Description
Tender chicken thighs seared golden, tossed with penne, bell peppers, onions, and asparagus in smoky-spicy cream sauce made from half-and-half, chipotle peppers, adobo, garlic, and honey, finished with Parmesan and lemon.
Ingredients
8 oz. boneless, skinless Chicken Thighs (or Chicken Breasts)
Salt + cracked Black Pepper
1/2 tsp. ground Cumin
1 tbsp. Olive Oil
3/4 cup Half and Half (or Heavy Cream)
2 Garlic Cloves
1 large Chipotle Pepper (or two small)
1 tsp. Adobo Sauce
1 tsp. Honey
1/3 cup finely chopped Yellow Onion
1/2 cup finely chopped Yellow Bell Pepper
1/2 cup chopped Asparagus Spears
8 oz. dried Penne Pasta
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1 tbsp. fresh Lemon Juice
1/2 cup reserved Pasta Water
chopped Green Onion for garnish
Instructions
Season chicken with salt, pepper, cumin.
Blend half-and-half, garlic, chipotle, adobo, honey, salt into smooth sauce.
Sear chicken in oil 3-4 minutes per side to 165°F; chop.
Sauté onions, peppers 5-6 minutes in same pan.
Boil penne al dente; add asparagus to veggies 3-4 minutes.
Add sauce; simmer 5-6 minutes thickened. Toss in pasta, chicken, Parmesan, lemon, pasta water. Garnish.
Notes
Use boneless skinless thighs or breasts.
Adjust chipotle for spice preference.
Reserve pasta water for saucing.
Sear chicken properly for flavor.
Serve immediately for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 48
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 32
Keywords: creamy chipotle chicken pasta, spicy chicken penne, chipotle cream pasta, smoky chicken pasta recipe, weeknight chipotle pasta