There’s something incredibly satisfying about the smoky heat paired with a creamy sauce, and that’s exactly what makes this Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe a standout weeknight winner. The flavors are bold but balanced, making every bite cozy and exciting all at once.

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

From the first time I tossed all these ingredients together, I knew this Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe would become a go-to for me. It has the perfect heat level, creamy texture, and fresh veggie pops that keep it from feeling heavy.

Bold, balanced flavors: The chipotle spice gives it just the right smoky kick without overpowering the creamy sauce.
Quick and easy weeknight dinner: You can have this on the table in under an hour without stress.
Customizable and versatile: Whether you want it spicier or milder, add veggies or switch up the pasta shapes, it adapts beautifully.
Comfort food that impresses: Great for family dinners or serving friends—always gets compliments.

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

Each ingredient in this Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe was thoughtfully chosen to create a harmonious blend of smoky, sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors. Plus, picking fresh veggies and quality cheese really elevates the whole dish.

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 pepper, chili powder: Brings that signature smoky heat that defines this dish.
Ground cumin and smoked paprika: Add warm earthiness and deepen the smoky notes.
Onion and garlic powder: Layers of savory aromatics without overpowering the sauce.
Chicken breasts: Tender and juicy, they’re the perfect protein to soak up all the flavors.
Honey and lime juice: Together, they balance the spice with a touch of sweet and bright acidity.
Asparagus: Adds a fresh, crisp bite and vibrant color; don’t skip the blanch-and-ice bath step here!
Penne pasta: Holds the sauce beautifully in its tubes, making every forkful saucy and satisfying.
Butter and olive oil: A combo that gives richness and a smooth base for the sauce.
Yellow onion and bell peppers: The veggie foundation that adds sweetness and texture.
Flour: Creates the roux to thicken the sauce perfectly.
Chicken broth and half and half: The liquid duo that forms a creamy, flavorful sauce base.
Chicken bouillon and oregano: For that extra umami and herby punch.
Sharp cheddar and Parmesan: Cheese lovers’ dream—melts easily to make the sauce cheesy and indulgent.
Frozen petite peas: For a quick pop of color and sweet finish 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

I love tweaking this recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or my mood. It’s a flexible blueprint that lets you dial up the spice or toss in extra veggies — whatever jazzes things up for you.

Spice it up: I sometimes add an extra pinch of chipotle powder or a dash of cayenne for more heat—just make sure to taste as you go!
Dairy-free version: Swap half and half with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a vegan spin that still delivers richness.
Veggie boosts: Roasted zucchini or mushrooms make great add-ins when asparagus is out of season.
Protein swaps: Try shrimp or tofu for a different twist that still soaks up the creamy chipotle sauce beautifully.

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

Step 1: Get your pasta water boiling and prep your spice mix

Start by filling a big pot with water and getting it boiling — this will save you so much time later. While the water heats, whisk together your chipotle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside about 1 ½ tablespoons of this spice mix for the chicken; the rest will season the sauce.

Step 2: Season and cook your chicken

Pat your chopped chicken dry with paper towels — trust me, this makes the sear way better. Toss the pieces with the reserved 1 ½ tablespoons of spice mix. Heat olive oil in your pan until just about smoking, then add the chicken in a single layer. Sear for 2-3 minutes, flip, and cook another 2-3 minutes until just done. Stir in honey and lime juice at the end so the chicken gets that lovely glaze. Transfer to a plate, tucking in all that sticky goodness.

Step 3: Blanch asparagus and cook pasta

Get your asparagus into the boiling pasta water for 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender. Quickly transfer it to a bowl of ice water (if you want vibrant, snappy pieces) to stop the cooking. Next, cook your pasta al dente in the same water, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Toss the pasta with a little olive oil to keep it from sticking, then set aside.

Step 4: Sauté your veggies and build the sauce

Melt butter and olive oil in a clean pan over medium-high heat. Throw in chopped onion and sauté for about 4 minutes until fragrant and soft. Add sliced bell peppers and the remaining spice mix, cooking for another 2 minutes. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds, careful not to let it burn. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the veggies and stir for 1 minute to cook out the raw flavor.

Step 5: Finish the creamy chipotle sauce

Turn the heat down to low, then slowly whisk in chicken broth and half and half. Stir in chicken bouillon and oregano. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium-high, stirring often, until it thickens up nice and creamy. Reduce the heat and gradually stir in shredded sharp cheddar and Parmesan until melted through — this is the magic that makes the sauce so irresistibly creamy.

Step 6: Combine everything and season to taste

Stir lime juice into the sauce, then fold in the cooked chicken, asparagus, peas (straight from frozen works great here), and the pasta. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch more chipotle chili powder if you want to punch up the heat. If you find the sauce too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until you get the perfect consistency.

Step 7: Garnish and serve

Finish with extra grated Parmesan, fresh parsley or cilantro, and a little squeeze of lime—this brightens up the smoky flavors wonderfully.

Top Tip

Having made this Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe multiple times, I’ve learned a few things that can really help you nail it on your first try and every time after.

Pat chicken dry for a better sear: It helps create that golden crust instead of steaming the meat.
Don’t skip the ice bath for asparagus: It locks in that vibrant color and keeps the texture crisp without overcooking.
Whisk the sauce slowly: Adding broth and half and half gradually ensures a smooth, lump-free sauce every time.
Adjust the heat last: The chipotle flavor can vary, so season gradually to keep it from getting too spicy too fast.

How to Serve Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe

spicy chipotle chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I keep it simple but fresh: a sprinkle of Parmesan, a sprig of cilantro or parsley, and a drizzle of fresh lime juice really lift the dish. The citrus cut through the richness and adds a lively finish I just adore.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or even some roasted vegetables. A side of garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce—trust me, you won't want to leave a drop behind.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this pasta in individual ramekins or pretty bowls topped with a lime wedge and a touch of microgreens for a fresh touch. It’s a simple step that makes the meal feel a bit more festive without adding fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you reheat, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce because it tends to thicken when chilled. It reheats beautifully and maintains its flavor.

Freezing

This recipe freezes decently, but I recommend freezing the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta to avoid mushiness. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then gently reheat on the stovetop.

Reheating

Low and slow on the stovetop is your friend here. Stir often and add a little liquid if the sauce needs loosening. Microwaving works, but be sure to cover and stir halfway through to reheat evenly without drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How spicy is the Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe?

The level of spice is moderate and smoky thanks to the chipotle chili pepper. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less chipotle powder or cayenne pepper, depending on your preference.

Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne works best to hold the creamy sauce inside each piece, other short pastas like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle would work wonderfully too. Just pasta that holds sauce well is ideal.

What can I substitute for half and half if I don’t have it?

You can substitute half and half with milk mixed with 1 tablespoon cornstarch or evaporated milk with 2 teaspoons cornstarch to help thicken the sauce. Coconut milk is another option, especially if you want a dairy-free version.

How do I keep the asparagus crisp in the pasta?

Blanch the asparagus in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately transfer it to an ice water bath to stop cooking. This locks in the vibrant color and keeps it crisp tender instead of soft and mushy.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about the creamy, smoky, and slightly sweet notes in this Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe that just makes me smile every time I make it. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for any night of the week. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—friends and family will definitely be asking for seconds!