Homemade Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta Recipe

When I first tried a version of this pasta at a restaurant in Southern California, I was immediately reminded of the bold, smoky flavors I’d experienced during my travels through Mexico. 

The rich chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, which originate from the central regions of Mexico, give this dish its signature heat and depth. 

Combined with creamy Parmesan and sweet honey, it beautifully blends Mexican spice with Italian comfort, creating a perfect fusion that captures both cultures’ love for flavor and celebration through food. 

Ingredients

Here is everything you’ll need to create this flavor-packed pasta dish.

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut them into uniform 1-inch chunks so they cook quickly and evenly.
• 1 pound penne pasta: Penne is great because the tubes catch the creamy sauce, but farfalle or large shells also work well.
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice: This helps to tenderize the chicken and adds a bright note of flavor.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt & ¼ teaspoon black pepper: For seasoning the chicken.
• 2 tablespoons butter & 2 tablespoons olive oil: Using a combination of butter for flavor and oil to prevent burning is perfect for sautéing the veggies and chicken.
• ¼ cup honey: This adds a touch of sweetness that beautifully balances the spicy chipotle.
• 2 tablespoons chipotle pepper sauce (from a can of adobo peppers): Just use the sauce for a smoky heat. If you want it spicier, mash one of the peppers into a paste.
• 1 yellow bell pepper & 1 red bell pepper: These add sweetness, color, and a nice texture to the dish.
• ½ yellow onion: Provides a foundational aromatic flavor.
• 3 cloves garlic: Minced garlic adds a savory punch that enhances the sauce.
• 2 cups heavy cream: This is the key to a rich, luscious, and silky cream sauce.
• 1 cup frozen peas: Add these straight from the freezer at the end for a pop of color and sweetness.
• 1 pound fresh asparagus: Use thin spears if possible, as they will be more tender.
• 6 ounces parmesan cheese: I highly recommend grating your own from a block for the best flavor and smoothest melt.

Note: This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.

Variations

While this recipe is fantastic as written, you can easily adapt it to suit your tastes.

• Make it Spicier: Add one or two minced chipotle peppers from the adobo can along with the sauce for an extra kick of heat.
• Different Protein: This sauce works wonderfully with shrimp instead of chicken. Sauté the shrimp until just pink and add them at the end with the pasta.
• Lighter Cream Sauce: You can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich and may not thicken as much.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or corn. Sauté them along with the peppers and onions.

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Equipment You Need

• Large Pot: For boiling the pasta and blanching the asparagus.
• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: A heavy-bottomed skillet is perfect for building the sauce and bringing the whole dish together.
• Colander: To drain the pasta and asparagus after cooking.
• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple for marinating the chicken and holding the cooked pasta.
• Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: Essential for chopping all the vegetables and chicken.

How to Make Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta?

This dish comes together in a series of simple steps. By preparing the components separately and then combining them, you build layers of flavor that make the final result so incredible. It might seem like a lot of steps, but the process is straightforward and well worth the effort.

Prepare the Pasta and Vegetables

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fresh asparagus and blanch for 2-3 minutes until it’s tender but still crisp. Remove the asparagus with a strainer, run it under cold water to stop the cooking, and set it aside.

In the same pot of boiling water, cook the penne pasta until it’s just one minute shy of al dente according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and add it to the bowl with the asparagus.

Season and Cook the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, place your chicken chunks in a bowl with the lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat and let it marinate. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the chopped bell peppers and onion until they soften, which takes about 5 minutes.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, then transfer the vegetables to a plate. Add the olive oil to the same skillet, increase the heat to medium-high, and cook the chicken until it’s browned on all sides.

Create the Honey Glaze and Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked through, stir in the honey, letting it coat every piece for a few seconds to create a quick glaze. Add the cooked peppers and onions back to the skillet and stir to combine.

Now, pour in the chipotle adobo sauce and the heavy cream, then sprinkle in the shredded Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld.

Combine and Finish the Dish

Finally, add the cooked pasta, blanched asparagus, and frozen peas directly into the skillet with the sauce. Stir everything together gently until the pasta and vegetables are thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce and the peas are warmed through. Remove the skillet from the heat, and your delicious pasta is ready to be served.

🇲🇽 Mexico: The Land of Smoky Chipotle Flavors

This Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta takes its inspiration from the heart of Central and Southern Mexico, where chipotle peppers, smoked and dried jalapeño, are a culinary treasure. 

Known for their deep, earthy flavor, these peppers are often used in traditional dishes from Puebla and Veracruz, regions famous for blending heat and sweetness in perfect harmony. 

This recipe beautifully captures that essence, combining Mexico’s fiery soul with a creamy twist reminiscent of Latin comfort cuisine. 🇲🇽

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

• I find that reserving about a half-cup of the starchy pasta water before draining is a great trick. If the sauce gets too thick, you can stir in a splash of the pasta water to loosen it to the perfect consistency.
• Don’t be shy with the Parmesan. For me, using a high-quality, freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano makes a huge difference in the sauce’s flavor and texture.
• When cooking the chicken, I make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This allows the chicken to get a nice brown sear rather than just steaming, which adds a lot of flavor.
• Taste the sauce before you add the pasta! This is your chance to adjust the seasoning. You might decide it needs a little more chipotle sauce for heat or a pinch more salt.

How to Serve Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta?

If you ever find yourself in Mexico City or Puebla, you’ll notice that Chipotle is a staple in countless traditional dishes from tacos to stews. 

Serving this pasta would feel like paying tribute to the country’s love for smoky, layered flavors. 

Enjoy it in a warm clay bowl, topped with fresh cilantro and tortilla strips, just as locals enjoy rich, saucy dishes that bring people together around the table. 🇲🇽

Nutritional Information

Here is a general overview of the nutritional facts per serving:

• Calories: 934 kcal
• Protein: 42g
• Carbohydrates: 83g
• Fat: 49g

Make Ahead and Storage

This pasta is best eaten fresh, but leftovers are still delicious. Here’s how to handle them.

Storing: Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing: You can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. The cream sauce may separate slightly upon thawing, but the taste will remain good.

Reheating: Reheat the pasta gently in a skillet over low-medium heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture as it warms up.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are so many reasons this pasta dish will become a new favorite.

• Restaurant-Quality at Home: It tastes just like the popular dish from The Cheesecake Factory, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet meal without leaving your house.
• A Symphony of Flavors: The unique combination of spicy, smoky, sweet, and creamy is perfectly balanced and incredibly satisfying.
• Feeds a Crowd: This recipe makes a generous amount, making it perfect for family dinners or for having delicious leftovers for the next day.
• Customizable Heat: You are in complete control of the spice level. You can make it as mild or as fiery as you like by adjusting the amount of chipotle sauce.