There’s something undeniably irresistible about smoky, spicy flavors wrapped around tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta. This Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta Recipe is my go-to when I want a comforting meal that’s got a little kick and a whole lot of creamy goodness—it’s a hug for your taste buds!

The dish is served in a white bowl filled with three main layers: the bottom layer is penne pasta coated in a creamy, light orange sauce; the middle layer contains bright green peas and green asparagus pieces scattered evenly; the top layer has golden-brown, crispy tofu cubes, red bell pepper strips, sprinkled with finely chopped green parsley and grated white cheese, and a quarter slice of lime sits on the right edge. A gold fork is placed inside the bowl on the top right side. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a beige cloth with red stripes partially visible in the bottom right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta Recipe is special because it balances the smoky heat of chipotle with a luscious, creamy sauce that feels indulgent but isn’t too heavy. I love how the fresh veggies add a bright crunch making every bite exciting. Plus, it’s easier to make than it looks, which is a win for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Bold Flavor Profile: The chipotle chili pepper brings smoky warmth that wakes up your palate without overwhelming it.
Balanced Creaminess: The sauce blends cheddar and Parmesan with half and half for richness that’s smooth and silky.
Fresh Veggie Crunch: Asparagus and sweet peas add just the right pop of texture and color you’ll actually look forward to eating.
Simple Technique: Despite how fancy it sounds, the steps are straightforward—ideal if you like cooking with clear, no-stress methods.

This dish is served in a white pan filled with penne pasta coated in a creamy, light orange sauce. There are several dark brown, crispy pieces of seasoned chicken scattered on top. Mixed in are small green peas, thin yellow and red bell pepper strips, and green asparagus tips. The pasta is sprinkled with grated white cheese and chopped fresh green herbs. Two lime wedges rest on the side of the pan. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this dish plays a role in building flavor and texture that complements chicken and pasta perfectly. When shopping, pick fresh bell peppers and make sure your chicken breast is tenderized evenly to get those juicy bites. The spice mix blends smoky, earthy, and savory notes that meld beautifully in the creamy sauce.

Flat lay of two medium raw chicken breasts chopped into bite size pieces, a small pile of bright green asparagus pieces chopped into 1-inch lengths, a small mound of uncooked penne pasta, a whole yellow onion with a few pieces chopped next to it, thin slices of red, yellow, and orange bell peppers arranged neatly, several cloves of fresh garlic unpeeled, a small white ceramic bowl with golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl with smooth honey, a small white ceramic bowl with fresh lime juice, a small white ceramic bowl with pale unsalted butter cubes, a small white ceramic bowl containing fine flour, a small white ceramic bowl filled with low sodium chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl with creamy half and half, a small white ceramic bowl with crushed chicken bouillon, a small white ceramic bowl holding dried oregano leaves, a small white ceramic bowl with freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a small pile of frozen petite peas still intact, and a small bunch of fresh bright green parsley leaves, all evenly spaced and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chipotle chili pepper, chili powder: Delivers that signature smoky heat that defines the dish’s kick.
Ground cumin, smoked paprika, onion & garlic powder: These spices layer flavor, adding warmth and depth.
Chicken breasts: Tenderized and cut into bite-size pieces so they cook evenly and soak up flavor.
Olive oil and honey: Used to sear the chicken and create a sticky-sweet glaze that balances the spice.
Lime juice: Adds a bright, zesty counterpoint in both chicken marinade and final sauce.
Asparagus: Blanched to keep its vibrant color and snap, providing freshness to the dish.
Penne pasta: Holds sauce well with its ridges and tube shape – perfect for trapping that creamy chipotle goodness.
Butter and flour: Create the base for a luscious roux to thicken the sauce.
Yellow onion and bell peppers: Cooked until soft and sweet, enhancing the sauce complexity.
Garlic: Just enough for aromatic punch without overpowering.
Chicken broth and bouillon: Build savory richness in the sauce.
Half and half: A creamy liquid that keeps the sauce silky without heaviness; milk with cornstarch works too.
Sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheese: Melted in batches for indulgent flavor and thickness.
Frozen petite peas: Stirred in at the end for pops of sweetness and color.
Optional garnishes (fresh parsley/cilantro, lime juice, Parmesan): Brighten and elevate the final dish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love mixing things up a bit depending on what I have on hand or the mood I’m in. This recipe is forgiving and flexible, so feel free to personalize it! Whether you want it spicier or milder, or if you prefer a different pasta shape, this is a perfect canvas for tweaking flavors the way you like.

Variation: I sometimes swap sweet bell peppers for roasted poblano chiles for even more smoky depth—that extra layer of heat is incredible.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk mixed with cornstarch and dairy-free cheese to keep the creaminess without lactose.
Vegetarian Twist: Skip the chicken and add mushrooms or tofu tossed in the spice mix for a hearty plant-based version.
Extra Veggies: Feel free to add sautéed zucchini or spinach for a green boost.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Spice Mix and Chicken

First things first, whisk together your chipotle chili pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, and the other spices in a small bowl. I always remove about 1 ½ tablespoons of this mix to coat my chicken pieces—getting those bites evenly seasoned is key. Before seasoning, pat the chicken dry with paper towels; it helps them sear beautifully without steaming.

