Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe
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.
4 Servings
Ingredients
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
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 10-12 minutes.
- Reserve approximately ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken
- 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.
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a small amount of cooking spray or additional olive oil.
- 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
- In the same pan, add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Cook over medium heat for approximately 5 minutes, or until softened.
- Stir in the light cream cheese, tomato puree, chipotle paste, garlic granules, smoked paprika, dried parsley, and cherry tomatoes.
- Add two ladles of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and create a smooth consistency. Stir well to combine.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
Combine and Finish
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir to combine with the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta and mix thoroughly, ensuring every piece is coated in the creamy sauce.
- Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese over the pasta and stir until melted and fully incorporated.
Serve
- 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.