Creamy Chipotle Chicken Pasta

This chipotle chicken pasta recipe is trending fast — cozy, bold, and perfect for busy nights. If you love a big, comforting bowl of creamy pasta with a little smoky kick, this creamy chipotle chicken pasta is going to be your new obsession. It’s rich but not heavy, full of tender chicken, and coated in a silky, slightly spicy sauce that tastes like something from your favorite restaurant.

Even better, this chipotle chicken pasta comes together with simple pantry ingredients and one skillet for the sauce. It feels special enough for date night, but it’s easy and reliable enough for a rushed Tuesday when everyone’s hungry…like, now.

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Creamy Chipotle Chicken Pasta

This creamy chipotle chicken pasta is smoky, slightly spicy, and deeply comforting — a one‑pan dinner that comes together quickly for busy weeknights but still feels special enough for guests. Tender chicken, smoky chipotle heat, and a velvety cream sauce cling to hearty pasta for a cozy, flavorful meal.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  

Pasta

• 12 oz dry pasta (penne, rigatoni, rotini or fusilli)
• 1 tbsp kosher salt (for pasta water)

Chicken

• 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces about 2–3 medium breasts
• 1.5 tsp kosher salt for seasoning chicken
• 0.5 tsp black pepper for seasoning chicken
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil for searing chicken
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter for searing chicken

Creamy Chipotle Sauce

• 1 tbsp olive oil for sauce
• 0.5 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 –3 chipotle peppers in adobo, finely minced start with 2 for milder heat
• 1 –2 tsp adobo sauce (from chipotle can) optional for extra heat
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or ¾ cup heavy cream + ¼ cup milk)
• 0.5 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 tsp kosher salt or to taste
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 lime juice of lime about 1 tbsp

Garnish & Serving

• 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro or flat‑leaf parsley for garnish
• Extra grated Parmesan, for topping optional
• Lime wedges, for serving optional

Instructions

 

• Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon kosher salt, then add the pasta and cook according to package directions until just al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside (in the pot or a large bowl).
• While the pasta cooks, cut the chicken into bite‑sized pieces. Toss with 1½ tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp smoked paprika until evenly coated.
• Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large deep skillet over medium‑high heat. Once hot, add the chicken (in a single layer — work in batches if needed) and sear for 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through (internal temperature ~165°F / 74°C). Transfer chicken to a plate, leaving the browned bits in the pan.
• In the same skillet, if needed, add 1 tbsp olive oil. Lower heat to medium. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
• Add tomato paste, minced chipotle peppers, and (optional) adobo sauce to the pan. Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes until the mixture deepens in color and becomes aromatic.
• Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly. Lower heat to medium‑low.
• Slowly stir in the heavy cream until smooth and combined. Let the sauce gently bubble for 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
• Stir in the grated Parmesan until melted and smooth. Add ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper, and the juice of ½ lime. Taste and adjust seasoning, heat, and lime juice as needed.
• Return the cooked chicken and any juices from the plate to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and gently toss everything together over low heat for 1–2 minutes, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time until the sauce clings to the pasta.
• Turn off heat. Sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley over the pasta and toss lightly. Serve with extra Parmesan and lime wedges for squeezing.

Notes

This pasta reheats beautifully — store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to revive the sauce. You can also switch up the veggies (bell peppers, spinach, corn, or black beans) for a fuller meal. For a lighter version, try half‑and‑half instead of heavy cream and add extra chicken broth. Dairy‑free eaters can substitute with unsweetened dairy‑free cream and a plant‑based Parmesan alternative.

Keyword chipotle chicken pasta, creamy pasta, spicy pasta, weeknight dinner

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chipotle Chicken Pasta

• Smoky, creamy, and just-spicy-enough – the perfect flavor balance.
• Family-friendly: easy to dial the heat up or down.
• Weeknight ready: about 30–35 minutes from start to finish.
• Uses boneless chicken breast – lean, protein-packed, and budget-friendly.
• One-pan sauce: fewer dishes and simpler cleanup.
• Great for meal prep – chipotle chicken pasta reheats beautifully.
• Feels like a trendy restaurant pasta but made right at home.

Quick Recipe Overview

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
• Total Time: 30–35 minutes

This creamy chipotle chicken pasta layers smoky chipotle peppers, tender seared chicken, and a velvety cream sauce over al dente pasta for a bold, cozy dinner that still works on a busy weeknight. Every bite of chipotle chicken pasta is satisfying, comforting, and loaded with flavor.

