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Best Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta Recipe (Easy, Step-by-Step)

Make Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta with pantry staples, clear cues, and flexible swaps.
Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper sliced
  • 1 medium red onion sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 –3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce chopped
  • 2 tablespoons adobo sauce from chipotle can
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  • Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
  • Season chicken with salt, pepper, and half of the smoked paprika and chili powder.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add garlic, onions, and bell peppers. Cook until softened, about 4–5 minutes.
  • Stir in chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, remaining paprika, chili powder, and cumin. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring often.
  • Stir in Parmesan cheese until sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  • Add cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Toss until well coated. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
  • Serve hot, garnished with cilantro or parsley.