There’s something so irresistible about the smoky heat and creamy texture coming together in this Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s like the perfect cozy hug on a plate, with just enough kick to keep things exciting. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.

A white bowl filled with creamy orange pasta that has green peas and green asparagus mixed in. On top, there are several browned, crispy pieces of small round meat scattered around with thin red pepper strips. The dish is sprinkled with green herbs and white grated cheese. On the right side inside the bowl, there is a wedge of lime next to the pasta. A golden spoon is placed inside the bowl leaning on the right edge. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with part of a beige cloth with red stripes showing at 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 Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to weeknight dinners because it balances bold flavor with straightforward cooking steps. Plus, it’s loaded with veggies and gooey cheese—a total crowd pleaser.

Bold smoky flavor: The chipotle chili brings a smoky, spicy note that’s deep but not overpowering.
Comforting creamy sauce: The cheese-laden sauce is perfectly rich, wrapping every bite in warmth.
Fresh veggie balance: Asparagus and peas add just the right pop of fresh texture and color.
Easy to customize: You can tweak the heat level or swap veggies to make it your own.

This image shows a close-up of a large white pan filled with creamy penne pasta mixed with green peas, sliced red and yellow bell peppers, and small green asparagus pieces. On top, there are several browned, crispy pieces of meat-like chunks evenly spread across the pasta. The dish is sprinkled with grated cheese and finely chopped green herbs, adding texture and color. Two lime wedges sit on the edge of the pan, adding a fresh green touch. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe works because every ingredient plays a key role, from the smoky spices to the creamy cheese blend. Choosing the right components ensures you get fantastic flavor and texture in each bite.

Flat lay of fresh whole chicken breasts, two brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red chipotle chili powder, a small white ceramic bowl with ground cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder mixed, a few sprigs of fresh parsley and cilantro, a fresh yellow onion with papery skin partially peeled, thinly sliced red and yellow bell peppers arranged neatly on a simple white ceramic plate, a handful of fresh green asparagus cut into 1-inch pieces, a small white ceramic bowl filled with frozen petite peas, a small white ceramic bowl with golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl with clear lime juice, a small white ceramic bowl with smooth unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl of fine white flour, a pile of uncooked penne pasta, a small white ceramic bowl of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of grated Parmesan cheese, and a small white ceramic bowl with low sodium chicken broth, all 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 powder: Adds smoky heat without tasting too fiery or harsh.
Ground cumin & smoked paprika: Boost depth and warmth, complementing the chipotle beautifully.
Chicken breasts: Pounded and chopped for even cooking and easy bite-sized pieces.
Honey & lime juice: Creates a tangy-sweet glaze for the chicken that balances the spice.
Penne pasta: Sturdy enough to hold the creamy sauce and perfect for soaking up every bit of flavor.
Asparagus: Adds fresh crunch and bright color, quick blanched to keep that snap.
Yellow onion & bell peppers: Build a sweet and savory base for the sauce.
Garlic: Pungent and aromatic—it’s a must-have for that rich savory backbone.
Flour: Thickens the sauce perfectly without turning it gummy.
Chicken broth & bouillon: Infuse deeper meaty flavor into the sauce.
Half and half (or milk/cornstarch combo): Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy while keeping it light.
Cheddar & Parmesan cheese: Sharpness and nuttiness come together to make the sauce irresistibly cheesy.
Frozen petite peas: A quick pop of bright sweetness and extra veggies without extra prep.

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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

One of the best things about this Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I love swapping in whatever veggies I have on hand, and you can dial the heat up or down depending on your spice tolerance.

Variation: I once added sautéed mushrooms and swapped asparagus for broccoli for a heartier feel—it still came out fantastic!
Dairy-free tweak: Try coconut milk and vegan cheese alternatives for a creamy plant-based dish that still packs flavor.
Vegetarian option: Swap chicken for grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas to keep it protein-packed but meatless.

