Creamy Honey Chipotle Chicken Pasta

This creamy, smoky Honey Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe is made with crispy chicken, penne, and chipotle peppers and ready in 35 minutes. Tossing the hot pasta in the spicy cream sauce coats every noodle while the honey adds the perfect sweet contrast. I love making this when craving bold flavors.

Restaurant-Quality At Home

I used to order similar spicy chicken pastas at chain restaurants, but making it from scratch tastes infinitely fresher. The secret is balancing the fiery chipotle adobo sauce with just enough honey and heavy cream.

My biggest mistake early on was not reducing the cream sauce enough before adding the pasta. Letting it simmer until it coats the back of a spoon ensures the sauce actually clings to your noodles.

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Honey Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 8 oz penne pasta
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

How To Make Honey Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe

1. Boil the pasta: Cook the penne in salted boiling water according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season diced chicken with garlic powder and smoked paprika, then cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan.
3. Make the sauce: Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds, then stir in the chopped chipotle peppers and honey.
4. Thicken the cream: Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until it slightly thickens. Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted.
5. Combine and serve: Add the cooked chicken and pasta back into the skillet. Toss everything together for 2 minutes until fully coated and heated through.

Recipe Tips

• Adjust the heat: Use only one tablespoon of chipotle peppers if you prefer a milder sauce, or add an extra spoonful of adobo sauce for more fire.
• Save pasta water: Keep a splash of starchy pasta water before draining to help thin the sauce if it gets too thick.
• Grate your own cheese: Pre-shredded parmesan contains anti-caking agents that can make your cream sauce grainy.

What To Serve With Honey Chipotle Chicken Pasta

Pair this rich pasta dish with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette to cut through the heavy cream. Garlic bread is also a great addition for soaking up any leftover spicy sauce at the bottom of the bowl.

How To Store

Keep any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to bring the cream sauce back together. I do not recommend freezing this dish because the cream sauce will separate when thawed.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work perfectly. They are slightly fattier and remain very tender when pan-fried.

What is a good substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half can work, but the sauce will be thinner. You can mix it with a teaspoon of cornstarch to help it thicken properly.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
The sauce and chicken are naturally gluten-free. Just swap the penne for your favorite gluten-free pasta brand.

Nutrition

• Calories: 650 kcal
• Total Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 52 g
• Protein: 36 g