Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe

This rich, smoky Creamy Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe is made with tender chicken breast, adobo sauce, and heavy cream, ready in just 30 minutes. The sauce clings beautifully to every piece of penne, creating a fiery orange glaze that releases an irresistible roasted pepper aroma. I always keep a tin of chipotles in my pantry just to make this quick weeknight dinner.

Restaurant-Quality At Home

I used to order pasta dishes like this whenever we ate out, assuming the smoky flavor took hours to develop. The reality is that blending canned chipotle peppers into a simple cream reduction does all the heavy lifting.

My biggest early mistake was dumping in too many peppers, making the sauce overwhelmingly spicy. I learned to start with just one or two, balancing the heat with a generous splash of heavy cream and parmesan.

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Creamy Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe Ingredients

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

How To Make Creamy Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe

1. Boil the pasta: Cook the penne in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
2. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, adding the diced chicken breast and cooking until browned and cooked through.
3. Build the flavor base: Lower the heat to medium, stir in the minced garlic, and cook for one minute until fragrant.
4. Simmer the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chopped chipotle peppers, letting the mixture simmer gently for five minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Combine and coat: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and cooked pasta, tossing well until the sauce coats everything, then garnish with cilantro.

Recipe Tips

• Adjust the heat: Start with just one chipotle pepper if you are sensitive to spice, as they pack a strong punch.
• Save pasta water: Keep a splash of starchy pasta water to help thin the sauce if it reduces too much in the skillet.
• Fresh cheese matters: Grate your parmesan from a block rather than using pre-bagged cheese to ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce.

What To Serve With Creamy Chipotle Chicken Pasta

A crisp Caesar salad provides a cooling contrast to the smoky heat of the pasta. Garlic bread is also essential for swiping up any spicy cream sauce left in your bowl.

How To Store

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. I do not recommend freezing this dish because the cream sauce will separate and become grainy when thawed.

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Whole milk can work in a pinch, but the sauce will be much thinner. You might need to add a cornstarch slurry to help it thicken properly.

What other pasta shapes work best?

Rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle are excellent choices. You want a shape with ridges or pockets to hold onto the rich sauce.

Is adobo sauce spicy?

Yes, the adobo sauce that the peppers are packed in is moderately spicy and very smoky. Use it sparingly if you prefer a milder flavor profile.

Nutrition

• Calories: 650 kcal
• Total Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Cholesterol: 145mg
• Sodium: 680mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 45g
• Protein: 38g