Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta
What You’ll Need:
● 12 oz pasta (penne or linguine work beautifully)
● 2 tbsp olive oil
● 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
● 2 cloves garlic, minced
● 1 small onion, diced
● 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped (adjust based on your spice tolerance)
● 1 cup heavy cream
● 1 cup chicken broth
● 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned works great)
● ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
● 1 tsp smoked paprika
● ½ tsp cumin
● Salt and pepper to taste
● Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
● Lime wedges (optional, but they add a zingy touch!)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
● Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package directions.
● Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
2. Sear the Chicken
● Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken slices with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin.
● Cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Start the Sauce
● In the same skillet, add a touch more olive oil if needed, then sauté the onions until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.
● Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Build the Flavor
● Stir in the chopped chipotle peppers and cook for a minute to release their smoky aroma.
● Add the diced tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the skillet. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly.
5. Make It Creamy
● Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
● Let the sauce simmer gently until creamy and well combined.
● Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. (If the sauce feels too thick, use a splash of that reserved pasta water to thin it out.)
6. Combine Everything
● Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
● Let it warm through for a minute or two.
7. Serve It Up
● Plate your spicy chipotle chicken pasta and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
● Serve with lime wedges for an extra zing of brightness.
Tips for Success
● Control the heat: Chipotle peppers can be potent! Start with one if you’re spice-shy, and add more as needed.
● For extra smokiness, add a dash of liquid smoke or a sprinkle of chipotle powder.
● This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some buttery garlic bread.
More Content You May Like
● Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Linguine
● Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Steak Sauce
● Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta
● Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta (30 Minutes)