There’s something about the smoky heat paired with creamy pasta that just hits the spot, and that’s exactly why I’m excited to share this Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta Recipe with you. It’s rich, comforting, and has just the right kick to make dinner feel like a special occasion any night of the week.

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

I can tell you from personal experience that this dish is a game changer when you want comforting pasta that doesn’t feel heavy or boring. The chipotle chili gives it a smoky spiciness that wakes up your taste buds while the creamy sauce soothes and satisfies.

A perfect balance of flavors: Smoky chipotle heat, tangy lime, sweet honey, and creamy cheese all rolled into one dish.
Simple but impressive: You don’t need a fancy pantry to make it, but it looks and tastes like you spent hours.
Flexible for your kitchen: Easy to tweak with veggies or spice levels to suit your taste and what’s on hand.
Comfort food with a kick: It’s hearty yet bright—perfect for a cozy night when you want something flavorful and satisfying.

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

Each ingredient in this Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta Recipe plays a role—whether it’s building the smoky heat, adding richness, or bringing freshness. I always suggest grabbing quality chicken breasts and fresh veggies for the best results, but the spices are what really make this dish sing.

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: The star of the spice mix, it gives that signature smoky, spicy flavor you don’t get with regular chili powder.
Ground cumin & smoked paprika: These warm spices add depth and earthiness that complement the chipotle perfectly.
Chicken breasts: Tender, bite-sized pieces cook quickly and soak up the glaze and sauce beautifully.
Honey & lime juice: The sweet and tangy combo around the chicken balances out the heat with brightness and a touch of caramelization.
Asparagus: Adds crisp freshness and a slight bite, but feel free to swap or add other greens you love.
Penne pasta: The tube shape holds onto the luscious sauce so every bite is bursting with flavor.
Yellow onion & bell peppers: Bring natural sweetness and texture that soften perfectly in the creamy sauce.
Garlic: Always a flavor booster—and this recipe never holds back on it!
Flour, butter & olive oil: These magic ingredients come together to make the sauce silky and thick without heaviness.
Chicken broth & chicken bouillon: Add savory umami depth without overpowering the sauce.
Half and half (or milk with cornstarch): Keeps the sauce creamy and smooth but lighter than heavy cream.
Sharp cheddar & Parmesan: Two cheeses kind of steal the show here—cheddar gives richness and tang, while Parmesan adds salty, nutty notes.
Frozen petite peas: A little burst of sweetness and color that brighten the dish right at the end.

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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 things I love most about this Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to fit your preferences or what’s in the fridge. Don’t be afraid to make it your own—it’s all about what you enjoy!

Extra heat: I sometimes add more chipotle chili or toss in a pinch of cayenne if I’m really craving some fire. Just watch your spice tolerance so it doesn't overpower the other flavors.
Veggie swap: Broccoli, green beans, or zucchini work beautifully instead of asparagus—just adjust the cooking time for tenderness.
Dairy-free option: Swap the half and half and cheeses for coconut cream and nutritional yeast or vegan cheeses—you’ll still get creaminess with a little different vibe.
Protein alternatives: This sauce pairs well with shrimp, tofu, or even just roasted veggies if you prefer going meatless.

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

Step 1: Prep the Pasta Water and Spice Mix

Start by getting your pasta water boiling—that way everything cooks smoothly without waiting. While it heats, I whisk together all the spices (chipotle, cumin, smoked paprika, onion and garlic powders, salt, and pepper). Then I scoop out 1½ tablespoons of that mix to coat the chicken. This little step saves time and ensures that smoky flavor hits every bite.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

After chopping the chicken into bite-sized pieces, I always pat them dry before tossing with the chipotle spice mix — it really helps that spice stick. Heat olive oil in a cast-iron braiser or heavy skillet over medium-high, then add chicken in a single layer. Let it sear without moving for about 2-3 minutes, then flip and cook until done. Finish by stirring in honey and lime juice for a glossy, tangy glaze. Don’t skip wiping out the pan afterward because you want a clean skillet for the sauce to shine without the honey burning.

