes in the lemon juice is the professional secret for tenderizing the meat and adding a bright underlying flavor.
4. Sauté the aromatics: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped red and yellow bell peppers and the onion. Sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened but still vibrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant, then scoop the mixture into a separate bowl.
5. Brown the chicken: In the same skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken chunks in a single layer. Sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked through yet, as it will finish in the sauce.
6. Glaze with honey: Drizzle the honey over the browned chicken and stir rapidly. The honey will bubble and caramelize almost instantly. Only cook for about 5 seconds to avoid burning the sugars, then immediately add the cooked peppers and onions back into the pan.
7. Simmer the sauce: Pour in the chipotle sauce, heavy cream, and shredded Parmesan. Stir constantly as the cheese melts. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens into a glossy, pale-orange glaze.
8. Bring it together: Dump the cooked pasta, peas, and asparagus into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated. Serve hot, topped with crushed tortilla strips for an essential crunch.

Recipe Tips

• The “Asparagus Blanching” rule: Cooking the asparagus in the pasta water and then shocking it in cold water is the most effective way to maintain its vibrant green color and perfect texture.
• Honey management: When glazing the chicken, work quickly. Honey can go from a perfect glaze to a burnt mess in seconds. Have your veggies and cream ready to go to “cool” the pan down immediately.
• Chipotle heat level: Chipotle sauce from adobo cans varies in heat. Start with 1 tablespoon if you are sensitive to spice, and work your way up.
• Fresh vs. Jarred Parmesan: Always use freshly shredded Parmesan from a block. Pre-shredded cheese is coated in starches that can make your cream sauce gritty rather than silky.

What To Serve With Chipotle Pasta?

This Chipotle Pasta Recipe is a rich, sweet, and spicy main dish that needs a fresh or simple pairing! A side of Garlic Herb Focaccia or a few Warm Breadsticks is the quintessential choice for mopping up the extra cream sauce. For a balanced dinner, a crisp Green Salad with a light vinaigrette or a serving of Roasted Corn adds a lovely sweetness that pairs perfectly with the smoky chipotle! A glass of Iced Sweet Tea or a chilled Mexican Lager pairs wonderfully with the bold, honey-infused heat.

How To Store Chipotle Pasta

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore the creaminess of the sauce.
• Avoid Freezing: We do not recommend freezing this dish. The heavy cream and the delicate asparagus will change texture and likely separate upon thawing.

Chipotle Pasta Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 740 (per serving)
• Total Fat: 42 g
• Cholesterol: 165 mg
• Sodium: 880 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Dietary Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 36 g

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

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