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Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

This creamy, spicy chicken chipotle pasta is packed with bold flavors, tender chicken, sweet bell peppers, and a smoky chipotle cream sauce. It’s a restaurant-style dish you can whip up in under 40 minutes!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Course: dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta
Servings: 4
Calories: 650kcal
Author: Jill Bakes

Ingredients

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper sliced
  • 1 small red onion thinly sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce chopped
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
  • Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat

Instructions

  • ✅ Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • ✅ In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until browned and fully cooked (6–8 minutes). Remove from skillet and set aside.
  • ✅ In the same skillet, melt butter. Add bell peppers and onion, and sauté for 4–5 minutes until slightly tender.
  • ✅ Stir in garlic and chipotle peppers; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • ✅ Lower heat to medium and add heavy cream. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
  • ✅ Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens.
  • ✅ Return chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated.
  • ✅ Taste and adjust seasoning. Sprinkle red pepper flakes for extra heat, if desired.
  • ✅ Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot!

Notes

  • Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
  • Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
  • Swap penne with bowtie or fettuccine if preferred.