Imagine creamy, smoky, and just the right amount of heat swirling together in every bite—that’s what makes this Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe such a standout. It's comfort food with a kick that makes weeknight dinners feel special and totally worth the effort.

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 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

When I first tried this Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe, I was hooked by the bold chipotle flavor balanced with creamy cheese and a hint of lime. It’s not just pasta—it’s a full experience that brings warmth and a touch of smoky heat to your table.

Bold, smoky chipotle flavor: The chipotle chili brings a warm, smoky heat that wakes up your taste buds without overwhelming them.
Creamy, luscious sauce: The combo of sharp cheddar and Parmesan with a velvety cream sauce makes every bite rich and satisfying.
Bright pops of lime and veggies: Fresh lime juice and crisp asparagus add freshness and balance out the spice perfectly.
Simple enough for weeknights: Despite feeling indulgent, it’s straightforward to prep and cooks in under an hour.

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 Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe plays a role in creating a harmonious dish. From the smoky spices to the creamy cheeses, here’s why they’re the perfect match and some tips for picking the best versions at the store.

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 powder: This brings smoky heat that’s both spicy and deep, essential for that signature flavor.
Ground cumin, smoked paprika, onion & garlic powder: Layered spices that build complexity without overpowering.
Chicken breasts: Pounded for tenderness and chopped for quick, even cooking—makes the chicken juicy inside the saucy pasta.
Olive oil & honey: Olive oil adds richness for searing, while honey balances the spice with natural sweetness.
Lime juice: Adds brightness and acidity, cutting through the richness beautifully.
Asparagus: Tender-crisp and fresh, it brightens the whole dish and adds texture contrast.
Penne pasta: Holds the sauce well with its tubes, so every bite is coated with creamy goodness.
Yellow onion & bell peppers: These soften into sweet, savory bases for the sauce, plus that lovely color pop.
Butter & flour: Classic roux ingredients that create a smooth, thick sauce base.
Low sodium chicken broth & bouillon: Provides depth without adding too much salt luck—low sodium helps you control seasoning better.
Half and half (or milk mixture): Provides creaminess; you can adjust based on what you have on hand.
Sharp cheddar & Parmesan cheese: A combo that melts well and adds sharp, nutty flavors.
Frozen petite peas: Small bursts of sweet freshness that also add color contrast.

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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 parts of this Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe is how easy it is to make it suit your style. I love swapping veggies depending on the season, and the spice level can be dialed up or down to please your crowd.

Variation: I've tried swapping asparagus for broccoli or zucchini when asparagus is out of season—and honestly, it works just as well! The freshness and crunch are what matter most.
Heat adjustment: If you like it spicier, try adding a bit more chipotle powder or even a dash of cayenne. On the milder side? Use less chipotle and balance with extra lime.
Dairy-free option: I once made this with coconut milk instead of half and half, and while it changed the flavor, it was still delicious—just a touch more tropical and creamy.
Protein swap: For a twist, grilled shrimp works beautifully, or swap chicken for tofu if you’re going vegetarian—just tweak cooking times accordingly.

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

Step 1: Prep and Spice it Up

First up, get that water boiling for your pasta—salt it well for flavor. While waiting, mix the spice blend so it’s ready. Pat the chopped chicken dry with paper towels; this helps it brown better. Toss the chicken with 1 ½ tablespoons of the spice mix—it’s amazing how seasoning early boosts flavor.

Step 2: Cook Asparagus and Pasta

Drop the asparagus into boiling, salted water and watch it closely—it cooks quickly in 2-3 minutes. The trick? Shock it in ice water right after to keep that tender-crisp texture and bright color. Then cook your penne until just al dente. Save some pasta water before draining, it’s a secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency later.

