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One-Pot Smoky Chipotle Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

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

5.3 from 5 reviews

This One-Pot Smoky Chipotle Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Combining tender penne pasta with shredded chicken, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, and melted cheddar cheese, this recipe delivers a smoky, spicy kick balanced by rich creaminess, all made in one pot for easy cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 12 oz penne pasta (or other short pasta)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (finely chopped)
  • 1 tbsp adobo sauce (from the chipotle can)
  • 1 small onion, chopped (optional)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Add Chicken and Chipotle: Stir in the cooked chicken along with the finely chopped chipotle peppers and 1 tablespoon of adobo sauce. Mix well to evenly coat the chicken with the smoky chipotle flavor.
  3. Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine all ingredients smoothly.
  4. Add Pasta: Add the uncooked penne pasta to the pot. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot with a lid.
  5. Cook Pasta: Let the pasta cook uncovered or partially covered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
  6. Melt Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
  7. Season and Rest: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra adobo sauce as preferred. Let the dish sit off the heat for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Use cooked chicken leftover from previous meals or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
  • Adjust the number of chipotle peppers to control the spice level.
  • If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a little more chicken broth during cooking.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with mushrooms or a plant-based protein and use vegetable broth.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of milk or broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pot pasta, chipotle chicken pasta, cheesy chicken pasta, smoky pasta, quick dinner, easy weeknight meal

Find it online: https://bakedbylisa.com/one-pot-smoky-chipotle-cheesy-chicken-pasta-recipe/