Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy, spicy, and packed with bold flavors! This Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe combines tender chicken, smoky chipotle, and cheesy goodness.

this Recipe

You know when you crave something cozy but also exciting? Like, you want comfort food, but you also want it to wake up your taste buds? That’s exactly how this Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe became a thing in my kitchen.

It all started on one of those “I don’t know what I want, but I want something good” nights. I was standing in front of my fridge, staring at chicken and a half-empty jar of chipotle paste, feeling completely uninspired. Then I remembered a creamy chipotle pasta I once had at a tiny, dimly lit restaurant—one of those places where the food is so good, you ignore the fact that the chairs are weirdly uncomfortable.

So, I decided to wing it. The first attempt? Way too spicy. I love heat, but even I had to admit I went overboard. My mouth was on fire, and I may or may not have chugged a glass of milk in defeat. But by round two, I had the balance just right—creamy, smoky, a little spicy, and ridiculously good.

Now, it’s one of my go-to meals, especially when I need something quick but still crave-worthy. If you love pasta with a little personality, you need to try this one.

Why You’ll Love This Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe?

• Creamy with a smoky kick – Not too rich, not too spicy—just the right balance.
• Super easy to make – On the table in under 30 minutes.
• High-protein and filling – Because we’re not about that “hungry an hour later” life.
• Customizable heat level – Crank up the spice or keep it mild—it’s up to you!
• Leftovers taste amazing – This pasta actually gets better the next day.

Ingredient Notes:

For the Chicken

We’re not just cooking chicken; we’re infusing it with flavor from the start.

• Chicken breast – Lean, high in protein, and absorbs flavor like a champ.
• Chipotle fajita seasoning – Adds smoky, slightly spicy goodness.
• Chipotle paste – This is where the magic happens—rich, smoky, slightly sweet heat.
• Olive oil – Keeps the chicken juicy and helps the seasoning stick.
• Salt & pepper – Because everything needs a little balance.

For the Pasta & Sauce

This is where creamy meets smoky, and it’s absolute perfection.

• Penne pasta – Holds onto the sauce like a pro.
• Onion & bell peppers – Add sweetness and a little crunch.
• Light cream cheese – The secret to a creamy sauce without feeling too heavy.
• Tomato puree – Brings in that deep, rich, slightly tangy flavor.
• Chipotle paste – More smoky heat to tie everything together.
• Garlic granules, smoked paprika & dried parsley – Because layers of flavor are everything.
• Cherry tomatoes – Bursts of fresh sweetness in every bite.
• Light cheddar – A little cheesy goodness to round out the dish.

How To Make Chipotle Chicken Pasta?

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil a big pot of salted water and toss in the penne. Cook it until it’s al dente—you want it firm enough to hold up to the sauce, not mushy. Before draining, save about ½ cup of the pasta water—this stuff is liquid gold for making the sauce extra silky.

Step 2: Prep and Cook the Chicken

Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, then toss it with chipotle seasoning, chipotle paste, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for a few minutes while you heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.

Once the pan is hot, add a few sprays of oil and cook the chicken for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. It should be golden brown and fully cooked. Set it aside and try not to eat half of it straight from the pan (I fail at this part every time).

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies & Build the Sauce

In the same pan, add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Cook for 5 minutes until they’re soft and slightly caramelized. Then, stir in:

• Light cream cheese – Makes everything silky smooth.
• Tomato puree & chipotle paste – Adds deep, smoky flavor.
• Garlic granules, smoked paprika & dried parsley – For warmth and depth.
• Cherry tomatoes – They burst into little pockets of flavor.
• Reserved pasta water – Helps create the dreamiest sauce.

Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s smooth and luscious.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Add the cooked chicken back into the pan, followed by the drained pasta. Stir everything together, making sure that every single piece of pasta gets coated in that rich, smoky sauce. Then, sprinkle in the cheddar cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Scoop the pasta into bowls, sprinkle on some extra cheese (because obviously), and dig in.

Storage Options:

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: While possible, the texture of the sauce changes slightly when frozen. If you do freeze it, store in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
• Reheating: Heat in a pan over medium with a splash of milk or water to bring back the creaminess.

Variations and Substitutions:

Want to change things up? Here are some ideas:

• More heat? Add extra chipotle paste or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Less spice? Cut the chipotle in half and add more cream cheese.
• Change up the pasta – Rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti work well.
• More veggies – Mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach would be great.
• Switch the protein – Try it with shrimp, tofu, or even shredded rotisserie chicken.

What to Serve with Chipotle Chicken Pasta?

This pasta is already a meal, but if you want to make it extra special, here are some great pairings:

• Garlic Bread – Because carbs on carbs is a lifestyle.
• Side Salad – A crisp Caesar or avocado salad balances the spice.
• Grilled Veggies – Bell peppers, asparagus, or zucchini add freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! It actually tastes even better the next day. Just add a splash of milk when reheating to keep the sauce creamy.

How spicy is this?

It’s medium heat, but you can adjust it by adding more or less chipotle paste.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yep! Use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan cheese, and it’ll still be creamy and delicious.

And that’s it—your new favorite pasta recipe! It’s creamy, smoky, spicy, and ridiculously good. Try it, and let me know what you think! But be warned: once you make it, people will ask you to cook it again… and again.

Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:

Crock Pot Great Northern Beans

Ham And Cheese Hash Brown Casserole

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

This Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe is a perfect combination of creamy, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors. Made with tender chicken, chipotle paste, bell peppers, and a rich sauce, it is a satisfying meal that is easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.

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4 Servings

Ingredients

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For the Chicken

• 500 g chicken breast diced
• 1/2 tablespoon chipotle paste
• 1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• Chipotle fajita seasoning to taste
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Pasta and Sauce

• 300 g penne pasta
• 1 onion finely chopped
• 2 bell peppers finely chopped
• 4 tablespoons light cream cheese
• 1 tablespoon tomato puree
• 1/2 tablespoon chipotle paste
• 1 teaspoon garlic granules
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• A handful of cherry tomatoes halved
• 30 g light cheddar cheese grated

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Instructions

 

Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 10-12 minutes.
3. Reserve approximately ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Prepare the Chicken

1. In a bowl, combine the diced chicken breast with chipotle paste, extra virgin olive oil, chipotle fajita seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly coat the chicken.
2. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a small amount of cooking spray or additional olive oil.
3. Cook the chicken for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables & Create the Sauce

1. In the same pan, add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Cook over medium heat for approximately 5 minutes, or until softened.
2. Stir in the light cream cheese, tomato puree, chipotle paste, garlic granules, smoked paprika, dried parsley, and cherry tomatoes.
3. Add two ladles of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and create a smooth consistency. Stir well to combine.
4. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.

Combine and Finish

1. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir to combine with the sauce.
2. Add the cooked pasta and mix thoroughly, ensuring every piece is coated in the creamy sauce.
3. Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese over the pasta and stir until melted and fully incorporated.

Serve

1. Transfer the pasta to serving plates, garnish with additional parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

To make this Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe gluten-free, substitute the penne pasta with a certified gluten-free pasta variety, such as chickpea, brown rice, or quinoa pasta. Additionally, ensure that the chipotle fajita seasoning and chipotle paste are gluten-free, as some brands may contain additives with gluten. The rest of the ingredients remain naturally gluten-free, allowing for a seamless adaptation of this dish.

Bitty

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Let me know! Mention @nodashofgluten or tag #nodashofgluten

Bitty

I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!

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