Chipotle Chicken Pasta - Quick, Spicy, Creamy, Recipe

Hey there, friend! I've got this amazing Chipotle Chicken Pasta recipe that's quick, spicy, and oh-so-creamy. Let me walk you through it!

Chipotle Chicken Pasta

Chipotle Chicken Pasta Ingredients:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (your choice)
• Penne pasta (Im using bow tie)
• Olive oil
• Red, yellow, and orange bell peppers
• Red onion
• Garlic powder
• Chipotle powder (for that extra kick)
• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (for that smoky spice)
• Lime juice
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh green onions
• Sundried tomatoes (for a burst of flavor)
• Salt and black pepper
• Chili powder
• Fresh asparagus (optional, for some healthy veggies)

Instructions for Chipotle Chicken Pasta:

1. Start by seasoning your chicken pieces with some chipotle seasoning, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Get those flavors in there!
2. Heat up a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of olive oil. Once it's nice and hot, add your chicken pieces and cook them until they're golden brown and cooked through. This should take about 3-4 minutes on each side. You want juicy, flavorful chicken.
3. While your chicken is cooking, get a large pot of salted water boiling. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it's just a tad undercooked – we want it "al dente." Drain it but save a cup of that pasta water.
4. Back to the chicken – once it's cooked, take it out of the skillet and set it aside. Now, in the same skillet, add some more olive oil if needed, and toss in your chopped red, yellow, and orange bell peppers, as well as your red onion. Sauté them until they're tender, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Time to make that creamy chipotle sauce! Pour in your heavy cream, chicken broth, chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (use as much as you like depending on your spice level), and a squeeze of lime juice. Give it a good stir and let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
6. Grate some fresh Parmesan cheese right into the sauce for that delicious flavor. Keep stirring until it's nice and creamy. If it's too thick, add a bit of that reserved pasta water to thin it out.
7. Add your cooked pasta into the creamy sauce along with your sliced green onions and sundried tomatoes. Toss everything together so that pasta gets coated in that luscious sauce.
8. Slice your cooked chicken into 1-inch cubes and add it back to the skillet. This is where the magic happens – the chicken soaks up all that creamy chipotle goodness.
9. If you're feeling extra healthy, throw in some fresh asparagus at this stage. It's optional, but it adds a nice crunch and some greens to balance the richness.
10. Let everything simmer together for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more chipotle powder for that extra spicy kick!
11. Serve it up hot, garnished with some more grated Parmesan cheese and maybe a few extra green onions. Your friends and family will be so impressed by this homemade masterpiece that tastes just like your favorite restaurant dish.

Pro tip: This Chipotle Chicken pasta reheats beautifully, so if you have leftovers (which is unlikely because it's so good), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

There you have it, my favorite way to make this creamy, spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta! It's the perfect dish for any night of the week, and it's packed with that incredible chipotle flavor. Enjoy, and let me know how it turns out!

Sides to Serve with Chipotle Chicken Pasta:

1. Garlic Bread: 

A classic choice! Toast some slices of baguette or Italian bread, then spread them with a mixture of butter, minced garlic, and fresh parsley. Pop them in the oven for a few minutes until they're golden brown and aromatic. The warm, crispy garlic bread pairs perfectly with the creamy pasta.

2. Caesar Salad:

 A fresh Caesar salad with crisp romaine lettuce, homemade croutons, grated Parmesan cheese, and a zesty Caesar dressing is a great side. It balances the richness of the pasta with its crisp, tangy flavors.

3. Roasted Vegetables:

 Roast some fresh veggies like broccoli, zucchini, or carrots with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and adds a delightful contrast to the spicy, creamy pasta.

4. Caprese Salad:

 A light and refreshing side! Combine slices of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil leaves. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. It's a great way to incorporate more fresh veggies into your meal.

5. Avocado Corn Salad: 

Create a vibrant salad with diced avocado, corn kernels, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. The creamy avocado and sweet corn provide a cool contrast to the spicy chipotle flavors.

6. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes:

 Roasted potatoes seasoned with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and your favorite herbs make a hearty side dish. The cheesy, garlicky goodness is a match made in heaven with the pasta.

7. Mexican Street Corn (Elote):

 If you're feeling a Mexican vibe, make some elote! Grill or roast corn on the cob, slather it with a mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice. It's a flavorful, slightly spicy side dish that complements the spicy chicken pasta.

8. Fruit Salad: 

Balance the heat with a refreshing fruit salad. Combine a variety of fresh, seasonal fruits like melon, berries, and citrus segments. A touch of honey or a sprinkle of chili powder can add a unique twist to this side.

9. Cilantro Lime Rice: 

Whip up some fluffy cilantro lime rice by cooking white rice with lime juice, fresh cilantro, and a pinch of salt. It's a simple yet flavorful side dish that pairs well with spicy dishes.

10. Guacamole and Tortilla Chips:

 Whip up some homemade guacamole with ripe avocados, diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and a dash of cayenne pepper. Serve it with your favorite tortilla chips for a satisfying snack or side.

Now, with these fantastic sides, your Chipotle Chicken Pasta dinner will be a complete and unforgettable feast. Whether you choose to keep it simple with garlic bread or get creative with Mexican street corn, these sides will enhance the flavors and make your meal a memorable one. Enjoy!

Enjoy! - Dixie