Creamy and dreamy with a kick of heat this Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta recipe packs a punch of flavor. It's filled with the perfect blend of chicken, pasta, cheese, and veggies, making it an irresistible dish you'll want to make over and over again. Ready in less than an hour, it’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Heat a non-stick skillet to medium high and add the olive oil. Once it’s hot, add the chicken and cook until browned on every side. Reserve.
1 tablespoon olive oil
In the same skillet, add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the onion is translucent. Add the asparagus spears and cook for 5 more minutes or until bright green.
½ onion, 1 garlic clove, ½ green bell pepper, 10 asparagus spears
Return the chicken to the skillet and add the chipotle sauce. Stir until mixed and warmed through.
1 cup chipotle sauce
Add the pasta and mix well.
Serve the pasta with Parmesan cheese and parsley. Enjoy your Chipotle pasta!
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup parsley
Notes
Chicken: Swap the chicken breast for chicken thighs if that's what you have on hand or is cheaper!
Adjust the heat: If you're sensitive to spice, start with a small amount of chipotle sauce and adjust upwards. Love the heat? Go wild! If it gets too spicy, add a little cream to cool it back down.
Don't skip the pasta water: Adding a bit of the starchy, salty pasta water can help the sauce cling to the pasta and make everything extra silky.
Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts better and adds a richer flavor than the pre-grated stuff.
Experiment with veggies: Feel free to swap out or add any vegetables you have on hand. Bell peppers of any color, zucchini, spinach, or frozen peas would all be great additions.
Make ahead: This pasta reheats beautifully, making it a perfect meal prep option for busy weeks.
Add a pop of sweetness: If you like a little sweetness to make the flavors really shine, add a teaspoon of honey or sugar.
Gluten-free: Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, yellow bell pepper, or spinach. You can also toss in some plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas for a hearty, vegetarian-friendly version.
Different types of pasta: While short pasta like penne pasta or fusilli works best for holding onto the sauce and ingredients, feel free to use whatever pasta you have on hand. Whole wheat, gluten-free, or even spiralized vegetable noodles can be great alternatives.
Make it creamier: If you're looking for an even creamier texture, you can add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese, and a little butter to the sauce as you're combining everything. Stir until fully incorporated and silky smooth.
Storage & Reheating
Cool & Airtight: Before storing, allow your pasta to cool to room temperature, and then store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Refrigerate: Once cooled, pop your pasta in the fridge. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days.
Reheating: When you're ready to enjoy your pasta again, you can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to help loosen the sauce up again and restore its creamy texture.
Freeze: This pasta freezes well, so don't hesitate to make a double batch and save some for a rainy day. It’ll keep in the freeze for up to 3 months.Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.