Step 3: Blanch the Asparagus and Cook Pasta

While the chicken is cooking, drop the asparagus into the boiling salted pasta water for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Immediately dunk into an ice bath to keep that vibrant color and crispness. Then cook your penne pasta until just al dente. Don’t forget to save some pasta water before draining; I use it later to adjust the sauce's consistency.

Step 4: Sauté the Veggies and Make the Sauce

In the same pan you wiped clean, melt butter with olive oil, then add onions to cook until translucent. Toss in bell peppers along with the remaining spice mix and cook until just softened. Garlic gets added last for a quick sauté — you want it fragrant but not burnt. Sprinkle in flour and cook briefly to get rid of that raw taste, then slowly whisk in chicken broth and half and half to build a silky sauce base. Add chicken bouillon and oregano, simmer to thicken, stirring until just right.

Step 5: Melt in Cheeses and Combine Everything

Lower the heat and gradually stir in sharp cheddar and Parmesan until fully melted and smooth. This step takes patience and low heat to avoid clumping. Then fold in lime juice, cooked chicken, asparagus, frozen peas (right out of the freezer works best for crispness), and finally the pasta. Season to your liking with salt, pepper, or more chipotle chili if you want an extra kick. If the sauce feels too thick, loosen it up with the reserved pasta water a little at a time.

Top Tip

From cooking this dish countless times, I’ve learned how little tweaks make a big difference in flavor and texture. The trick is balancing the smoky heat with the sweeter and tangy elements so nothing overshadows the rest.

Pat chicken dry: Keeps your meat from steaming, helping it brown beautifully for extra flavor.
Use ice bath for asparagus: This stops the cooking quickly and preserves that fresh snap and color.
Low heat for melted cheese: Avoids grainy sauce—be patient and let it melt slowly into creamy perfection.
Reserve pasta water: Helps loosen the sauce just the right amount without watering it down.

How to Serve Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta Recipe

Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually finish this pasta with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan for extra umami, a handful of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley to brighten things up, and a quick squeeze of lime juice that lifts all those smoky, creamy flavors. It’s simple but makes the dish pop and feel complete.

Side Dishes

I love serving it with a crisp green salad tossed in a light citrus vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread on the side to mop up every bit of that luscious sauce. A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc balances the spice beautifully, too.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special gathering, I’ve layered the pasta in individual shallow bowls, garnished with edible flowers and microgreens—it adds such a pretty touch! Alternatively, serving it in a creamy pasta pot at the table so everyone can dig in family-style creates a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always recommend storing extras separate from garnishes like fresh herbs or lime wedges to keep everything fresh until serving.

Freezing

Freezing is possible but cheese sauces sometimes change texture after thawing. If you plan to freeze, I suggest undercooking the pasta slightly and freezing portions of just the sauce and chicken separately, then recombining them when reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the pasta over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of milk or broth to help loosen the sauce. Microwaving works in a pinch—just stir every 30 seconds to keep it creamy and prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! While penne works great because it holds the sauce nicely, feel free to switch to rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti depending on what you have. Just consider cooking times for different shapes.

What if I don’t have chipotle chili pepper?

If you don’t have chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika combined with a touch of cayenne pepper can approximate the smoky heat. However, chipotle has a unique smoky, earthy flavor that really makes the dish special.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Replace the chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh. Use non-dairy milk thickened with cornstarch and vegan cheeses or nutritional yeast to maintain creaminess and flavor. Adjust seasonings to your preference.

How spicy is this Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta Recipe?

This recipe has a medium level of heat thanks to the chipotle chili pepper, balanced by creamy cheese and sweet honey. You can always adjust the amount of chipotle or add extra cayenne to increase heat to your liking.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta Recipe has become one of those go-to dishes in my kitchen when I want something with bold flavor but minimal fuss. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels both cozy and a little adventurous. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—don’t forget to share your tweaks and delicious results!