Name: Spicy Chicken Pasta with Creamy Chipotle Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz. boneless, skinless Chicken Thighs (or Chicken Breasts); Salt, to taste; Cracked Black Pepper, to taste; 1/2 tsp. ground Cumin; 1 tbsp. Olive Oil; 3/4 cup Half and Half (or Heavy Cream); 2 Garlic Cloves (or 1/2 tsp. garlic powder as substitute); 1 large Chipotle Pepper (or two small peppers); 1 tsp. Adobo Sauce (from the chipotle pepper can); 1 tsp. Honey; 1/3 cup finely chopped Yellow Onion (or white onion); 1/2 cup finely chopped Yellow Bell Pepper (red, green, or orange are acceptable substitutes); 1/2 cup chopped Asparagus Spears (for thick stalks approx. 1/2″ thick); 8 oz. dried Penne Pasta; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan Cheese; 1 tbsp. fresh Lemon Juice; 1/2 cup reserved Pasta Water (for adjusting sauce consistency); Chopped Green Onion (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 13 reviews

If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances bold flavors, creaminess, and a little kick of heat, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Spicy Chicken Pasta with Creamy Chipotle Sauce Recipe. It’s a delightful spin on classic pasta, featuring tender chicken thigh pieces swimming in a luscious chipotle-infused cream sauce, with vibrant asparagus and bell peppers rounding out the dish. Not only does this recipe come together in just about 30 minutes, but it also delivers a comforting yet exciting meal that feels special every time you serve it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of a black food processor sitting on a white marbled surface. Inside the clear bowl of the processor, there is a creamy white base with a smooth texture. On top of this base, there is a dark red chunk of ingredient with a slightly shiny surface on the right side. Small black pepper pieces and a light dusting of a fine brown spice are scattered near the red chunk. A single peeled white garlic clove is visible on the left side, resting on the cream. The cream has faint swirls of light brown, giving it a mixed look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Spicy Chicken Pasta with Creamy Chipotle Sauce Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—juicy chicken for protein, chipotle peppers to provide smoky heat, fresh vegetables for color and crunch, and a creamy half-and-half base to create a silky sauce that coats every bite perfectly.

8 oz. boneless, skinless Chicken Thighs (or Chicken Breasts): Choose thighs for juiciness and flavor, or breasts if you prefer leaner meat.
Salt + cracked Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning, enhancing natural flavors.
1/2 tsp. ground Cumin: Adds warm, earthy undertones to the chicken.
1 tbsp. Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken to golden perfection.
3/4 cup Half and Half (or Heavy Cream): Creates the rich, creamy chipotle sauce base.
2 Garlic Cloves: Infuses the sauce with fragrant depth.
1 large Chipotle Pepper (or two small peppers): Delivers smoky spiciness.
1 tsp. Adobo Sauce: Adds tangy heat from the chipotle can.
1 tsp. Honey: Balances the heat with a touch of sweetness.
1/3 cup finely chopped Yellow Onion: Softens in the pan to add sweetness and texture.
1/2 cup finely chopped Yellow Bell Pepper: Brings crunch and vibrant color; red, green, or orange work well too.
1/2 cup chopped Asparagus Spears: Adds fresh green notes and slight bitterness that complements the creaminess.
8 oz. dried Penne Pasta: Perfect shape to hold creamy sauce in every curve.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan: Adds savory sharpness and melts beautifully into the sauce.
1 tbsp. fresh Lemon Juice: Brightens and balances the rich creaminess.
1/2 cup reserved Pasta Water: Used to adjust sauce consistency and help it cling to the noodles.
Chopped Green Onion for garnish: Adds freshness and a pop of color at the end.

How to Make Spicy Chicken Pasta with Creamy Chipotle Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by giving your chicken thighs or breasts a good seasoning with salt, cracked black pepper, and ground cumin. This simple spice mix not only brings flavor to the meat but also hints at the smoky warmth that will carry through the whole dish. Let the chicken rest a bit while you prepare the sauce and veggies—this helps the seasoning soak in.

Step 2: Make the Spicy Chipotle Cream Sauce

The star of the dish is this addictive chipotle cream sauce. Combine half and half, fresh garlic cloves, honey, chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, and a pinch of salt in a blender or food processor. Whip it all together until smooth and velvety. This sauce blends smoky, spicy, and sweet notes that will wrap around your pasta beautifully.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a nonstick pan and gently sear the seasoned chicken. Cooking it over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes per side ensures juicy meat with a lovely crust. Once cooked through (about 165°F internal temperature), transfer the chicken to a cutting board and tent with foil to keep warm while you finish the sauce and pasta.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables

In the same pan used for chicken, add the finely chopped onions and yellow bell peppers, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5-6 minutes. Don’t forget to scrape up any tasty browned bits stuck to the pan—they pack big flavor. Then toss in the asparagus and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until tender but still bright green.