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

Step 1: Prep your pasta water and spice mix

Start by heating a large pot of water for your pasta and seasoning it generously with salt—this is your first layer of pasta flavor. Meanwhile, whisk together the chipotle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Scoop out 1 ½ tablespoons of this spice mix to season the chicken separately—saving the rest for your sauce. Having your spices ready makes the process much smoother once you start cooking.

Step 2: Season and cook the chicken

Pat the chopped chicken dry with paper towels—that helps it sear beautifully instead of steaming. Toss it with your reserved spice mix. Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until it starts to shimmer, then cook the chicken in a single layer for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden and just cooked through. Stir in honey and lime juice at the end to create a glossy, tangy glaze. Transfer the chicken and all the glaze to a plate, then wipe out the pan to avoid burning your sauce base.

Step 3: Blanch asparagus and cook pasta

Throw your asparagus into the boiling salted water and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp. Quickly transfer it to a bowl of ice water to keep that perfect bright green color and snap. In the same water, cook your penne pasta until just al dente, save a half cup of pasta water, then drain. Toss the pasta with a drizzle of olive oil to keep it from sticking and set aside.

Step 4: Build the creamy chipotle sauce

Sauté onions and bell peppers in butter and olive oil until soft and sweet, then add the remaining chipotle spice mix and sauté briefly with garlic—this step fills your kitchen with that irresistible warming aroma. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for a minute to avoid any raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and half and half, adding your bouillon and oregano for depth. Let the sauce thicken while you stir lovingly.

Step 5: Melt in the cheeses and combine everything

Turn the heat down to low and add sharp cheddar in batches, stirring until smooth. Follow up with Parmesan for nuttiness. Then stir in lime juice, peas, asparagus, and your gorgeous glazed chicken. Finally, fold in the pasta, seasoning with salt, pepper, and a pinch more chipotle if you want it extra spicy. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a splash at a time until you get the perfect silky consistency.

Top Tip

When I first made this Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe, I found that seasoning the chicken early and whipping up the spice blend myself made all the difference. Here are a few tips that helped me nail the flavor and texture every time.

Dry the chicken well: Moisture is the enemy of a good sear—pat your chicken pieces dry before seasoning for the best crust.
Don’t rush sauce thickening: Let the sauce simmer low and slow—it’ll reward you with perfect creaminess without lumps.
Reserve pasta water: This starchy liquid is magic for loosening the sauce without watering down flavor.
Adjust heat carefully: Start with less chipotle and add more at the end if you want your pasta spicier—it’s easier to add heat than take it away.

How to Serve Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe

Spicy Chipotle Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping this pasta with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan for that extra cheesy hit. Adding chopped fresh parsley or cilantro brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh herbal note. A little squeeze of lime juice just before serving lifts all the flavors beautifully, giving it that fresh pop.

Side Dishes

For sides, I usually go simple with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette or a garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. Roasted sweet potatoes or corn on the cob make great pairings too, especially if you’re serving this at a casual dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’ve made this Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe for friends, I sometimes serve it family-style in a colorful cast iron skillet right at the table—everyone loves serving themselves a hearty portion straight from the pan. Garnishes like lime wedges or an avocado salad on the side make it feel extra festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it cools, so if it feels a bit dry when reheating, a splash of milk or broth helps bring it back to life.

Freezing

This pasta freezes pretty well if you want to make it in advance. Just cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring frequently and adding a little reserved pasta water or milk to keep the sauce silky. Microwaving works too, just pause to stir every minute or two to keep it even.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce and chicken separately and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before assembling. Just reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta to keep the texture fresh.

How spicy is this recipe?

The recipe has a moderate level of spiciness from the chipotle chili powder, giving it a smoky heat without overwhelming your palate. You can easily adjust the amount of chipotle to make it milder or spicier depending on your preference.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne is suggested because it holds the sauce well, you can substitute with rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to keep it al dente.

What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Microwaving works too, just stir intermittently for even heating.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe has become a total favorite in my kitchen—it’s got that perfect combination of smoky, spicy, creamy, and fresh that makes every dinner something to look forward to. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do. Don’t be surprised if it ends up as your new weeknight staple!