Step 2: Blanching the Asparagus

While the water’s coming to a rolling boil for the pasta, toss in your chopped asparagus. Keep careful track of time—2-3 minutes is perfect for tender-crisp texture. Immediately transfer to an ice water bath to stop the cooking—this keeps that fresh snap and vibrant green color. Trust me, nobody wants soggy asparagus in a creamy pasta.

Step 3: Cooking Pasta & Chicken

Cook the penne until just al dente, then reserve a little pasta water before draining. Toss with a drizzle of olive oil to keep it from sticking. For the chicken, heat olive oil until almost smoking, then sear the pieces in a single layer for 2-3 minutes per side. Once nearly cooked, stir in honey and lime juice to glaze the chicken, giving it a sweet and tangy shine. Remove and set aside with all that goodness—it’s flavor gold.

Step 4: Building the Creamy Chipotle Sauce

In the same pan, wipe it down so no sticky honey burns. Melt butter with olive oil, then sauté chopped onions until translucent and sweet. Add your thinly sliced bell peppers and the remaining spice mix, cooking until softened but still bright. Toss in minced garlic for a quick burst of fragrant goodness. Sprinkle flour evenly and cook it out for a minute to avoid a raw flour taste, then slowly whisk in chicken broth and half and half—this is where the magic happens as it thickens into a luscious sauce.

Step 5: Cheese, Lime & Final Toss

Lower the heat and melt in your sharp cheddar first, stirring gently until smooth, then fold in Parmesan for that nutty bite. Stir in lime juice for balance, then add the chicken, blanched asparagus, and frozen peas to warm them through. Finally, toss in the drained pasta, stirring well so every noodle is coated. If you want a thinner sauce, drizzle a little of the reserved pasta water gradually until it’s just right.

Top Tip

From my kitchen adventures, these tips have made the biggest difference in getting this dish just right and super tasty every time. Don’t skip the ice bath for asparagus—it really locks in that crunch. Also, melting the cheese slowly on low heat makes a silky sauce without clumping.

Dry Chicken Before Seasoning: It helps get a better sear and deeper caramelization.
Reserve Pasta Water: It’s magic for adjusting sauce consistency and helps sauce cling to pasta.
Go Low and Slow with Cheese: Melt cheeses on low heat in batches to avoid grainy textures.
Avoid Overcooking Peas: Add frozen peas right at the end to keep them bright and sweet.

How to Serve Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta Recipe

Spicy Chicken Pasta - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually finish this with freshly grated Parmesan—it’s incredible just before serving. Sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or cilantro lifts the dish with a pop of green and freshness, and a quick squeeze of lime brightens every bite. These simple garnishes turn a great meal into a memorable one.

Side Dishes

For sides, I love a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread is also a classic companion—I often toast a crusty baguette with olive oil and a sprinkle of herbs to soak up any sauce left on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve plated the pasta in shallow bowls with a small mound of fresh baby arugula on top, drizzled with extra lime juice and a little smoky paprika sprinkled around the rim. It looks elegant but stays totally approachable and fun to eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens up but tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. Just give it a good stir and add a little splash of milk or broth when reheating to loosen things up.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen this dish, though I recommend freezing before adding pasta to avoid mushiness. Freeze the chicken, veggies, and sauce in a container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then cook pasta fresh and combine when reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring often with a splash of milk or broth to keep the sauce creamy. Avoid microwaving too long in one spot to prevent the sauce breaking or drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different pasta shape for the Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While penne is the classic choice here due to its ability to hold sauce in its ridges and tubes, feel free to swap with rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle. Just adjust cooking time to package instructions.

How spicy is the Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta Recipe?

The heat level depends on how much chipotle chili pepper you use and your personal tolerance. It offers a smoky moderate heat, but you can always reduce the chips or skip chili powder completely for a milder dish. Adding extra lime juice helps balance heat as well.

Can I make this Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta Recipe dairy-free?

Yes! For a dairy-free version, swap the half and half with coconut milk or almond milk thickened with cornstarch. Use a dairy-free cheese alternative or skip the cheese entirely, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without losing flavor or texture?

Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or broth to keep the sauce creamy. Stir often and avoid microwaving for long stretches as it can dry the sauce out or make it separate. Adding fresh lime juice after reheating refreshes the flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta Recipe holds a special place in my rotation because it’s that perfect blend of cozy and exciting. It’s a dish I’m proud to serve whether it’s just me or a full table of friends. Give it a try and I think you’ll find yourself reaching for it when you want to impress without stressing. Enjoy every smoky, creamy bite!