One-Pot Creamy Chipotle Chicken Pasta
Introduction
Chipotle chicken pasta is the bold, creamy dinner you didn’t know you needed. It’s smoky, spicy, rich, and completely satisfying—all in one pot. This recipe brings together juicy chicken, penne pasta, chipotle peppers in adobo, and melty cheese to create a dish that’s both fiery and comforting. Whether you’re feeding your family or spicing up date night, it hits every flavor note without being fussy. If you love creamy pasta with a kick, keep reading. I’ll share the story behind the dish, why it works, and exactly how to make it perfectly on your first try.
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One-Pot Creamy Chipotle Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
Chipotle chicken pasta blends creamy sauce, smoky heat, and juicy chicken—all in one pot. Easy, bold, and ready in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
12 oz penne pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
1 tbsp adobo sauce (from the chipotle can)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until browned, about 5–6 minutes.
2. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
3. Stir in chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, chicken broth, heavy cream, and uncooked pasta. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked and sauce is thickened.
5. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
Add a pinch of cayenne for more heat, or use one chipotle for a milder version.
Leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth or cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
The Story Behind My Chipotle Chicken Pasta
How Chipotle Chicken Pasta Brought Back a Memory
I still remember the first time I tasted chipotle chicken pasta—not in a trendy restaurant, but in my own kitchen after a long week. The idea came from a craving I couldn’t shake: something creamy, spicy, and deeply comforting. It reminded me of that summer in Italy when I watched a nonna swirl handmade tagliatelle through a silky sauce. But this time, I wanted heat. I wanted bold.
So I reached for chipotle peppers in adobo—a pantry staple that never lets me down. Their smoky intensity transformed my usual creamy pasta into something completely new. Add some cheddar, a splash of cream, and tender chicken bites? I had a new favorite.
Why I Had to Make Chipotle Chicken Pasta My Own
Getting this dish right wasn’t instant. I overdid the spice, undercooked the pasta, and even curdled the sauce once. But when it finally clicked—that perfect balance of creamy sauce and chipotle heat—it became a weekly staple. Chipotle chicken pasta isn’t just dinner; it’s a small victory. It’s for the nights you need warmth, flavor, and something that feels just a little special.
It pairs beautifully with crusty bread, and if you’re a fan of rich flavors like those in this Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta or the hearty Chicken and Sausage Orzo Pasta, you’ll absolutely love this dish.
Why Chipotle Chicken Pasta Works So Well
The Flavor Layers That Make Chipotle Chicken Pasta Irresistible
There’s a reason chipotle chicken pasta stands out among other creamy pasta dishes—it’s the combination of bold, smoky heat and smooth, cheesy comfort. Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce add more than just spice. They bring complexity—smoke, tang, and a subtle sweetness that cuts through the richness of cream and cheddar.
The heavy cream tames the heat while still letting the chipotle flavor shine, and the cheddar cheese adds sharpness without overwhelming the sauce. Parmesan finishes it all with a salty, nutty depth that ties everything together. Every bite feels balanced and full-bodied. This is the kind of pasta that doesn’t need extra frills—it speaks for itself.
How Chicken and Pasta Shape the Soul of Chipotle Chicken Pasta
Boneless, skinless chicken breast is the ideal protein here—it stays tender and juicy as it simmers in the sauce, soaking up that adobo-infused base. It’s lean, quick-cooking, and always reliable. Cube it small so you get a bit in every forkful.
Penne pasta is a must. Those ridges catch the creamy chipotle sauce like no other shape can. It holds flavor in every crevice, delivering boldness with every bite. Other options like rigatoni or rotini can work, but penne strikes the perfect balance between structure and sauciness.
For even more savory chicken pasta ideas, check out this Shrimp Sausage and Chicken Pasta or a dairy-light twist like Chicken Pasta Recipe Without Cream.
One Pot, One Goal: Creamy Chipotle Chicken Pasta Goodness
Why One-Pot Chipotle Chicken Pasta Is a Weeknight Hero
One of the things I love most about chipotle chicken pasta is that it all comes together in one pot. That’s not just a timesaver—it’s a flavor enhancer. When you cook pasta directly in the sauce, it releases starch that thickens everything naturally. No draining. No extra pans. Just rich, creamy comfort all the way through.
