Chipotle Spaghetti Recipe

This creamy, smoky Chipotle Spaghetti Recipe is made with chipotle peppers in adobo and heavy cream, ready in just 25 minutes. The rich, orange-hued sauce clings beautifully to every long strand of pasta for a deeply savory bite. I always keep a can of chipotles in my pantry just to whip this up on busy weeknights.

What I Learned Making This

At first, I made the mistake of leaving the seeds in the chipotle peppers. The resulting sauce was intensely spicy and overpowered the delicate cream.

I quickly learned that scraping the seeds out gives you that signature smoky flavor without the painful heat. Now I can actually taste the roasted garlic and parmesan balancing the dish.

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Chipotle Spaghetti Recipe Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) spaghetti
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, seeded and minced
• 1 tbsp adobo sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

How To Make Chipotle Spaghetti Recipe

1. 1. Boil the pasta: Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. 2. Sauté the aromatics: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. 3. Build the sauce: Stir in the minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, and chicken broth. Let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
4. 4. Add the cream: Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
5. 5. Combine and toss: Add the drained spaghetti and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Toss continuously for 2 minutes, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

Recipe Tips

• Control the heat: Adjust the amount of adobo sauce to your preference. Less sauce means a milder, creamier flavor.
• Save the pasta water: The starches in the pasta water help emulsify the cream sauce so it clings better to the noodles.
• Blend for a smooth sauce: If you dislike chunks of pepper, blend the chipotles and cream together before adding them to the pan.

What To Serve With Chipotle Spaghetti

This rich pasta pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken breast or seared shrimp. Add a crisp green salad with a lime vinaigrette to cut through the heavy cream sauce. A slice of garlic bread is also great for soaking up any leftover sauce.

How To Store

Keep leftover spaghetti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. Freezing is not recommended as the cream sauce will separate.

FAQs

Can I use half and half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. You may need to simmer it longer or add a teaspoon of cornstarch to help it thicken.

Is this recipe very spicy?

It has a moderate kick. If you are sensitive to heat, use only one chipotle pepper and omit the extra adobo sauce entirely.

What can I do with leftover chipotles?

Transfer them to a small glass jar or freezer-safe bag. They freeze exceptionally well for up to three months.

Nutrition

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Total Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 55 g
• Protein: 14 g