This Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta is a tasty dish that packs a punch! Juicy chicken, creamy chipotle sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta come together quickly for a satisfying meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using penne or rigatoni for their ability to hold the sauce well. If you need a gluten-free option, you could swap in gluten-free pasta or even zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a lighter dish.
Chipotle Peppers: These add the spice and smoky flavor. If you’re not a fan of spice, you could reduce the amount or use smoked paprika instead. Likewise, for a milder option, try using roasted red peppers.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its creaminess. You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk if you’re looking to cut back on calories, but the sauce may be less rich. For a dairy-free option, use coconut milk or a cashew cream blend.
Cheese: I use shredded cheddar or a Mexican blend for flavor. If you’re lactose intolerant, try using a dairy-free cheese or even nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken correctly can be tricky! Here are some steps to help you achieve perfectly cooked chicken:
- Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken; this helps with browning.
- Cut the chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause steaming instead of browning.
- Check the chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for best results.
Follow these tips, and your Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta will be a hit! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni work well)
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (adjust for spice preference), finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnishing:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of half a lime (optional, for brightness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to cook, totaling around 30-35 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by boiling a pot of salted water. Once it’s boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.
2. Sauté the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chunked chicken and season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, if needed, add a little more olive oil. Sauté the finely chopped onion until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and chopped chipotle peppers. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
4. Create a Creamy Mixture:
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine everything well. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes, just until it thickens up a bit.
5. Melting the Cheese:
Stir in the shredded cheese, mixing until it melts and becomes a smooth sauce. Taste your sauce and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
6. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it in the creamy chipotle sauce. Then, add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until well mixed and heated through.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is combined, take it off the heat. If desired, squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish for added flavor and garnish with chopped cilantro. Your creamy, spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta is ready to serve!
Enjoy your delicious meal!
FAQ for Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne and rigatoni are great choices, feel free to use any pasta you have on hand, such as fusilli or spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose!
What If I Don’t Have Chipotle Peppers?
If you don’t have chipotle peppers, try using smoked paprika for a milder flavor or a dash of cayenne pepper if you want some heat. You can also use regular red chili flakes for spice, although the flavor will differ slightly.
Can I Make This Dish Lighter?
Yes! To lighten the dish, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese. You can also add more vegetables, like spinach or bell peppers, for additional nutrients without adding many calories.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can gently warm it on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce, or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
