I still remember the day my friend Sarah and I tried to recreate a dish we had at a tiny Mexican restaurant – something smoky, spicy, and utterly comforting; after many hilarious (and messy) attempts, we landed on a version that became a staple: Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole. From that beautiful mess, my take on Smoky Chipotle Cheesy Chicken Pasta was born, and it’s just as satisfying and easy to make. I promise you, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone begging for seconds.
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Smoky Chipotle Cheesy Chicken Pasta
Okay, bestie, let’s get real. We all crave those meals that are both incredibly delicious and incredibly easy to throw together, right? This Smoky Chipotle Cheesy Chicken Pasta hits both marks perfectly. Here’s why I think you’ll be obsessed:
- It’s Flavor-Packed: We’re talking smoky chipotle peppers, creamy cheese, and tender chicken all mingling together in perfect harmony. The flavor combination is truly addictive.
- It’s Quick and Easy: Seriously, this comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- It’s Customizable: Want to kick up the heat? Add more chipotle peppers! Prefer a different cheese? Go for it! This recipe is your canvas.
- It’s Comfort Food at Its Finest: There’s just something about cheesy pasta that’s so comforting and satisfying. This recipe takes that comfort to the next level with the addition of smoky and spicy flavors.
What You’ll Need: The Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make this amazing pasta. Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples!
- Chicken: I usually use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but you can also use chicken thighs. Just make sure they’re cooked through before adding them to the pasta.
- Pasta: Any short pasta shape will work well here. Penne, rotini, farfalle, or even cavatappi are all great choices.
- Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: These are the key to that smoky, spicy flavor. You’ll find them in a can in the international aisle of most grocery stores. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
- Onion and Garlic: These aromatics form the base of our flavor profile.
- Chicken Broth: This helps create a creamy sauce.
- Heavy Cream: For extra richness and creaminess.
- Cream Cheese: This adds a tangy creaminess that complements the other flavors perfectly.
- Cheddar Cheese: Because, well, cheese! You can use any kind of cheddar you like, from mild to sharp.
- Monterey Jack Cheese: This melts beautifully and adds a smooth, creamy texture.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the onion and garlic.
- Spices: We’ll use a blend of chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Optional Toppings: Fresh cilantro, sour cream, or a squeeze of lime juice for serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!
Alright, friend, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Here’s how to make this Smoky Chipotle Cheesy Chicken Pasta:
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
You have a couple of options here. You can either:
- Poach the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a pot of water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Bake the chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: To save time, you can also use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Just shred the chicken and set it aside.
Once the chicken is cooked, shred it with two forks and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Cook the pasta according to package directions in salted boiling water. Drain and set aside. Don’t overcook the pasta – you want it to be al dente.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Step 4: Make the Chipotle Sauce
Add the chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chili powder, cumin, and oregano to the skillet. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, to bloom the spices. This helps to release their flavors.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Cheesy Goodness
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for a few minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and cream cheese until smooth and melted. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese and stir until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet and toss to coat everything in the creamy chipotle cheese sauce. Make sure the chicken and pasta are evenly coated.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or a squeeze of lime juice, if desired. This pasta is best enjoyed hot!
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Smoky Chipotle Cheesy Chicken Pasta
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you nail this recipe every time:
- Adjust the Spice Level: Chipotle peppers can be quite spicy, so start with a small amount and add more to taste. If you’re sensitive to heat, you can remove the seeds from the chipotle peppers before chopping them.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Overcooked pasta will be mushy and won’t hold the sauce well. Cook the pasta al dente, which means it should be slightly firm to the bite.
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Freshly grated cheese will melt beautifully and create a creamier sauce.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add some vegetables to this pasta for extra flavor and nutrition. Bell peppers, corn, black beans, or even spinach would all be great additions.
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply cook the pasta and combine everything together.
- Spice it Up: For even more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Variations and Substitutions: Make It Your Own!
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are a few variations and substitutions you can try:
- Different Protein: Not a fan of chicken? You can easily substitute with shrimp, sausage, or even ground beef.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add extra vegetables, such as roasted vegetables or mushrooms. You could even add some plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh.
- Different Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses! Pepper jack, Gouda, or even a little bit of blue cheese would all be delicious.
- Lower-Carb Option: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta. This will significantly reduce the carb content of the dish.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal
This Smoky Chipotle Cheesy Chicken Pasta is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to complete the meal:
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect accompaniment to this rich and creamy pasta.
- Garlic Bread: Because who doesn’t love garlic bread with pasta?
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or roasted corn on the cob is a classic side dish that pairs well with the smoky flavors of this pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus would all be great additions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about this recipe:
- Can I freeze this pasta? While you *can* freeze it, the texture of the pasta and sauce may change slightly. The sauce might separate a bit upon thawing. If you do freeze it, allow it to thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.
- How long does this pasta last in the refrigerator? This pasta will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to store it in an airtight container.
- Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? Yes! Brown the chicken, onion, and garlic in a skillet first. Then, add all the ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. Stir in the cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Can I use canned chicken? While fresh chicken is always preferable, you can use canned chicken in a pinch. Just make sure to drain it well before adding it to the pasta.
More Pasta Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a pasta lover like me, here are a few other recipes you might enjoy:
- Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti: A classic, simple, and always satisfying pasta dish.
- Marry Me Chicken Pasta: A creamy, dreamy, and utterly irresistible pasta that’s sure to impress.
- Philly Cheesesteak Pasta: A fun and flavorful twist on a classic sandwich.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storage: Store leftover Smoky Chipotle Cheesy Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop. If reheating in the microwave, add a splash of milk or broth to prevent it from drying out. If reheating on the stovetop, add a little bit of milk or broth and stir frequently until heated through.
Get Ready to Indulge!
So, there you have it – my ultimate Smoky Chipotle Cheesy Chicken Pasta recipe. It’s a guaranteed winner that’s bound to become a new family favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the flavors and make it your own. And most importantly, have fun in the kitchen! Happy cooking, friend!
What kind of pasta shapes work best for this recipe?
Any short pasta shape will work well. Penne, rotini, farfalle, or even cavatappi are all great choices.
How can I adjust the spice level of this dish?
Chipotle peppers can be quite spicy, so start with a small amount and add more to taste. If you’re sensitive to heat, you can remove the seeds from the chipotle peppers before chopping them.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Omit the chicken and add extra vegetables, such as roasted vegetables or mushrooms. You could even add some plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh.
How long can I store the leftover pasta in the refrigerator?
Store leftover Smoky Chipotle Cheesy Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Easy Smoky Chipotle Cheesy Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the chicken: Poach, bake, or use rotisserie chicken. If poaching, place chicken in a pot of water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through. If baking, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. Shred the cooked chicken with two forks.
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions in salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Make the chipotle sauce: Add the chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chili powder, cumin, and oregano to the skillet. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, to bloom the spices.
- Create the creamy cheesy goodness: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for a few minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and cream cheese until smooth and melted. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese and stir until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine everything: Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet and toss to coat everything in the creamy chipotle cheese sauce.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or a squeeze of lime juice, if desired.
