You know those nights when you’re craving something seriously comforting, but also want a bit of a kick?Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta. Serves 4.What is the answer? It’s got that creamy, cheesy goodness we all love from a good Pasta Bake, but with a smoky heat that just takes it to another level. My family loves mac and cheese and enchiladas, and honestly, I think yours will too! What is a weeknight lifesaver?
What is Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta?
Think of Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta.As the ultimate comfort food mashup. It’s essentially pasta, usually something like penne or rotini that can really grab onto the sauce, tossed in a creamy, smoky, slightly spicy sauce made with chipotle peppers in adobo. If you’re feeling ambitious, top it all with cheese before baking to bubbly perfection. The chipotle peppers give it a warmth and depth of flavor that’s so much more interesting than your average pasta dish. Spicy, chicken-y, chipotle-y, and pasta-y – pure deliciousness!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What I love about this is that it hits all the right notes.flavorThe creaminess of the sauce balances out the smokiness of the chipotle peppers, and the chicken adds a hearty protein boost. The cheese on top gets all melty and golden brown… What’s not to love?simpleI mean, it’s basically dump-and-bake, which is my favorite kind of recipe on a busy weeknight. Plus, it’s really easy to make.cost-efficient. Chicken thighs are generally cheaper than breasts, and the rest of the ingredients are pantry staples.versatile! You can easily add in different veggies, use different types of pasta, or even swap out the chicken for ground beef or sausage. If you’re craving something a bit similar but with a different twist, try my Creamy Tomato Pasta Bake, but honestly, this Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta has a special place in my heart (and stomach! ).
How do I make spicy chicken chipotle pasta?
Quick Overview
Alright, here’s the lowdown. You’re basically going to cook your pasta, sauté some onions and garlic, mix everything together with the chipotle sauce, chicken, and cheese, and then bake it until it’s bubbly and golden brown. What is the secret of chipotle peppers? I always use chicken thighs because they stay so juicy and flavorful, but chicken breasts work too if that’s what you have on hand. Trust me, you’ve got this!
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
* 1 pound penne pasta (or any pasta shape you like) – I find penne really grabs the sauce well.
* Water for boiling – Don’t forget to salt it generously!
For the Chicken:
* 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs – Cut into bite-sized pieces. Thighs are juicier, trust me.
* 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the chicken.
* 1 teaspoon chili powder – Adds a little extra warmth.
* 1/2 teaspoon cumin – For that smoky, earthy flavor.
* Salt and pepper to taste – Season generously!
What is the Chipotle Sauce?
* 1 tablespoon olive oil – Again, for sautéing.
* 1 medium onion, chopped – Yellow or white works perfectly.
* 2 cloves garlic, minced – Don’t skimp on the garlic!
* 1 can diced tomatoes and Green Chilies (like Rotel) – Adds a nice tang and a little extra spice.
* 1 (7 ounce) can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce – Use 2-3 peppers, finely chopped, plus 1-2 tablespoons of the adobo sauce. Adjust to your spice preference!
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce – The base of our sauce.
* 1 cup heavy cream – This is what makes it super creamy and decadent. I’ve tried it with half-and-half, and it works okay, but heavy cream is definitely worth it!
* 1/2 cup chicken broth – Adds a little extra flavor and helps thin out the sauce if needed.
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano – Adds a nice herby touch.
For the Cheese:
* 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese – Melts beautifully and has a mild flavor that lets the chipotle shine.
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Adds a bit of sharpness and color.
What is the step-by-
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to use a little cooking spray, but you can also use butter. This prevents pasta from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Don’t overcook it! It’ll continue to cook in the oven and you want it to have a little bit of bite. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
While pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until it’s cooked through and lightly browned. Season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Step 4: Make the Chipotle Sauce
In the same skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant (but don’t let it burn!).
Step 5: Add Remaining Sauce Ingredients
Stir in diced tomatoes and green chilies, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (start with 2 peppers and add more to taste! ), tomato sauce, heavy cream, chicken broth, and oregano. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta to the chipotle sauce and stir to combine. Make sure everything is well coated in that delicious sauce!
Step 7: Add to Baking Dish & Top with Cheese
Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with the Monterey Jack cheese.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the pasta is heated through. Keep an eye on it – you want the cheese to be golden brown, but not burnt!
Step 9: Let Cool Slightly & Serve
Let the pasta stand for a few minutes before serving. This helps it to set up a little bit. Serve hot and enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
This Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta.What are some good ways to make it a full meal?For a casual dinner:What is a good side salad with a light vinaigrette?For a Fiesta Theme:What are some good appetizers to serve with Mexican rice and black beans?For a Potluck:What is the best way to serve pasta at a potluck?For Leftovers:I think this pasta is even better the next day! The flavors have had time to meld together even more. Just reheat it in the microwave or oven. I sometimes add a little extra cheese on top before reheating, just because. My kids also like it cold straight from the fridge for lunch (weirdos!).
What are some of the best ways to make spicy chicken chipotle pasta?
How do I make sure my wife is happy?Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta.Is perfect?What is Chipotle Pepper Heat?I like chipotle peppers and adobo sauce, but I can’t take it away! I usually use about 2 peppers for a mild to medium spice level, but if you like it really hot, go for 3 or 4.Pasta Doneness:Don’t overcook pasta! It should be al dente, meaning it still has a little bit of bite. It will continue to cook in the oven, and you don’t want it to get mushy.Cheese Choice:I like to use a combination of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese because they melt well and have good flavor. But you can really use any kind of cheese you like!Chicken Prep:How do you cut chicken into bite-sized pieces before cooking it?Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.
Baking Time:How do you keep an eye on pasta while it’s baking. You want the cheese to be melted and bubbly, but not burnt. The baking time may vary depending on your oven.Don’t be afraid to experiment!What are some ideas for a vegetarian pasta dish? I’ve tried adding a can of drained corn, and it was delicious! The key is to have fun and make it your own. I’ve learned that even when I mess up a little, it still tastes pretty darn good!
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
This Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta.How do I make leftovers?Room Temperature:I wouldn’t leave it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, just to be safe.Refrigerator Storage: What is theI usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This is my go-to method. I usually use a glass container with lid. The pasta actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together even more.What is the best way to prepareCan you freeze pasta for longer storage? Can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. I usually portion it out into individual containers before freezing so it’s easy to grab and go.What is Glaze Timing Advice?If you’re going to be storing some of the pasta, you could bake it without the cheese and then add the cheese when you reheat it. It won’t be quite the same, but it will still be delicious.Reheating:To reheat, microwave it for a few minutes until heated through. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. When reheating from frozen, it’s best to reheat it in the oven so it can cook evenly. I’ve found that microwaving from frozen tends to make it rubbery.
What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora
Final Thoughts
Is this a good product?Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta. Serves 4.What is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and spicy, and it’s so easy to make. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and it’s sure to become a new family favorite. What are your favorite comfort food recipes? What do you think of my recipe?
Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz chicken breast cut into bite-size pieces
- 1.5 cups penne pasta cooked
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce minced
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic minced
- 1 tbsp cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned.
- Remove chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, add butter and garlic. Sauté until garlic is fragrant.
- Add chipotle peppers and heavy cream. Stir well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Return chicken to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and mix everything together.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until well combined and melted.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.
