If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with smoky heat, creamy texture, and just the right amount of kick, then you’re going to love this Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish blends tender chicken with that irresistible chipotle flavor, wrapped in a luscious cheesy sauce that clings beautifully to every piece of penne pasta. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find it hard to go back to plain pasta dishes. Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold, smoky chipotle flavor: It gives the dish a smoky, spicy depth that’s absolutely addictive.
Creamy, cheesy sauce: Velvety and rich, it hugs every piece of pasta and velvets the veggies and chicken.
Balanced spice level: You get warmth and heat without it being overpowering — perfect for spice lovers and anyone new to chipotle.
Family-friendly but fancy enough for guests: This dish is a crowd-pleaser whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

A white bowl holds creamy penne pasta mixed with bright green peas and pieces of green beans, scattered throughout to add freshness. There are several golden-brown, crispy cubes of tofu evenly spread over the pasta, adding texture and color contrast. Thin strips of red bell pepper peek through around the bowl, adding a bright pop of red. The dish is topped with finely chopped green herbs and finely grated cheese, which lightly covers the pasta and tofu. A wedge of lime rests on the side inside the bowl. A gold fork is stuck upright in the bowl, angled toward the right. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface with a bit of a textured beige cloth beside it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta, spicy chicken pasta dish, smoky chipotle pasta, creamy chipotle chicken recipe, easy spicy pasta idea

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here works in harmony to build layers of flavor, texture, and color. I like to pick fresh asparagus that’s crisp and bright, and quality sharp cheddar really makes the sauce pop. The spice mix is where the magic happens—simple yet oh-so-powerful.

Flat lay of two medium raw chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces, a few fresh asparagus stalks chopped into 1-inch pieces, a small bunch of whole fresh garlic cloves, one yellow onion roughly chopped, a white ceramic bowl with thinly sliced red and yellow bell peppers, a small white bowl of chipotle chili powder mixed with ground cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, a few whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of golden honey, a small white bowl of fresh lime juice, a small white bowl of olive oil, a small white bowl of unsalted butter cubes, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of low sodium chicken broth, a small white bowl of half and half, a small white bowl of dried oregano, a small white bowl of granulated chicken bouillon, a small white bowl of freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a small white bowl of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a small white bowl of frozen petite peas, and one cup of dry penne pasta, 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 - Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta, spicy chicken pasta dish, smoky chipotle pasta, creamy chipotle chicken recipe, easy spicy pasta idea

Chipotle chili pepper, chili powder: This is the smoky backbone of the spice mix, giving the dish its signature heat and flavor.
Ground cumin: Adds earthy warmth to the spice blend, balancing the heat from chipotle.
Smoked paprika: Enhances the smoky profile without adding more heat—great for depth.
Onion powder & garlic powder: These keep the flavor savory and full-bodied without overpowering the chicken.
Salt and pepper: Basic but essential for seasoning everything just right.
Chicken breasts: I recommend pounding them out so they cook evenly and stay tender.
Olive oil: For searing and sautéing, go for the good quality extra virgin kind if you can.
Honey: Balances the heat with a touch of sweetness—it’s a game changer in the glaze.
Lime juice: Brightens flavors and adds that fresh, zesty snap.
Asparagus: Adds a fresh, crisp bite and beautiful color contrast.
Penne pasta: Perfect shape for holding onto the sauce in every crevice.
Unsalted butter: Butter builds richness in the sauce—don’t skip it.
Yellow onion and bell peppers: These soften and sweeten, adding great texture and aroma.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the sauce a lovely punch.
Flour: Used to thicken the sauce, make sure you cook it well before adding liquids.
Chicken broth (low sodium): Adds savory depth—homemade or store-bought is fine.
Half and half (or milk with cornstarch): For creamy texture without heaviness.
Chicken bouillon: An umami booster—you can adjust if your broth is very flavorful.
Dried oregano: Just a hint for herbaceous brightness.
Sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses: The cheesy duo makes the sauce irresistibly rich and melty.
Frozen petite peas: Add a pop of sweetness and color, no thawing needed.

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.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own depending on the season or what’s in my pantry. Don’t hesitate to tweak it according to what you enjoy or what you have on hand—this Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta Recipe is pretty forgiving and great for customization.

Spicy variation: When I want more heat, I add extra chipotle chili powder and a dash of cayenne pepper—to the delight (and sometimes surprise) of my family!
Vegetarian option: Swap chicken for roasted mushrooms or grilled tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. I’ve tried this for friends and it still satisfies big appetites.
Dairy-free variation: Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of half and half, and nutritional yeast in place of cheese. It still turns out creamy with a delicious smoky flavor.
Seasonal twist: In the fall, I swap asparagus for roasted butternut squash or Brussels sprouts—it brings a cozy vibe without losing that chipotle punch.

How to Make Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prepping to set yourself up for success

First things first, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil—this is for your pasta (and later, the asparagus). While that’s heating up, whisk together your spice mix in a small bowl. I always set aside a bit of that mix to coat the chicken separately—this keeps the flavors layered and vibrant. Pat your chopped chicken dry with a paper towel; this helps it sear up nicely without steaming.

