30-Min Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe !

Ready for a meal that will wake up your taste buds? You can make a creamy, smoky, and delicious pasta dish right at home. It takes less than 30 minutes to prepare this amazing meal.

You will combine seared chicken and tender pasta in a rich chipotle sauce. This article shows you how to make the perfect spicy chipotle chicken pasta.

Key Takeaways

• Adjust chipotle amount to control the spice level.
• Use fresh parmesan for the creamiest sauce.
• Save pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.

It will guide you through every single step.

Quick Recipe Snapshot

This snapshot gives you a quick look at the recipe. Find out the total time, skill level, and serving size. It helps you get ready to cook.

Preparation Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Yield	Skill Level	Spice Level
10 Minutes	20 Minutes	30 Minutes	4-6 Servings	Beginner	Medium (Adjustable)

Why Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta is a Must-Try for Dinner

This dish is perfect for a satisfying evening meal. It is full of bold flavors. This pasta dish brings excitement to your dinner table. It is easy to make.

A Perfect Blend of Creamy and Spicy

The sauce is rich, creamy, and smooth. It has a smoky kick from chipotle peppers. This mix of flavors is truly special.

Every bite is a delightful taste experience. The creaminess balances the spice just right. This makes the dish very enjoyable to eat.

A Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home

You can make a fancy meal in your own kitchen. This recipe tastes like it is from a restaurant. You use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.

Cooking at home is fun and rewarding. You will impress your family and friends.

Quick and Easy for Any Night of the Week

This meal is great for busy weeknights. It is very simple to put together. The steps are easy to follow for everyone.

You can have a delicious dinner ready fast. It does not require a lot of effort.

Customizable to Your Tastes

You can easily change this recipe. Add more vegetables if you like. You can also make it more or less spicy. Use shrimp instead of chicken for a change. It is easy to make this dish your own.

How to Prepare Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta

Making this pasta is simple with the right steps. This section provides all the details you need. Follow along to create a wonderful dish.

Ingredients	Amount	Alternative
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast	1 lb	Chicken Thighs, Shrimp
Penne Pasta	12 oz	Rigatoni, Fusilli
Olive Oil	1 tbsp	Avocado Oil
Spices (Chili, Garlic Powder, Cumin)	1 tsp each	Smoked Paprika, Onion Powder
Heavy Cream	1.5 cups	Half-and-Half, Coconut Cream
Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce	2-3 peppers (minced)	1-2 tbsp Adobo Sauce only
Diced Bell Peppers (Red, Yellow)	1 cup	Mushrooms, Onions
Peas (Frozen)	1/2 cup	Asparagus, Broccoli
Grated Parmesan Cheese	1 cup	Pecorino Romano
Cream Cheese	2 oz	Mascarpone Cheese
Fresh Cilantro (chopped)	1/4 cup	Fresh Parsley
Salt and Black Pepper	To taste	Sea Salt

Step 01: Cook the Chicken

First, cut the chicken into small bite-sized pieces. Season them well with salt, pepper, and spices. Heat olive oil in a large skillet.

Cook the chicken until it is golden brown. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Then, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Step 02: Cook the Pasta

Now, fill a large pot with salted water. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add your penne pasta to the pot. Cook it according to the package directions.

You want the pasta to be al dente. This means it is still slightly firm. Drain the pasta, but save one cup of pasta water.

Step 03: Prepare the Sauce

Use the same skillet you cooked the chicken in. Add the diced bell peppers and cook them. Cook until they are slightly soft. Stir in the minced chipotle peppers and garlic.

Next, pour in the heavy cream. Add the cream cheese and parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 04: Combine Everything

Now it is time to put it all together. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Put the drained pasta into the sauce. Add the frozen peas as well.

Stir everything together until it is well coated. Let it simmer for a few minutes. This lets the flavors mix together beautifully.

Step 05: Garnish and Serve

Your pasta is almost ready to enjoy. If the sauce is too thick, add some pasta water. Stir in the fresh cilantro at the end.

Give it one final mix. Serve the pasta hot and enjoy your meal. You can add extra parmesan on top if you like.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Result

These simple tips will help you make the best pasta. They ensure your dish turns out perfectly every single time. A few small changes make a big difference.

