Go Back

Best Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta Recipe (Easy, Step-by-Step)

Make Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta with pantry staples, clear cues, and flexible swaps.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper sliced
  • 1 medium red onion sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 –3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce chopped
  • 2 tablespoons adobo sauce from chipotle can
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley chopped (for garnish)

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
  2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and half of the smoked paprika and chili powder.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add garlic, onions, and bell peppers. Cook until softened, about 4–5 minutes.
  5. Stir in chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, remaining paprika, chili powder, and cumin. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring often.
  7. Stir in Parmesan cheese until sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  8. Add cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Toss until well coated. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
  9. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro or parsley.