What Is Creamy Chipotle Chicken Pasta?

Creamy chipotle chicken pasta is a skillet pasta dish that combines sautéed chicken, smoky chipotle peppers in adobo, aromatics, and cream to create a rich, slightly spicy sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. Think Alfredo vibes, but with a kick of Southwest flavor and a deeper, smoky edge.

The sauce is built with garlic, onion, a touch of tomato paste, and chipotle peppers blended with cream or half-and-half. The result is a burnt-orange, ultra-creamy chipotle chicken pasta that feels both comforting and exciting.

You can keep it simple with just chicken and pasta or dress it up with corn, bell peppers, or fresh herbs. Either way, this chipotle chicken pasta hits that perfect spot between indulgent and totally doable on a weeknight.

Ingredients for Creamy Chipotle Chicken Pasta

For the Pasta

• 12 oz dry pasta (penne, rigatoni, rotini, or fusilli work best)
• 1 tbsp kosher salt (for the pasta water)

For the Chicken

• 1 ½ lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2–3 medium breasts), patted dry
• 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

For the Creamy Chipotle Sauce

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo, finely minced (start with 2 for milder heat)
• 1–2 tsp adobo sauce (from the chipotle can, optional for extra heat)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or ¾ cup heavy cream + ¼ cup milk)
• ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp kosher salt (or to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Juice of ½ lime (about 1 tbsp), plus more to taste

For Serving & Garnish

• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro or flat-leaf parsley
• Extra grated Parmesan, for topping
• Lime wedges, for squeezing over the finished pasta

All of these ingredients come together to make a creamy chipotle chicken pasta that’s smoky, bright, and ultra-satisfying.

How to Make Creamy Chipotle Chicken Pasta

Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt, then add the pasta. Cook according to package directions until just al dente.
2. Reserve pasta water: Before draining, scoop out about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside. Drain the pasta and leave it in the pot or a large bowl. A little surface moisture helps the chipotle chicken pasta sauce cling beautifully.

Season and Sear the Chicken

3. Season the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized strips or cubes, about 1-inch pieces. In a bowl, toss the chicken with 1 ½ teaspoons salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika until evenly coated.
4. Sear the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot and shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook for 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden on the outside and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F).
5. Set aside: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate, leaving as many flavorful browned bits in the pan as possible. Those bits will power the flavor of your creamy chipotle chicken pasta sauce.

Build the Creamy Chipotle Sauce

6. Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon olive oil if the pan looks dry. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring, until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant.
7. Toast the tomato paste and chipotle: Stir in the tomato paste, minced chipotle peppers, and adobo sauce (if using). Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste deepens slightly in color and everything smells smoky and rich.
8. Deglaze and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly. Lower the heat to medium-low.
9. Add the cream: Slowly stir in the heavy cream, mixing until smooth and fully combined. Let the sauce gently bubble (not a hard boil) for 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
10. Finish with cheese and lime: Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is silky. Add ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, and the lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning, chipotle heat, and lime as needed. This is your flavor moment – this is what makes the chipotle chicken pasta pop.

Combine the Pasta and Chicken

11. Add chicken and pasta to the sauce: Return the cooked chicken and any juices from the plate to the skillet. Add the drained pasta. Toss everything together over low heat for 1–2 minutes, adding a splash of reserved pasta water at a time until the sauce clings perfectly to the pasta.
12. Adjust consistency: The chipotle chicken pasta should look glossy and creamy, not dry or soupy. Add more Parmesan for extra richness or a bit more pasta water to loosen it.
13. Garnish and serve: Turn off the heat. Sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley over the top and toss lightly. Serve the creamy chipotle chicken pasta with extra Parmesan and lime wedges for squeezing.

Customize the Flavor / Heat

One of the best things about chipotle chicken pasta is how easy it is to tailor to your taste:

• Milder heat: Use only 1–2 chipotle peppers and skip the extra adobo sauce. You can also stir in a splash more cream at the end to mellow the spice.
• Spicier: Add another chipotle pepper, extra adobo sauce, or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes while the sauce simmers.
• Smokier: Increase the smoked paprika in the chicken seasoning or add an extra ¼ teaspoon directly into the sauce.
• Sweeter balance: If you like a sweet-smoky contrast, add ½ to 1 teaspoon of honey to the sauce as it simmers.
• Tangier: Boost the lime juice or add a small splash of apple cider vinegar for more brightness.
• Extra cheesy & creamy: Add an additional ¼–½ cup Parmesan or stir in 2–3 tablespoons of cream cheese at the end for ultra-lux texture.

