Name: Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced or cubed; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tsp paprika or chili powder; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped; 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine); 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced; 1 small onion, sliced; 1/2 cup frozen or canned corn (optional); 1 tbsp fresh lime juice; Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish

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Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta is a bold, creamy, and flavor-packed dish that brings smoky heat and tender chicken together with pasta and veggies in a rich chipotle cream sauce. I love making this when I want something with a little kick — it’s a full meal in one skillet, and it always satisfies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this pasta because it’s got everything: tender, juicy chicken, colorful veggies, and a smoky-spicy sauce that’s balanced out with cream and Parmesan. The chipotle gives it a deep, smoky flavor, and the spice level is totally adjustable. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels like something from a restaurant. Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced or cubed)
olive oil
salt and pepper
paprika or chili powder
garlic (minced)
chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (chopped)
heavy cream or half-and-half
Parmesan cheese (grated)
pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work great)
bell peppers (sliced – red, yellow, or orange)
onion (sliced)
frozen or canned corn (optional)
lime juice (for brightness)
fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish)

Directions

I cook the pasta according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, I season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then sear the chicken until golden and cooked through. I remove it from the pan and set it aside.
In the same skillet, I sauté the bell peppers and onions until soft. I add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
I stir in the chopped chipotle peppers and cook for another minute to bring out the flavor.
I lower the heat and pour in the cream, stirring in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and thickened slightly.
I add the cooked chicken and pasta back into the skillet and toss everything together until well coated.
I finish with a squeeze of lime juice and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people. Prep takes about 10 minutes, and cooking takes 20–25 minutes. I usually have it ready in around 35 minutes.

Variations

I use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood version.
To make it lighter, I use half-and-half or a splash of milk instead of cream.
I sometimes stir in spinach or black beans for extra veggies and protein.
For extra heat, I add a dash of cayenne or an extra chipotle pepper.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce. This dish also freezes well — I freeze in portions and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

FAQs

How spicy is this pasta?

It has a medium kick from the chipotle peppers, but I can control the heat by using more or fewer peppers. I start with one and add more as needed.

Can I use chipotle powder instead?

Yes, I can substitute ½ to 1 teaspoon of chipotle powder if I don’t have the canned peppers, though the flavor will be slightly different.

What kind of pasta works best?

I like short pasta like penne or rigatoni because it holds onto the sauce well, but fettuccine or linguine also work great.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes — I use a dairy-free cream alternative and skip the Parmesan, or replace it with a vegan cheese.

What goes well with this pasta?

I usually serve it with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta is one of those dishes that brings serious flavor with very little effort. I love how easy it is to customize and how well it balances spice, creaminess, and richness. Whether I’m cooking for guests or just craving something bold and comforting, this pasta always delivers.