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A plate of penne pasta tossed in a creamy, orange-tinted chipotle sauce with grilled chicken, asparagus, and shredded parmesan.

Spicy Chicken Pasta with Creamy Chipotle Sauce


  • Author: Emma Hart
  • Total Time: 40
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This fiery one-pan dish combines tender chicken, creamy chipotle sauce, and vibrant seasonal vegetables for a bold flavor profile. The smoky heat from chipotle peppers mingles with the sweetness of peas and the earthy crunch of blanched asparagus, all wrapped in al dente pasta.


Ingredients

Scale

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into 2-inch chunks)
1/2 cup canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (non-alcoholic)
10 asparagus spears (thin stems)
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 small onion, sliced
1 cup frozen peas
1 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 2 lemons (about 4 tbsp)
2 tbsp honey
Salt and black pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese or vegan alternative (optional)
2 tbsp chopped cilantro (optional)
Tortilla strips (optional)


Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for pasta and asparagus.

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden, 3-4 minutes. Set aside.

Add sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet; sauté 5-7 minutes until softened.

In a blender, puree chipotle peppers, 3 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp honey, and 1/4 tsp salt.

Return chicken to the skillet. Stir in the chipotle puree and heavy cream/coconut milk. Simmer 8-10 minutes.

Blanch asparagus for 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender. Add cooked pasta, blanched asparagus, and frozen peas to the skillet. Toss to combine.

Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with Parmesan/vegan cheese, cilantro, and tortilla strips before serving.

Notes

Use tofu or mushrooms for a vegan option with coconut milk instead of cream.

Increase or reduce chipotle quantities to adjust spice level.

Leftovers can be thickened with 1/4 cup breadcrumbs or coconut flakes and frozen for up to 3 months.

  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 30
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 530
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 130mg