Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta

This spicy chicken chipotle pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender honey-glazed chicken with a smoky chipotle parmesan cream sauce, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked penne. It’s a great choice when you want a satisfying meal with a bit of a kick but still creamy and comforting. This recipe captures the beloved flavors of a Cheesecake Factory favorite but is easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

I first made this dish on a chilly evening when I craved something spicy and hearty. My family loved it so much that it quickly became a request for weekend dinners.

Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: skinless and boneless the main protein that absorbs the honey glaze beautifully
• Honey: adds a touch of sweetness that balances the spice try to use a good quality raw honey for best flavor
• Avocado Oil: great for cooking chicken as it has a mild flavor and a high smoke point
• Salt and Freshly Cracked Pepper: essential for seasoning and bringing out flavors
• Penne Pasta: the sturdy pasta shape holds the creamy sauce well
• Grass-fed Butter: adds richness and depth when sautéing the vegetables
• Bell Peppers: red and yellow thinly sliced add sweetness and crunch choose bright, firm peppers for freshness
• Asparagus: cut into 1-inch pieces brings a tender crispness and bright green color
• Frozen Organic Peas: a quick veggie addition that adds sweetness and texture
• Sweet Onion: finely diced provides a natural sweetness and flavor base
• Fresh Garlic Cloves: minced essential for depth and aroma in the sauce
• Heavy Cream: makes the sauce luxuriously creamy
• Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: adds umami and saltiness crucial to the sauce
• Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: the star spice component giving smoky heat
• Paprika: boosts smokiness and color
• Cayenne Pepper: optional for extra heat if you like it spicy
• Fresh Cilantro or Parsley for garnish: adds freshness and color
• Shaved Parmigiano: perfect for topping and extra cheese flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Honey Glazed Chicken:

Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly cracked pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add avocado oil. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for approximately six to seven minutes per side until they develop a golden crust and are cooked through. In the last minute of cooking drizzle the honey evenly over the chicken and flip once so both sides become glazed and sticky. Remove the chicken from the skillet, let rest for a few minutes, then slice into thin strips.

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining save half a cup of the starchy pasta water to use later in the sauce. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Cook the Vegetables:

In the same skillet used for the chicken, add avocado oil and butter over medium heat. Add the diced sweet onion and sauté for about three to four minutes until soft and just starting to caramelize, which deepens the flavor. Add minced garlic, sliced bell peppers, and asparagus pieces. Continue cooking for another three to four minutes until the vegetables are tender but maintain some crispness. Stir in the frozen peas and cook one to two more minutes until heated through.

Prepare the Spicy Chipotle Parmesan Cream Sauce:

Combine the heavy cream, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, paprika, optional cayenne pepper, and freshly grated parmesan cheese in a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth. Pour this chipotle cream sauce and the reserved pasta water into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir well and let simmer for four to five minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste.

Assemble the Dish:

Add the cooked penne pasta and sliced honey-glazed chicken back into the skillet with the sauce and vegetables. Gently toss everything together to coat evenly. Allow the pasta to cook together in the sauce for about one minute so all the flavors meld beautifully.

Serve:

Plate the spicy chicken chipotle pasta and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and shaved parmigiano cheese. Serve alongside warm garlic bread for a complete, satisfying meal.

Save

This dish is a wonderful example of combining American and Italian influences with smoky chipotle heat complementing classic parmesan cream sauce. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how the honey glaze on the chicken contrasts perfectly with the smoky spice. It’s a memorable crowd-pleaser during family dinners.

Storage Tips

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or cream to bring back the sauce’s creaminess. This dish does not freeze as well since the cream sauce can separate.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have avocado oil, light olive oil or vegetable oil will work for cooking chicken and vegetables. To reduce calories, substitute half and half or whole milk for heavy cream but expect a less rich sauce. Frozen mixed vegetables can replace fresh asparagus and peas if needed. Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a deeper smoky flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of warm crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette to brighten the meal. A chilled glass of crisp white wine or a light lager beer pairs well with the smoky cream sauce.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of chicken works best for this dish?

Skinless, boneless chicken breasts are ideal as they cook evenly and absorb the honey glaze and spices well.

→ Can I adjust the spiciness level?

Yes, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to soften the heat, or increase them for a spicier kick.

→ What pasta shape complements the sauce?

Penne pasta works perfectly, holding the creamy chipotle sauce in its tubes and allowing the vegetables to mix well throughout.

→ How do I ensure the sauce is silky and rich?

Use fresh heavy cream combined with freshly grated parmesan, then simmer gently to thicken without curdling.

→ Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely, broccoli or zucchini can be lightly sautéed with the bell peppers and asparagus to add more texture and flavor.

→ Is it better to save pasta water when draining?

Yes, reserved pasta water helps loosen and bind the sauce, ensuring it coats the pasta and vegetables smoothly.