This Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta is a fun and flavorful dish! It combines tender chicken, zesty chipotle sauce, and pasta for a warm hug in a bowl. Yum!
Nothing like a little spice to wake up your taste buds! I love adding extra cheese on top—because who wouldn’t want more cheese, right? 😄 Cooking is all about having fun!
This recipe is super simple: just cook the pasta, sauté the chicken, mix in the sauce, and you’re ready to go. Perfect for weeknight dinners when you’re short on time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Any short pasta like penne or rigatoni works well here. If you’re gluten-free, feel free to use gluten-free pasta. I’ve tried it with chickpea pasta before, and it was delicious!
Chipotle Peppers: They add a nice smokiness. If you want less heat, use just one pepper or try a spoonful of sweet paprika or smoked paprika as a milder alternative.
Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce rich and smooth. For a lighter option, you could use half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free possibility.
Chicken: Chicken thighs can be a great substitute for a juicier bite. If you’re vegetarian, consider swapping the chicken for mushrooms or cauliflower that can soak up the sauce flavor.
How Do You Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken to the right doneness can be tricky! Here’s how to ensure it’s juicy and tasty:
- Start with medium-high heat. This helps to sear the chicken quickly, giving it a nice color.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. If you add too much chicken at once, it can steam instead of sear.
- Cook until golden brown on the outside (about 5-7 minutes). Check the center with a thermometer—165°F (75°C) is safe!
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes off the heat before adding it back to the sauce. This keeps it juicy.
Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 ounces (about 225g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. Start by boiling the pasta while cooking the chicken and sauce in parallel—everything comes together quickly for a tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by boiling a pot of salted water. Once it’s boiling, add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. When finished, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Sauté the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and chipotle peppers, cooking for another minute or two until fragrant. After that, stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
4. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir well to coat it with the sauce. Let everything simmer together for an additional 2 minutes. Then, add the drained pasta into the skillet, tossing everything together until evenly coated and heated throughout.
5. Finish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, and if you like a little extra heat, sprinkle on some crushed red pepper flakes. Serve hot and enjoy your spicy chipotle chicken pasta!
Enjoy this delightful dish that marries spice and creaminess perfectly! 🎉
FAQ
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne and rigatoni are great choices, feel free to use any pasta you prefer, such as fusilli or spaghetti. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you want less heat, use just one chipotle pepper or omit them altogether. You can also add more cream to balance the spice or include a tablespoon of sugar for sweetness.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative. For the cheese, you can use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese substitute to keep it creamy and flavorful.
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it up gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to help loosen the sauce if it thickens up.