Choose the Right Cut of Chicken

Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. They cook quickly and are very tender. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer. Thighs have a bit more flavor. Cut the chicken into even pieces for even cooking.

Don’t Overcook the Pasta

Cook the pasta until it is al dente. It will cook more in the hot sauce. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and soft. Follow the time on the pasta box. This will give you the perfect texture.

Use Freshly Grated Parmesan

Freshly grated parmesan cheese is much better. It melts into a smoother, creamier sauce. Pre-shredded cheese can make the sauce grainy. It often has additives to prevent clumping. Grating your own cheese is worth the effort.

The Magic of Reserved Pasta Water

Always save some of the pasta cooking water. This water is full of starch from the pasta. It is great for thinning out your sauce. It helps the sauce stick to the pasta. This trick is used by professional chefs.

Control the Heat

You can easily change the spice level. Use more chipotle peppers for more heat. Use less for a milder dish. You can also just use the adobo sauce. This adds smoky flavor without too much spice.

How to Store and Serve Your Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta

Proper storage and serving make your meal better. Leftovers can be just as delicious. Here are the best ways to store and serve your pasta.

Storing Method

• Cool Completely: Let the pasta cool down to room temperature. Do not put hot food in the fridge. This ensures it stores safely.
• Airtight Container: Place the leftover pasta in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for longer. It also prevents smells from spreading in your fridge.
• Refrigerate: Store the container in the refrigerator. The pasta will stay good for up to 3-4 days. It is a great option for future meals.

Serving Method

• Reheating: Reheat the pasta on the stovetop. Use a skillet over low-medium heat. Add a splash of milk or cream. This will make the sauce creamy again.
• Garnish: Add fresh toppings before you serve. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds brightness. More parmesan cheese is always a good idea.
• Side Dishes: Serve this pasta with a simple side dish. A fresh green salad is a great choice. Garlic bread is also perfect for this meal.

Variations to Try

Feel free to get creative with this recipe. A few simple changes can create a new dish. These variations are easy to try and delicious.

Swap the Protein

You can use a different protein in this dish. Juicy shrimp is a fantastic choice. Cook it until it is pink and opaque. You could also try sliced spicy sausage. It adds another layer of flavor and spice.

Add More Veggies

Add more of your favorite vegetables. Sliced mushrooms add an earthy flavor. You can also add some chopped onions. Fresh spinach is a great addition. Stir it in at the end until it wilts.

Make it Vegetarian

You can easily make a vegetarian version. Leave out the chicken completely. Use a mix of roasted vegetables instead. Broccoli, cauliflower, and zucchini work very well. You can also use a plant-based chicken substitute.

Common Mistakes, Solution and Prevention

Avoid these common mistakes for a perfect dish. A few tips can help you solve any problems. This will ensure your pasta is always delicious.

Mistake #01: The Sauce is Too Thin

• Solution: Let the sauce simmer on low heat. This will help it reduce and thicken. You can also add a little more parmesan cheese.
• Prevention: Follow the recipe’s measurements for the cream. Allow it to come to a gentle simmer. Do not rush this step.

Mistake #02: The Dish is Too Spicy

• Solution: Stir in a little more heavy cream. A spoonful of sour cream can also help. The dairy will help to cool down the heat.
• Prevention: Start with a small amount of chipotle. You can always add more later. Taste the sauce as you cook.

Mistake #03: The Pasta is Clumpy and Dry

• Solution: Add a splash of reserved pasta water. You can also add a bit of milk. Stir gently until the sauce is creamy again.
• Prevention: Make sure you have enough sauce. The pasta should be well-coated. Do not let the cooked pasta sit for too long.

FAQ

What exactly are chipotle peppers in adobo sauce?
Chipotle peppers are smoked and dried jalapeños. They are canned in a tangy, slightly sweet red sauce. This sauce is called adobo. It adds a smoky flavor to dishes.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free. Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Follow the cooking instructions on the package. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

What is a good substitute for heavy cream to make it lighter?
For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half. Evaporated milk is another good option. The sauce might be a little less rich. But it will still be very delicious.

Let’s Enjoy This Amazing Pasta

You now have a great recipe. It is easy, quick, and full of flavor. Go ahead and try making this spicy chipotle chicken pasta.

It is sure to become a new favorite dinner. Cook it for your family and friends. Share your experience in the comments below. We would love to hear from you.