Step 2: Blanching the asparagus perfectly

I love to add fresh asparagus for its crisp bite and color. Once your pasta water is boiling and salted generously, drop in the asparagus and let it cook for just 2-3 minutes until tender crisp. Then, plunge it into an ice bath right away. This simple trick stops the cooking and locks in that beautiful vibrant green and crunch, which adds a lovely textural contrast in the finished dish.

Step 3: Mastering the pasta and chicken

Cook your penne pasta just until al dente—cooked but still firm to the bite. Reserve half a cup of this pasta water before draining; this starchy water is gold for adjusting the sauce consistency later. After draining, toss the pasta with a bit of olive oil to keep it from sticking. For the chicken, heat olive oil in a heavy pan until it’s shimmering, then sear your seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. Take your time here: about 2-3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Right after cooking, stir in honey and lime juice to glaze the chicken—this sweet, tangy coat makes the dish pop. Transfer the chicken to a plate, including all the yummy glaze, and wipe your pan clean to avoid burning the honey in the next steps.

Step 4: Building layers in the creamy chipotle sauce

Use the same pan to melt butter with olive oil—this combo gives the sauce a rich base. Sauté onions for about 4 minutes until softened, then add sliced bell peppers along with the reserved spice mix. This is where you’ll really smell that chipotle shine. After 2 minutes, toss in the minced garlic for a quick 30-second sauté—watch carefully so it doesn’t brown and turn bitter.

Sprinkle the flour over the veggies and stir it through for about a minute—this cooks off the raw flour taste and starts to thicken the sauce. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and then the half and half, stirring constantly as the sauce heats. Add chicken bouillon granules and oregano for that extra savory punch. Bring everything to a gentle simmer while stirring often until thickened—this is when the magic starts happening!

Step 5: Cheese, assembly, and final seasoning

Reduce heat to low and add the sharp cheddar in batches, stirring until melted before adding the Parmesan. Sometimes, I let the sauce sit on low heat for a couple of minutes to make sure everything gets melty and smooth.

Now comes the fun part—stir in lime juice, along with your cooked chicken, blanched asparagus, and frozen petite peas (no need to thaw). Finally, toss in that perfectly cooked pasta. Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or even a pinch more chipotle chili powder if you want it spicier. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water little by little until you get the consistency you love.

This step-by-step method has helped me nail this dish every time, and I’m sure it will for you too!

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta Recipe

Dry your chicken well: Patting the chicken dry before seasoning helps it sear beautifully instead of steaming.
Don’t skip the ice bath: Quickly cooling your asparagus after blanching preserves its snap and fresh color.
Reserve pasta water: The starchy water is perfect for loosening your sauce if it gets too thick.
Wipe the pan before making sauce: This prevents burnt honey flavor and keeps your sauce clean and smooth.

How to Serve Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta Recipe

This image shows a close-up of a white bowl filled with creamy pasta. The pasta is penne, coated in a smooth, light orange sauce. Mixed in are crispy, golden-brown cubes of tofu or a similar protein, scattered evenly on top and throughout the pasta. Bright green peas and yellow bell pepper strips add pops of color and texture. The dish is garnished with finely chopped fresh parsley and a light sprinkle of grated white cheese, giving a fresh and appetizing look. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with a gold spoon partially visible on the left side photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta, spicy chicken pasta dish, smoky chipotle pasta, creamy chipotle chicken recipe, easy spicy pasta idea

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro—it adds a fresh herbal note that brightens up all that creamy richness. A quick squeeze of lime juice at the end really pulls the flavors together and adds just the perfect zing. Try adding a few crushed red pepper flakes if you want to amp up the heat just before serving.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are simple to complement the bold pasta: a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread for soaking up that delicious sauce. Roasted vegetables like carrots or zucchini also make a great addition, especially in seasons when asparagus isn’t available.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like to plate this pasta in shallow bowls, drizzling a little extra olive oil around and topping with a sprig of fresh cilantro or chive stalks. Serving with lime wedges on the side adds a lovely interactive element—everyone can add their desired amount of brightness. Layering roasted cherry tomatoes on top also adds a gorgeous pop of color and sweetness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, but the sauce can thicken, so when reheating, I add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it back up.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pasta twice with success—store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw overnight in the fridge. Note that the texture of the asparagus might soften a bit after freezing, so if you want to keep the veggie texture crisp, add fresh asparagus when reheating.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often and adding a little broth or milk if the sauce has thickened or dried out. You can also use the microwave, but just be sure to add a splash of liquid and heat in short bursts to prevent drying.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While penne is great because of its shape and ability to hold sauce, you can use rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle. Just adjust cooking time according to the pasta’s package instructions.
How spicy is this recipe?

This dish has a moderate heat level. The chipotle chili pepper adds a smoky warmth rather than sharp heat. You can easily adjust the spice by adding more chipotle powder or balancing it with extra honey or dairy.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes, you can make the creamy chipotle sauce a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Reheat gently on the stove before combining it with the pasta and chicken to maintain the perfect consistency.
What can I substitute for half and half?

Half and half can be swapped with whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of cornstarch to thicken, evaporated milk with cornstarch, or even cream if you want it richer. For dairy-free, coconut milk or cashew cream works well.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites for good reason—it’s quick enough for weeknights but indulgent enough to impress. I remember the first time I made it, my family went crazy over the smoky, cheesy goodness combined with the little pops of asparagus and peas. Give it a try and make it yours with the variations I shared. I’m confident once you taste it, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your regular rotation just like I do.