This method lets the pasta absorb the smoky heat of the chipotle broth as it cooks, so every noodle is infused with boldness—not just coated on the outside. Plus, fewer dishes to clean means you can actually enjoy your evening after dinner. Who doesn’t love that?
How to Nail the Sauce and Melt for Perfect Chipotle Chicken Pasta
Getting that creamy texture right is all about timing. After simmering the pasta in the chipotle-spiced broth and cream, you want to wait until it’s just al dente before stirring in the cheese. That’s when the magic happens. The residual heat melts the cheddar and Parmesan into a smooth, velvety sauce that clings to every piece of pasta and chicken.
Keep the heat low when adding cheese to avoid splitting the sauce. Stir gently and patiently. Trust me—it’s worth it. Want another cheesy winner? Don’t miss this Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta or the ultra-smooth Creamy Boursin Shrimp Pasta.
This creamy chipotle chicken pasta hits every mark: fast, flavorful, and unfussy—but still feels like something special.
How to Make Chipotle Chicken Pasta Step by Step
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Best Chipotle Chicken Pasta
Making chipotle chicken pasta is straightforward, but the order and timing of each step really matter. This dish rewards attention to detail with a deeply flavorful, creamy result—and you only need one pot to do it.
Step 1: Sear the Chicken for Flavor
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced chicken breast and season it with salt, pepper, and paprika. Sear it until golden brown, about 5 to 6 minutes. Don’t stir too often—browning adds rich flavor to the final sauce.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes, just until soft and fragrant. This forms the aromatic base that supports the chipotle flavors.
Step 3: Bring the Heat
Add the minced chipotle peppers and one tablespoon of the adobo sauce from the can. Stir everything together to coat the chicken in smoky spice. At this point, the pot should smell incredible.
Step 4: Simmer Pasta Right in the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and uncooked penne pasta. Stir and bring it all to a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat and let it simmer, uncovered, for 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. You’re aiming for tender pasta and a slightly thickened sauce.
Step 5: Add Cheese for Creamy Finish
Once the pasta is cooked through, remove the pot from heat and stir in the cheddar and Parmesan. Stir until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—maybe a touch more salt, or an extra spoon of adobo if you love the heat.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Serve hot, optionally topped with chopped fresh cilantro for a cool, herbal contrast. It pairs perfectly with a crisp salad or crusty bread.
If you love one-pot meals like this, try my One Pot Smoky Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta next—or if you prefer dairy-free options, this Chicken Pasta Recipes No Cream is a smart alternative.
FAQs About Chipotle Chicken Pasta
1. How spicy is chipotle chicken pasta?
Chipotle chicken pasta has a medium level of heat. The chipotle peppers in adobo give it a smoky, spicy kick, but the cream and cheese balance it out. If you’re sensitive to spice, use just one pepper and skip the extra adobo sauce. Want more heat? Add a third pepper or a pinch of cayenne.
2. Can I make chipotle chicken pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can make chipotle chicken pasta a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce and keep it creamy.
3. What can I use instead of chipotle peppers in adobo?
If you don’t have chipotle peppers in adobo, try smoked paprika for that same smoky flavor or a dash of hot sauce for heat. It won’t be exactly the same, but it will still give your chicken pasta a spicy edge.
4. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely. While penne is great for holding onto the sauce, you can use rotini, rigatoni, or even fettuccine. Just adjust the cooking time as needed. The key is letting the pasta simmer in the sauce so it absorbs the chipotle flavor fully.
Conclusion
Chipotle chicken pasta is the kind of dish that turns an ordinary night into something memorable. With its smoky heat, creamy sauce, and one-pot simplicity, it checks every box for a perfect comfort meal. Whether you serve it as a quick dinner or a crowd-pleasing weekend dish, it’s sure to impress. Don’t be afraid to tweak the spice or swap the pasta—this recipe is flexible, flavorful, and fun to make. For even more ideas like this, check out our full collection of chicken pasta recipes without cream and discover your next favorite.
