Introduction

This Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta is a flavorful, creamy dish packed with tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a smoky chipotle kick. It’s a great way to add some excitement to your weeknight dinner with its balanced heat and comforting texture.

The image shows a close-up of a creamy pasta dish served on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. The dish has three main layers: the base layer consists of yellow penne pasta coated in a rich, orange-tinted creamy sauce. The middle layer features pieces of cooked chicken, which are light golden brown with a slightly charred texture. The top layer includes green asparagus stalks and small green peas scattered throughout, with bits of red bell pepper and chopped fresh green herbs sprinkled on top. The dish is lightly dusted with grated white cheese, adding texture and contrast to the vibrant colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts, boneless skinless, cut into 1-inch chunks
1 pound penne pasta
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons chipotle pepper sauce (from canned adobo peppers)
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup frozen peas
1 pound asparagus (the thinner the better)
6 ounces Parmesan cheese, shredded
Optional garnish: fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
Optional garnish: tortilla chip strips

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the asparagus and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking, then set aside in a colander.
Step 2: Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook until about 1 minute less than the package directions. Drain the pasta and add it to the bowl with the asparagus. Do not rinse the pasta.
Step 3: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with lemon juice, kosher salt, and black pepper. Let sit while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 4: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped bell peppers and onion, cooking until just translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
Step 5: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
Step 6: Add olive oil to the skillet and increase the heat to medium-high. Add the chicken pieces and brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Step 7: Stir in the honey and cook for another 5 seconds, coating the chicken.
Step 8: Return the cooked bell pepper mixture to the skillet. Stir well, then add chipotle pepper sauce, heavy cream, and shredded Parmesan cheese. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 9: Add the cooked pasta, asparagus, and frozen peas to the skillet. Toss everything gently to coat in the sauce and heat through.
Step 10: Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro and tortilla chip strips if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use thinner asparagus for quicker cooking and better texture.
Substitute penne with rigatoni or fusilli for a different pasta shape that holds sauce well.
Adjust the heat level by adding more or less chipotle pepper sauce according to your preference.
For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or use coconut milk for a dairy-free option.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of creamy pasta with three main layers. The base layer is penne pasta coated in an orange creamy sauce. On top, there are chunky pieces of cooked chicken mixed in, with a golden-brown seared texture and green herbs sprinkled over them. Mixed throughout are bright green asparagus pieces and small vibrant red and yellow bell pepper chunks that add color contrast. The whole dish is topped with a light sprinkling of grated white cheese and chopped green herbs for freshness. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, farfalle, or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package instructions.

How spicy is the chipotle pepper sauce?

The chipotle pepper sauce adds a smoky, moderately spicy flavor. You can control the heat by adjusting the amount used, or omit it entirely for a milder dish.