Irresistible Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta (Copycat) Recipe

There’s something magical about a plate of Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta that makes your taste buds dance and your heart sing! Imagine twirling perfectly cooked pasta around your fork, enveloped in a creamy, spicy sauce that teases your palate with smoky chipotle undertones. The aroma wafts through the air, promising deliciousness that will have you diving into seconds before you’ve even finished your first bowl.

This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with warmth, nostalgia, and the kind of comfort that only comes from home-cooked goodness. Picture this: a cozy evening with friends gathered around the table, laughter echoing as everyone digs into their plates of this flavorful delight. Trust me, once you try this Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta (Copycat), it will become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients for Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta (Copycat)

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work nicely here; adjust based on how many hungry mouths you’re feeding.
• Pasta: I recommend penne or fusilli for their ability to hold onto that delicious sauce.
• Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: These little gems provide smokiness and heat; use one or two depending on your spice tolerance.
• Heavy Cream: This creamy goodness transforms our dish into a luscious experience; don’t skimp on it!
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add aromatic depth; go for at least three cloves for maximum flavor.

For the Sauce:

• Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth helps control salt levels while keeping things juicy and flavorful.
• Onion: A sweet yellow onion adds sweetness; sauté until translucent for the best results.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds brightness and freshness; sprinkle it generously before serving.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta (Copycat)

Let’s break down this culinary adventure into easy-to-follow phases that lead us straight to pasta paradise!

Sautéing the Chicken

Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering like a sunny day, add your seasoned chicken breasts. Cook them for about six to seven minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know they’re ready when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and smell heavenly!

Creating Flavorful Aromatics

Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and let it rest while you throw in chopped onions and minced garlic into the same pan. Sauté them until they’re soft and fragrant—about three minutes should do the trick! The aroma will have you dreaming about what’s coming next.

Building the Sauce

Now comes the fun part! Add those beautiful chipotle peppers along with some adobo sauce to your onion-garlic mixture. Stir it all together for another minute until everything melds beautifully. Then pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, mixing well until combined. Let this simmer gently for about five minutes until slightly thickened.

Tossing It All Together

While your sauce is bubbling away, cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente—about eight to ten minutes usually does it. Drain it but reserve a bit of pasta water just in case we need to loosen things up later! Now toss your pasta into that dreamy chipotle sauce along with sliced chicken, stirring gently to coat everything evenly.

Finishing Touches

Finally, sprinkle fresh cilantro over your masterpiece just before serving—it adds color and a burst of freshness! If you want extra heat or flavor, feel free to drizzle more adobo sauce on top. Serve immediately while it’s hot and bubbly—perfect for impressing anyone at dinner!

And there you have it: an irresistible plate of Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta (Copycat) that’s bound to win hearts—and stomachs! Enjoy every bite as you bask in culinary glory!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken in a hot pan until golden brown. While it’s cooking, boil your pasta in salted water and prepare the chipotle sauce. This multitasking ensures everything is perfectly timed and delicious by the end of your culinary adventure.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian twist. Add extra veggies like bell peppers or spinach for more nutrition. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top elevates the dish, giving it a vibrant finish that’s Instagram-worthy!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to keep it creamy and luscious.

Sharing this recipe reminds me of my friend’s dinner party where I introduced them to spicy chicken chipotle pasta (copycat). The moment they took their first bite, I knew I had won their hearts—and stomachs!

FAQs:

What ingredients do I need for Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta (Copycat)?

To make Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta (Copycat), gather the following ingredients: penne pasta, chicken breast, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, heavy cream, garlic, onion, bell peppers, and spices like paprika and cumin. You’ll also need olive oil and fresh cilantro for garnish. This combination creates a creamy and flavorful dish that replicates the restaurant experience right at home. Don’t forget to have salt and pepper on hand to enhance the flavors as you cook.

How long does it take to prepare Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta (Copycat)?

Preparing Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta (Copycat) typically takes about 30 to 40 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping your ingredients, followed by a cooking time of approximately 20 to 30 minutes. This makes it a quick weeknight meal or an impressive dish for entertaining guests. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious pasta dish on the table in no time.

Can I make Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta (Copycat) ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta (Copycat) ahead of time. To do this, cook the pasta and sauce separately, then combine them just before serving. If you store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator, they will stay fresh for up to three days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently while cooking the pasta again if needed. This way, you can enjoy a flavorful meal without the hassle of cooking from scratch each time.

What can I serve with Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta (Copycat)?

For a complete meal with your Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta (Copycat), consider serving it with a side salad or garlic bread. A crisp green salad with vinaigrette will balance out the spicy flavors of the pasta. Alternatively, garlic bread complements the dish beautifully and adds a comforting touch. You might also pair it with roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli for an extra serving of greens.

Conclusion for Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta (Copycat):

In summary, making Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta (Copycat) is simple and rewarding. This dish combines tender chicken with a creamy chipotle sauce over perfectly cooked pasta, offering rich flavors that satisfy any craving. By following this recipe, you can recreate your favorite restaurant-style meal at home quickly and easily. Enjoy it as a weeknight dinner or serve it at gatherings for an impressive yet easy-to-make option everyone will love.

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Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta (Copycat)

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta is a flavor-packed dish that combines tender chicken and al dente pasta with a creamy, smoky chipotle sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this recipe is quick and easy to prepare while delivering a delightful kick that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 8 oz penne or fusilli pasta
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook seasoned chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove and let rest.
2. In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant (about 3 minutes).
3. Add minced chipotle peppers and adobo sauce; stir for 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Let simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. While the sauce simmers, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain, reserving some pasta water.
5. Toss the cooked pasta with the chipotle sauce and sliced chicken, ensuring everything is coated evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water as needed.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 400g)
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: - For a vegetarian twist, substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu. - Enhance nutrition by adding bell peppers or spinach. - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat gently on low heat.