There’s something about that smoky, creamy, just-spicy-enough pasta that hits different on a busy weeknight. Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta Copycat brings that bold restaurant flavor straight to your kitchenno drive-thru line required.
I tested this back in fall 2019 when my daughter asked why we couldn’t make “the pasta place version” ourselves. After tweaking the chipotle-to-cream ratio three times, I nailed itthe sauce clings to every penne piece without being too heavy. Now it’s one of those meals I can pull together in under 30 minutes, even on the messiest Wednesdays.
This Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta Copycat is a delicious and simple dish perfect for weeknights. Featuring honey-glazed chicken, sautéed vegetables, and a creamy chipotle parmesan sauce, it brings bold flavors to your table quickly and easily.
Ingredients
Scale
Boneless skinless chicken breasts if you prefer a different cut you can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs
Honey if you prefer a bit more sweetness you can mix with simple sugar
Avocado Oil Olive oil is also perfect if you prefer extra virgin olive oil
Penne Pasta swap for your desired pasta and follow the cooking instructions on the box
Avocado oil extra virgin olive oil
Grass-fed Butter
Bell Peppers red bell peppers or yellow peppers
Fresh Raw Asparagus
Organic Frozen Peas or fresh peas also work
Small Sweet Onion you can substitute this for red or yellow onion
1 cup Heavy Cream
1/2 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce adjust for spice preference
1 tsp Paprika
1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper optional for extra heat
Salt and Pepper to taste kosher salt or sea salt
1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Parsley or Cilantro for garnish
1/4 cup Shaved Parmesan
Instructions
Heat a large skillet over medium and season the chicken with salt and pepper. Add avocado oil and cook the chicken 6 to 7 minutes on each side until golden and fully cooked. In the last minute, pour honey over the chicken and flip once to coat well, then slice into thin strips and set aside.
Cook penne pasta in boiling water following package directions, reserving half a cup of pasta water before draining.
In the same skillet, melt butter with olive oil and sauté onions for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and slightly browned. Add garlic, bell peppers, and asparagus, cooking for 3 to 4 more minutes until tender-crisp. Stir in peas and cook 1 to 2 minutes more.
Blend heavy cream, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, paprika, cayenne pepper if using, and parmesan cheese until smooth. Pour the sauce and reserved pasta water into the skillet with vegetables and simmer 2 to 3 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine cooked pasta and sliced chicken with the sauce and vegetables in the skillet, tossing to coat evenly. Let cook an additional minute for flavors to meld.
Serve garnished with fresh cilantro and shaved parmesan. Enjoy hot.
Method:Stovetop
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta Copycat
This recipe gives you all the smoky, creamy goodness of your favorite restaurant dish without the wait or the price tag. The chipotle peppers in adobo sauce bring just the right amount of heat, while the honey-glazed chicken adds a touch of sweetness that balances everything beautifully.
Ready in under 30 minutes: Perfect for those nights when you need dinner fast but still want something special.
Uses everyday ingredients: No hunting down specialty itemseverything’s easy to find.
Flexible and forgiving: Swap veggies, adjust the spice level, or use whatever pasta shape you have on hand.
Tastes better than takeout: You control the flavor, the spice, and the veggie-to-pasta ratio.
What You’ll Need to Know About the Ingredients
The beauty of this dish is in how the ingredients work together. The chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are the starthey’re what give the sauce that signature smoky kick. You’ll blend them right into the heavy cream with freshly grated parmesan cheese, paprika, and a touch of cayenne pepper if you want extra heat.
For the chicken, a drizzle of honey at the end creates a sweet glaze that plays perfectly against the spicy sauce. I like using boneless skinless chicken breasts, but chicken thighs work beautifully too if you prefer darker meat. The vegetablesbell peppers, fresh asparagus, frozen peas, and sweet onionadd color, crunch, and a bit of freshness to balance the richness of the cream sauce.
Pro Tip: If asparagus isn’t your thing, swap it for broccoli and toss it in with the onions and peppers. More veggies? Add both.
Ingredient
Easy Swap
Chicken breasts
Chicken thighs
Penne pasta
Any shape you love (elbow, linguine, etc.)
