Creamy Chipotle Pasta with Chicken

Ever have one of those nights where you want a dinner that feels like a comforting hug but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen? That’s where this Creamy Chipotle Pasta with Chicken swoops in to save the day. It’s got that magical combo of smoky, spicy, and creamy that makes everyone at the table go back for seconds. And the best part? It comes together quicker than you can say “What’s for dinner?”

Top Reasons To Make It

You’re going to want to add this one to your regular rotation, trust me. First off, it’s a complete meal in one bowl—protein, carbs, and veggies all hanging out together. It’s incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the spice level to please both the heat-seekers and the mild-lovers in your family. Also, it uses mostly pantry staples, which means fewer last-minute grocery runs. And finally, it reheats like a dream, making tomorrow’s lunch a no-brainer.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces (the main protein)
• 12 ounces penne or your favorite short pasta (the hearty base)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (for savory depth)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (for that essential aroma)
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (for color and a sweet crunch)
• 1-2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (for the smoky heat)
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth (to build the sauce)
• 1 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free (for the creamy richness)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving (a salty, savory finish)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for a bright garnish)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper and add them to the hot skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate.
3. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the minced chipotle peppers. Let them cook for about 30 seconds to wake up their flavors.
5. Pour in the broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
6. Reduce the heat to low and pour in the cream. Stir everything together and let it gently warm through. Do not let it boil.
7. Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta back to the skillet. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and toss everything to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh herbs and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan before serving.

Variations & Substitutions

This recipe is a fantastic canvas for whatever you have on hand. For a vegetarian version, simply swap the chicken for a can of drained and rinsed black beans or some roasted sweet potatoes. Not a fan of spice? Use just a teaspoon of the adobo sauce instead of the whole peppers for a milder flavor. Out of heavy cream? Half-and-half or even whole milk will work in a pinch, though the sauce will be a bit less rich. And if you’re looking to add more greens, stir in a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach right at the end until it just wilts.

Quick Dinner Ideas for Busy Nights

On those frantic evenings, a well-stocked pantry is your best friend. Keeping jarred sauces, pre-cut vegetables, and quick-cooking proteins like chicken breast or chickpeas on hand means you’re always just 20 minutes from a satisfying meal. This Creamy Chipotle Pasta is a perfect example of turning those simple staples into something special without any fuss.

Pasta Dinner Recipes You’ll Love

If this dish hits the spot, you might also enjoy a classic one-pot Italian sausage and kale pasta, a simple lemon garlic shrimp scampi, or a hearty vegetable primavera. Pasta is such a versatile starting point for easy healthy dinner ideas that the whole family will enjoy.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Let any leftovers cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep for up to 3 days. The best way to reheat it is in a skillet over medium-low heat with a tiny splash of water or broth. This helps loosen the sauce back up without making the pasta musky. You can microwave it, but stir it well halfway through to ensure even heating.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pasta

• Salt your pasta water generously. It should taste like the sea. This is your only chance to season the pasta itself.
• Always reserve some pasta water before draining. That starchy liquid is liquid gold for making sauces silky and helping them cling to the noodles.
• Don’t rinse your pasta after draining. The starch left on the surface helps the sauce stick.
• To prevent your cream sauce from breaking, make sure to reduce the heat to low before adding the cream and avoid bringing it to a boil afterwards.
• Taste as you go! Adjusting the seasoning at the end is the secret to any great dish.
• And my personal rule: always grate your own Parmesan. The pre-shredded stuff just doesn’t melt the same way.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely. You can prep the components—cook the chicken, chop the vegetables, and make the sauce—a day in advance. Store them separately and then combine everything with the freshly cooked pasta when you’re ready to serve for the best texture.
• Is this dish spicy? It has a definite kick, but you have full control. Start with less chipotle, taste, and then add more until it’s just right for your family. You can always add more heat, but you can’t take it away!
• What are some other easy weeknight dinners? Think one-pan meals like sheet pan fajitas, quick stir-fries, or hearty soups. Anything that minimizes cleanup is a win on a busy night.
• Can I freeze this pasta? I wouldn’t recommend it. Cream-based sauces tend to separate and become grainy when thawed and reheated. It’s best enjoyed fresh or kept in the fridge for a few days.