Oh my goodness, if you love a little kick in your pasta, you’re in for a treat with this spicy chicken chipotle pasta! I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve made this dish for friends, and every single time, it gets devoured in a flash! The smoky chipotle combined with creamy sauce and tender chicken creates this incredible flavor explosion that just warms your soul. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up on a weeknight after a long day. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be dreaming about it. The blend of spices, creaminess, and a hint of heat is simply irresistible. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into this delicious adventure together!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering spicy chicken chipotle pasta:
- 8 oz penne pasta – I love penne for its perfect sauce-hugging shape!
- 2 chicken breasts, diced – Tender and juicy, they’re the stars of this dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the chicken and adding lovely flavor.
- 1 onion, chopped – A sweet and savory base for our sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Because garlic makes everything better!
- 2 tablespoons chipotle in adobo sauce – This is where the magic happens; adjust to your spice preference!
- 1 cup heavy cream – For that dreamy, creamy texture.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – It adds richness and depth to the sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Simple but essential seasonings.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped – A pop of color and freshness at the end!
How to Prepare Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta
Alright, let’s get cooking! This spicy chicken chipotle pasta is a breeze to whip up, and I promise you’ll have it on the table in no time. Ready? Let’s dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain it and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breasts and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
- Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion is soft and fragrant.
- Now, stir in the chipotle in adobo sauce. This is where the flavor really starts to shine! Let it cook for about a minute to release those smoky vibes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Keep stirring to combine everything beautifully.
- Then, mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. It’s so good!
- Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in that rich sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and don’t be shy!
- Garnish with fresh parsley just before serving, and voilà! You’re ready to enjoy a bowl of deliciousness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Packed with bold flavors from the smoky chipotle and creamy sauce.
- Rich in protein thanks to the juicy chicken and cheese.
- Gluten-free option available with the right pasta choice!
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite veggies or proteins.
Tips for Success
To ensure your spicy chicken chipotle pasta turns out perfect every time, here are some handy tips! First, be careful not to overcook the pasta; you want it al dente so it holds up well in the sauce. Also, if you’re sensitive to spice, start with just one tablespoon of chipotle and taste as you go—it’s easier to add heat than to take it away! When mixing in the cream and cheese, stir gently to keep that lovely creaminess intact. And lastly, don’t skip the fresh parsley garnish; it adds brightness and a lovely pop of color to your dish!
Variations
Want to switch things up? You can easily customize this spicy chicken chipotle pasta to suit your taste! Try using shrimp or sautéed veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for a delightful twist. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the chipotle sauce to one tablespoon or substitute it with a bit of smoked paprika for that smoky flavor without the heat. You could even swap the penne for gluten-free pasta or whole wheat for a healthier option. The possibilities are endless!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have leftovers of this spicy chicken chipotle pasta (which is rare in my house!), you’ll want to store them properly to keep that deliciousness intact. Let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just pop it in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to heat evenly. You can also reheat it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if it looks a bit dry. Enjoy your tasty leftovers!
Nutritional Information
This spicy chicken chipotle pasta is not only delicious but also satisfying! Each serving is estimated to have around 650 calories, with 35g of fat, 30g of protein, and 60g of carbohydrates. It’s a hearty meal that gives you energy without compromising on flavor. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portions used!
FAQ Section
Can I make this spicy chicken chipotle pasta ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the sauce and cook the pasta in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge, and then combine and heat when you’re ready to enjoy it!
What if I can’t find chipotle in adobo sauce?
No worries! You can substitute with a bit of smoked paprika and cayenne pepper to achieve a similar smoky flavor.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Feel free to swap out the penne for any pasta you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Is this dish spicy?
It can be! The spice level depends on how much chipotle you use, so adjust it to your taste preference.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can replace the chicken with chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty meat-free option!
Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta: 7 Steps to Flavor Bliss
- Całkowity Czas: 30 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
A flavorful and spicy chicken chipotle pasta dish that packs a punch.
Składniki
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chipotle in adobo sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instrukcje
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced chicken and cook until browned.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in the chipotle in adobo sauce.
- Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Mix in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Uwagi
- Adjust the amount of chipotle for desired spice level.
- Serve with garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Czas Przygotowania: 10 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 20 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Course
- Sposób: Stovetop
- Kuchnia: Mexican-Italian
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 plate
- Kalorie: 650
- Cukier: 4g
- Sód: 800mg
- Kwasy: 35g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 20g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 10g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 60g
- Włókno: 3g
- Białko: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Słowa kluczowe: spicy chicken chipotle pasta, chicken pasta, chipotle pasta
