Pin It This Honey Chipotle Chicken Pasta is a bold and flavorful fusion dish that combines tender, golden seared chicken with penne in a rich, velvety sauce. The smoky heat of chipotle peppers in adobo is perfectly balanced by the natural sweetness of honey, creating a complex flavor profile that is both satisfying and unique.
Pin It Whether you are looking for a comforting weeknight meal or a dish that will impress guests, this pasta delivers restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen. The addition of fresh lime juice and cilantro provides a bright finish that cuts through the richness of the heavy cream and Parmesan.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 2 tbsp olive oil
- Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) penne pasta
- Sauce: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (finely chopped), 3 tbsp honey, 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, 1/2 cup (120 ml) low-sodium chicken broth, 1/2 cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, juice of 1/2 lime
- Garnish: 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, extra grated Parmesan (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Cook Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- 2. Season
- While pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts on both sides with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- 3. Sear Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 74°C/165°F). Transfer to a plate, rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
- 4. Sauté Aromatics
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 5. Simmer Sauce
- Stir in chopped chipotle peppers and honey. Cook for 1 minute, then add heavy cream, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Simmer 3–4 minutes, stirring, until slightly thickened.
- 6. Finalize Sauce
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is smooth. Add lime juice.
- 7. Combine
- Toss in drained pasta and sliced chicken, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired sauce consistency. Cook 1–2 minutes until everything is well coated and heated through.
- 8. Garnish and Serve
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped cilantro and extra Parmesan if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the most tender results, always allow your chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing; this keeps the juices inside. If you want a smoother sauce, you can briefly blend the chipotle peppers with the chicken broth before adding them to the skillet.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of chipotle peppers. For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half, or boost the nutritional value by tossing in roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini at the end.
Serviervorschläge
This bold dish pairs beautifully with a crisp Chardonnay or a light Mexican lager. For a complete meal, serve it with a simple side salad of mixed greens or warm, crusty bread to enjoy every last drop of the creamy sauce.
Pin It With its vibrant appearance and satisfying depth of flavor, Honey Chipotle Chicken Pasta is sure to become a staple in your rotation. The blend of sweet, smoky, and creamy elements makes every bite a memorable experience.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work beautifully and stay more moist during cooking. Increase searing time to 5-6 minutes per side to ensure they're cooked through, and check internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
- → How do I adjust the spice level?
Start with 1-2 chipotle peppers if you prefer mild heat, or add up to 3-4 for extra smokiness. You can also add fresh jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to customize the heat level to your preference.
- → What if I don't have heavy cream?
Substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version, or use Greek yogurt stirred in at the end for tang and richness. Whole milk mixed with a cornstarch slurry also works well for thickening.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Cook the chicken and prepare the sauce components ahead, but assemble just before serving to prevent pasta from absorbing too much sauce. Reheat gently over medium heat with a splash of pasta water to restore the ideal consistency.
- → What vegetables pair well with this dish?
Roasted bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus complement the honey chipotle flavors beautifully. Toss them in olive oil and roast at 200°C (400°F) until tender, then mix into the finished pasta.
- → Is this gluten-free?
The pasta contains gluten, but you can easily substitute with gluten-free penne. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free—just verify your chipotle sauce and broth labels for hidden gluten.