Step 3: Sear Your Chicken with a Honey-Lime Glaze

Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pan until almost smoking—this helps get a nice sear on your chicken pieces. Cook on each side about 2-3 minutes until golden and cooked through. Don't rush this part if you want good texture. Toss the chicken with honey and lime juice while it’s still in the pan to coat it in a tangy-sweet glaze that’s irresistible. Transfer the chicken and all that sticky glaze to a plate and wipe the pan clean.

Step 4: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pan, melt butter and olive oil over medium-high heat, then add chopped onions and cook until soft, about 4 minutes. Add your bell peppers and the remaining spice mix—this layers in that smoky chipotle depth. Garlic goes in last, just a quick 30 seconds to keep its brightness.

Step 5: Whisk the Creamy Chipotle Sauce

Sprinkle the flour and cook for another minute to get rid of that raw taste. Slowly whisk in chicken broth followed by your half and half (or milk substitute). Add chicken bouillon and oregano, and gently simmer until the sauce thickens. This part takes a little patience but is worth it—the smooth sauce is the heart of the dish.

Step 6: Melt in the Cheeses

Turn the heat down and add sharp cheddar cheese in batches, stirring until silky. Then do the same with Parmesan. Keep it low and slow to avoid graininess—those cheeses bring that perfect melty sharpness.

Step 7: Bring It All Together

Stir in lime juice, chicken, asparagus, and peas into the sauce, then fold in the pasta. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or a pinch more chipotle powder if you want extra heat. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it up. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs before serving.

Top Tip

Having made this Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe several times, I’ve learned a few things that really make a difference between “good” and “wow.” Here are some nuggets to make your cooking smoother and the flavor pop even more.

Dry your chicken well: Moisture on the chicken prevents a good sear, so pat it dry before seasoning to get that golden crust.
Use reserved pasta water: It’s got starch that helps emulsify and loosen your sauce without watering down the flavor.
Add cheese off heat: Melt cheese on gentle heat or off the burner to avoid graininess and maintain a smooth sauce texture.
Shock veggies in ice water: This stops asparagus cooking and keeps the vibrant color and crispness—don’t skip it!

How to Serve Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe

Spicy Chipotle Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping my pasta with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Sometimes I squeeze a little extra lime juice right before serving—it brightens everything up and complements that smoky chipotle beautifully.

Side Dishes

For sides, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs perfectly to cool the palate. Garlic bread or a warm crusty baguette is great for soaking up the extra sauce—trust me, you won’t want to waste a drop!

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I made this for a small dinner party and served it in individual ramekins sprinkled with cilantro and a wedge of lime on the side. It felt fancy but was so easy to serve—and everyone loved the personalized touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers go straight into an airtight container and stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Since the sauce thickens up in the fridge, I usually add a splash of milk or water when reheating to bring back the creamy texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pasta once or twice; just make sure to cool it completely first. When thawed slowly in the fridge overnight and reheated gently on the stove with a little added milk, it tastes nearly as good as fresh—impressively convenient for busy weeks.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on low heat in a skillet or saucepan, stirring often. Add a touch of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can dry it out or make the sauce separate.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! While penne is fantastic for holding the creamy sauce, other sturdy shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle also work well. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta’s instructions.

Is there a substitute for chipotle chili powder if I can’t find it?

You can substitute chipotle chili powder with smoked paprika combined with a pinch of cayenne pepper to get both the smoky flavor and heat, though it won’t be exactly the same. Regular chili powder with a touch of liquid smoke also works in a pinch.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?

Definitely! You can mix and season the chicken up to a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. The sauce can also be made in advance and gently reheated with pasta and veggies added just before serving.

What can I use if I don’t have half and half?

No half and half? No problem. I often mix whole milk with a tablespoon of cornstarch or evaporated milk with cornstarch to thicken it. This keeps the sauce creamy without needing to run to the store.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes for those days when I want comfort food that’s exciting and full of flavor. It’s a recipe that feels special but isn’t fussy, and that’s just the kind of kitchen magic I want to share with you. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—once you try it, I bet it’ll be a favorite in your rotation, too.