Avocado oil
Extra virgin olive oil
Fresh asparagus
Broccoli or cauliflower
Sweet onion
Red or yellow onion
Frozen peas
Fresh peas
How the Cooking Process Comes Together
Start by cooking your honey-glazed chicken in a skillet until it’s golden and juicy, then set it aside while you boil the penne pasta. Here’s the trick I learned after making this dozens of times: save half a cup of that starchy pasta water before you drain. It helps the sauce cling to every noodle.
Use the same skillet for the vegetablessauté the onions first in butter and oil until they’re soft and slightly caramelized, then add the bell peppers and asparagus. Toss in the peas at the very end so they stay bright and tender. Meanwhile, blend your chipotle cream sauce in a food processor or blender until it’s completely smooth, then pour it into the skillet with the veggies and let it simmer for a few minutes.
Finally, toss everything togetherpasta, chicken, sauce, and vegetables. Let it cook for just one more minute so the flavors can get cozy. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and shaved parmesan, and you’re done.
Tweaking the Spice Level and Veggies
The amount of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce is totally adjustable. Start with the full 2 tablespoons if you like a good kick, or dial it back to 1 tablespoon for a milder version. The cayenne pepper is optional, so skip it if you’re feeding kids or anyone who’s sensitive to heat.
Love more vegetables? Add broccoli florets when you sauté the onions and peppers, or toss in some cauliflower. You can also swap the penne for linguine or elbow pastawhatever you have in the pantry works just fine. This dish is incredibly flexible, so don’t stress about making it perfect.
How to Serve and Store Leftovers
Serve this pasta hot, straight from the skillet, with extra shaved parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley. It’s rich enough to stand on its own, but a simple side salad or garlic bread makes it feel like a complete meal.
Leftovers keep well in an airtight containerpreferably glassin the fridge for up to 48 hours. The sauce thickens as it sits, so when you reheat it, add a splash of water or cream and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave.
How I Finally Perfected This Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta Copycat
It took me three attempts to get this Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta Copycat just right. The first time, I added too much chipotle and nearly burned our mouths off. The second round, the sauce split because I rushed it. But now? It’s creamy, balanced, and actually family-friendly.
FAQs (Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta Copycat)
Can I make this dish less spicy?
Yes, you can easily adjust the heat level by using fewer chipotle peppers or removing the seeds completely. Start with half the amount called for and taste as you go. You can also add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream to mellow the spice.
What type of pasta works best?
Penne pasta is ideal because its tube shape holds the creamy chipotle sauce perfectly. Rigatoni, fusilli, or shells also work well. I recommend avoiding thin pastas like angel hair as they don’t complement the hearty chicken and robust sauce.
How long does this recipe keep in the fridge?
This meal stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually develop and improve after a day. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore creaminess.
Can I substitute the chicken?
Absolutely! Shrimp, turkey, or even seasoned tofu work wonderfully in this dish. For vegetarians, try grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted bell peppers. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and maintain the same seasoning approach.
Where can I find chipotle peppers in adobo?
Most US grocery stores carry canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce in the international or Mexican food aisle. Look for brands like La Costena or Embasa. You can also find them at Mexican markets or order online if your local store doesn’t stock them.
You’re Going to Love This Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta Copycat
You’ll love how this Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta Copycat comes together in under 30 minutes with ingredients you already have. The smoky chipotle cream clings to every noodle, the honey-glazed chicken stays juicy, and those bright vegetables keep it from feeling too heavy. It’s the kind of dinner that tastes like a treat but doesn’t stress you out on a busy weeknight.
My favorite trick? Double the sauce and freeze half for next timejust thaw and toss with fresh pasta when life gets chaotic. If you’re feeding picky eaters, start with one tablespoon of chipotle and build up from there. You can also meal prep the chicken and chop the veggies ahead on Sunday, so weeknight assembly is a breeze. Leftovers reheat beautifully with a splash of cream or even a drizzle of chicken broth to loosen things up.
I’d love to know how yours turns outdid you add extra veggies or dial up the heat? Snap a photo and share it, or tell me what your family thought in the comments. This recipe is one of those keepers you’ll come back to again and again, so save it for the weeks when you need something cozy, quick, and just a little bit special.
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
