Description
Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta is a flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, smoky chipotle peppers, and creamy sauce with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a quick and easy meal with a kick, ideal for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
- Pasta: Penne or fusilli are recommended, though whole wheat pasta is an option for a healthier version.
- Chipotle Peppers: Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are ideal for their smoky flavor and moderate heat. Dried chipotle peppers can also be used after rehydrating them.
- Fresh Herbs: Basil or parsley for a vibrant, fresh flavor.
- Dried Herbs: Use in place of fresh herbs or combine for balanced flavor.
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper.
- Sauté the chicken until it’s fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet, let it rest, and then slice or shred it.
- Prepare the Pasta:
- While the chicken is cooking, boil water in a large pot and cook the pasta (penne or fusilli) according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
- Make the Chipotle Sauce:
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, add chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until they become soft and fragrant.
- Add chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce or rehydrated dried chipotle peppers for the smoky, spicy flavor.
- Stir in chicken broth and cream to create a rich sauce.
- Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and thicken.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, mixing it with the sauce until well coated.
- Stir in the sliced or shredded chicken, ensuring everything is well combined.
- Add Finishing Touches:
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- For extra richness, sprinkle grated cheese (cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack) over the top and let it melt into the pasta.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with freshly chopped herbs (basil or parsley) and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Optionally, serve with additional grated cheese or fresh cilantro.
Notes
If you want to control the spiciness of the dish, start by adding a small amount of chipotle peppers and gradually increase to your desired heat level. You can also remove the seeds from the peppers to reduce the intensity while still enjoying the smoky flavor.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: Sauté and Simmer
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg