Description
A quick and scrumptious Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta that marries creamy, zesty, and smoky flavors, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz penne pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons chipotle in adobo sauce, chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente since it will continue cooking when mixed with the sauce.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it’s translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Add the diced chicken breast to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Pour the can of diced tomatoes into the skillet, and stir to combine. Let it simmer to meld the flavors together.
- Reduce the heat, and add the heavy cream and chopped chipotle in adobo sauce. Stir thoroughly, adjusting the amount of chipotle to your spice tolerance.
- Once the sauce is blended, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt into the warm pasta.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley for a touch of brightness.
Notes
For lighter options, substitute heavy cream with cashew or coconut cream, and use chickpeas or beans for a vegetarian alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 440
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 80mg