If you love bold, comforting flavors with minimal fuss, then you are going to adore this One-Pot Smoky Chipotle Cheesy Chicken Pasta. It’s a delightful mashup of tender chicken, smoky chipotle heat, and ooey-gooey melted cheddar cheese all mingling with perfectly cooked pasta in one pot. The smoky spice from the chipotle peppers adds a fantastic depth, while the creamy sauce ties everything together in a cozy, satisfying dish you’ll want to make again and again. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual dinner with friends, this recipe brings warmth and an irresistible kick to your table without creating a mountain of dishes.

One-Pot Smoky Chipotle Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this dish pulls double duty, transforming simple pantry staples into a vibrant, flavorful meal. From the smoky chipotle peppers to the creamy cheddar cheese, everything works in harmony to build layers of taste, texture, and color.

12 oz penne pasta: Choose a short pasta that holds sauce beautifully and cooks evenly in one pot.
2 cups cooked chicken: Shredded or diced, it adds hearty protein and soaks up all the delicious flavors.
3 cups chicken broth: Essential for cooking the pasta and infusing it with savory depth.
1 cup heavy cream: Adds luxurious creaminess that makes the sauce silky and indulgent.
1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: Finely chopped for smoky, spicy complexity with a subtle tang.
1 tbsp adobo sauce: From the chipotle can, this amps up the smoky heat and brightens the sauce.
1 small onion, chopped (optional): Provides a sweet base note and soft texture in the sauce.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic warmth that wakes up the whole dish.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into creamy goodness, balancing the spice with rich flavor.
1 tbsp olive oil or butter: For sautéing the aromatics until golden and fragrant.
Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings to enhance every ingredient’s natural flavor.

How to Make One-Pot Smoky Chipotle Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating your olive oil or butter in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, letting them soften and become fragrant. This builds the flavorful foundation of the dish, releasing sweet and savory aromas that awaken your senses even before the chili kicks in.

Step 2: Add Chicken and Chipotle Peppers

Next, stir in your cooked chicken along with the finely chopped chipotle peppers and their adobo sauce. The smoky heat from the chipotle combines with the tender chicken, creating a rich, spicy base that makes this recipe truly unforgettable.

Step 3: Pour in Liquids and Mix

Pour the chicken broth and heavy cream over the chicken mixture, stirring everything together. These liquids help cook the pasta right in the pot while infusing the dish with creamy, savory goodness that balances the chipotle’s boldness perfectly.

Step 4: Add Pasta and Simmer

Now it’s time to add your uncooked penne pasta directly to the pot. Stir gently to ensure the pasta is evenly coated and submerged. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover. Let the pasta cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and checking that it reaches a perfect tender texture while absorbing most of the cooking liquid.

Step 5: Stir in Cheddar Cheese

Reduce the heat to low and sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir thoroughly until the cheese melts smoothly into a creamy sauce that clings to every piece of pasta and chicken. This is where the dish blossoms into rich, melty perfection.

Step 6: Season and Rest

Give your pasta a taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more adobo sauce if you want to boost the smoky heat. Let it sit off the heat for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken gently, allowing the flavors to settle and the sauce to become luxuriously creamy.

How to Serve One-Pot Smoky Chipotle Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or green onions adds a burst of freshness and color that contrasts beautifully with the rich, smoky pasta. A dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime juice can also brighten the dish and add a lovely tangy balance to the smoky chipotle heat.

Side Dishes

Serve with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Crispy garlic bread or warm cornbread also pairs perfectly, offering a crunchy or crumbly counterpart to the creamy pasta sensation.

Creative Ways to Present

Try scooping portions into small, oven-safe bowls and topping each with an extra handful of cheese before broiling to golden bubbly perfection. For gatherings, serve it buffet style with a variety of toppings like chopped avocado, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños, letting everyone customize their own bowls.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover One-Pot Smoky Chipotle Cheesy Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making the next-day meal almost better than the first.

Freezing

This dish freezes well, too. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it covered, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming without drying.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! While penne is great for holding the sauce, other short pasta like rigatoni, shells, or farfalle will also work beautifully in this recipe.

How spicy is the One-Pot Smoky Chipotle Cheesy Chicken Pasta?

The chipotle peppers provide a moderate smoky heat, but you can adjust the spice level by using fewer peppers or adding extra adobo sauce to taste. It’s easy to tailor to your preferred heat level.

Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?

Using cooked chicken is best for this quick one-pot method, but if you want to use raw chicken, cube it and brown it first before adding liquids to ensure it cooks through and stays tender.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

You can substitute the heavy cream and cheddar cheese with coconut cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative to make this dish suitable for dairy-free diets.

What can I add to make this dish more vegetable-forward?

Adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach along with the onions will boost the veggie content and add freshness and color to your pasta.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend making the One-Pot Smoky Chipotle Cheesy Chicken Pasta enough! It’s an effortless recipe that delivers big on flavor, with smoky, creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite. Plus, using just one pot means less cleanup and more time enjoying a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Gather your ingredients, invite a friend or two, and dive into this delicious dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.