However you tweak it, the base of this creamy chipotle chicken pasta is forgiving and flexible.

Variations & Add-Ins

Use this chipotle chicken pasta as your canvas and try:

• Veggie boost: Add sliced bell peppers, baby spinach, kale, or zucchini during the sauce step.
• Corn & black beans: Stir in ½–1 cup of corn kernels and/or rinsed black beans for a Southwest feel.
• Different pasta shapes: Try shells, cavatappi, or farfalle – anything with curves and ridges to catch the sauce.
• Protein swap: Use turkey breast, rotisserie chicken (added at the end), or sautéed shrimp (cooked separately, then tossed with the pasta).
• Lighten it up: Use half-and-half instead of full heavy cream and add extra chicken broth as needed to keep the sauce silky.
• Extra herbs: Fold in fresh basil, cilantro, or parsley right before serving for freshness.

All of these variations keep the spirit of creamy chipotle chicken pasta while letting you use what you have on hand.

Make It a Balanced Meal

This creamy chipotle chicken pasta already brings a good mix of protein (chicken), carbs (pasta), and fats (cream and cheese). To round things out:

• Add more veggies: Toss in a few cups of baby spinach, steamed broccoli, or roasted vegetables right at the end.
• Portion mindfully: Fill about half your plate with vegetables or a side salad, one quarter with chipotle chicken pasta, and one quarter with extra lean protein or more veggies if desired.
• Healthy fats: A sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds on a side salad adds extra fiber and texture to balance the creamy pasta.

With a few small tweaks, chipotle chicken pasta can absolutely fit into a balanced, satisfying dinner routine.

Meal Prep, Storage & Reheating

• Fridge storage: Let the creamy chipotle chicken pasta cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
• Reheating on the stove: Add a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth to a skillet, then stir in the pasta over low to medium-low heat until just warmed through. This helps bring the sauce back to life.
• Microwave reheating: Place a serving in a microwave-safe bowl, add a spoonful of water, milk, or broth, cover loosely, and heat in 30–45 second bursts, stirring in between, until hot.
• Freezing: For best texture, this creamy chipotle chicken pasta is enjoyed fresh or from the fridge, but you can freeze it. Cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently with extra liquid.
• Food safety note: Always make sure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature (165°F) and refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking.

Always make sure your chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F before serving and cool leftovers promptly according to food safety guidelines.

Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)

These values are approximate and will vary based on brands and specific ingredients:

• Calories: ~650–700
• Protein: ~38–42 g
• Carbohydrates: ~55–60 g
• Fat: ~25–30 g

This is not medical or dietary advice, just a rough guide for your creamy chipotle chicken pasta.

TastyInspo Notes

I love keeping the ingredients for chipotle chicken pasta on hand for “I don’t know what’s for dinner” nights. A can of chipotle peppers, some pasta, and a pack of chicken turn into something that tastes like you really planned ahead.

For busy weeks, I’ll cook the chicken and stir together the sauce a day in advance, then just boil fresh pasta and combine everything while the water drains. It feels like a brand-new meal with almost zero effort.

This creamy chipotle chicken pasta is also the kind of recipe I pull out for casual company – it’s impressive enough to serve to friends, but simple enough that I’m not stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is hanging out.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

Round out your chipotle chicken pasta dinner with:

• Fresh salad: A crisp green salad with romaine, cucumber, tomato, and a light lemon vinaigrette.
• Simple veggies: Roasted broccoli, sautéed green beans, or a sheet pan of mixed veggies.
• Bread on the side: Warm garlic bread, breadsticks, or a sliced baguette to soak up extra sauce.
• Light drinks: Sparkling water with lime, iced tea, or a citrusy mocktail complement the smoky flavors.

These pairings keep the focus on your creamy chipotle chicken pasta while adding freshness and crunch.

FAQs about Creamy Chipotle Chicken Pasta

Final Thoughts

Creamy chipotle chicken pasta is one of those dishes that feels restaurant-level but is completely weeknight-friendly. With its smoky heat, tender chicken, and velvety sauce clinging to every bite of pasta, this chipotle chicken pasta is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again whenever you need something cozy, bold, and fast.