Step 5: Boil the Pasta

While your veggies cook, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the penne pasta. Cook until just shy of al dente, about a minute less than the package recommends, so the pasta has perfect firmness once tossed in the creamy sauce.

Step 6: Combine Sauce with Vegetables

Pour the creamy chipotle sauce into the pan with the vegetables and stir well. Let it simmer over medium heat for 5-6 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and soak up those vibrant veggie flavors. Meanwhile, slice your rested chicken into bite-sized pieces ready for mixing in momentarily.

Step 7: Toss Pasta with Sauce

Drain the pasta, reserving about half a cup of the cooking water. Transfer the pasta directly to the pan with sauce and veggies and stir to coat every noodle. The sauce clings beautifully to the penne, delivering creamy heat in every bite.

Step 8: Add Chicken, Cheese, and Flavors

Fold the chopped chicken, grated Parmesan, and fresh lemon juice into the pasta mixture. Season with a final pinch of salt and pepper. Add reserved pasta water gradually to loosen the sauce to your ideal creamy consistency. This step is where everything melds into a luscious and satisfying celebration of flavor and texture.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Serve this Spicy Chicken Pasta with Creamy Chipotle Sauce Recipe piping hot. Sprinkle over chopped green onions and an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese for brightness and an inviting appearance. Each forkful bursts with a perfect balance of smoky spice, creamy indulgence, tender chicken, and crisp veggies—you’ll want to make this again and again.

How to Serve Spicy Chicken Pasta with Creamy Chipotle Sauce Recipe

A black pan filled with creamy orange sauce coated penne pasta, mixed with small pieces of light brown chicken and bits of green asparagus scattered throughout. A wooden spatula rests on the right side, partially covered in sauce, stirring the pasta. The pan is on a white marbled surface, and the sauce gives the pasta a glossy, smooth look, evenly covering most of it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes elevate this dish beautifully. Chopped green onions add a fresh, mild bite and vibrant green color, while a sprinkle of extra Parmesan enhances that savory depth. For an extra pop, try a squeeze of lime juice or a few sprigs of cilantro to brighten each serving.

Side Dishes

Pair this flavorful pasta with a simple side salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a crisp garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. Steamed or roasted veggies like broccoli or green beans also make excellent companions, keeping the meal balanced and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties or a cozy night in, serve this pasta family-style in a large beautiful bowl so everyone can help themselves. Alternatively, portion into individual shallow bowls to highlight the vibrant veggies and garnish. Consider a drizzle of chili oil on top if you want to dial up the heat, or a dollop of sour cream to mellow it out.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Spicy Chicken Pasta with Creamy Chipotle Sauce Recipe tastes wonderful reheated, so feel free to store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind the sauce will thicken as it chills, so a bit of extra liquid may be needed at reheating.

Freezing

Though freezing cream-based sauces can sometimes affect texture, this recipe freezes reasonably well. Portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to bring back smoothness.

Reheating

Reheat your pasta slowly over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of water, chicken broth, or half and half to loosen the sauce as it warms. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and promote even warming. This helps restore the creamy texture and keeps the chicken juicy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just fine in this recipe; just be careful not to overcook them as they are leaner and can dry out more easily. Adjust cooking time accordingly and slice thinly for the best texture.

How spicy is this dish? Can I adjust the heat?

The spice level comes from the chipotle pepper and adobo sauce, delivering smoky medium heat. If you prefer a milder version, reduce the chipotle or remove the seeds. For more heat, add an extra pepper or a pinch of crushed red chili flakes.

What can I substitute for half and half?

You can use heavy cream for a richer sauce, or mix whole milk and cream if that’s what you have. For a lighter option, try half milk and half Greek yogurt, adding the yogurt at the end off heat to prevent curdling.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, tofu, or your favorite plant-based protein. The smoky chipotle cream sauce still shines, and fresh vegetables make it hearty and delicious.

Is it okay to use dried chipotle powder instead of the canned chipotle pepper?

You can use chipotle powder as a substitute but start with a small amount since it varies in intensity and lacks the adobo sauce’s tangy depth. Add a little smoked paprika and a dash of vinegar to mimic the flavor more closely.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Spicy Chicken Pasta with Creamy Chipotle Sauce Recipe, it’s going to become one of your treasured go-to meals. It’s quick to pull together, packed with comforting yet exciting flavors, and simple enough to enjoy on any night of the week. Give it a whirl, and watch it become a favorite for your family and friends—warm, creamy, smoky, and delightfully spicy in every bite.