This Creamy Chicken Chipotle Pasta is smoky, a little spicy and coated in a delicious sauce that clings to every piece of pasta. It’s also super easy to make, just perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner without fuss.

Creamy Chicken Chipotle Pasta with fusilli

If you’ve ever had a pasta dish that promised “creamy” but turned out heavy and flat, I get the disappointment.

That’s why this one is different – the sauce is smoky from chipotle, a little spicy and blended until silky smooth, so it actually clings to the pasta the way it should. Think of it as a Chipotle Alfredo if you like.

This is now firmly in my weeknight rotation. It’s comforting, bold and has just enough heat to keep things interesting but not so much that kids (or spice-shy adults) can’t enjoy it.

Why you’ll love this creamy chipotle chicken pasta

The sauce blends into a silky smooth texture that clings to every piece of pasta.
It uses simple ingredients you can find in most supermarkets, nothing fancy required.
You can adjust the spice level easily by adding more or less chipotle paste.

What you’ll need

Chicken breast – Cut into even bite-sized pieces so they cook quickly and stay tender. Thighs work too if you prefer a juicier cut.

Onion and bell peppers – These form the base of the sauce and add sweetness and depth once blended.

Garlic – Fresh garlic is key for a sharp flavor.

Chipotle paste – The easiest way to bring smoky heat and that signature chipotle flavor. You can adjust the amount depending on how spicy you like it.

Tomato paste – For a concentrated tomato kick

Cream cheese – This gets blended into the sauce for a silky, creamy finish. Use full-fat for the best texture.

Short pasta – Penne, rigatoni or fusilli work best since their ridges hold onto the creamy sauce.

Pro tip

Blend the sauce until completely smooth before adding back to the pan. The texture should be velvety and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it’s too thick, loosen it with a splash of the reserved pasta water.

Creamy Chicken Chipotle Pasta with parsley

How to make chicken chipotle pasta

This is a quick overview with step-by-step photos. See the recipe card below for full ingredients and instructions.

Cook the pasta until al dente, then set aside.

Sear the chicken until golden, then sauté the onions, peppers and garlic in the same pan.

Creamy Chicken Chipotle Pasta cooking steps

Creamy Chicken Chipotle Pasta making instructions

Stir in chipotle paste, tomato paste and chicken stock, then melt in the cream cheese and blend the sauce until smooth.

adding cream to a Creamy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

Toss the pasta and chicken in the sauce, loosen with a splash of pasta water if needed, and serve immediately.

Substitutions and variations

Use chicken thighs instead of breast as they stay juicier and add more richness. The sauce will be a little heavier, though.
For an even smoother finish, use mascarpone or heavy cream instead of cream cheese.
You can substitute the chipotle paste with canned chipotle in adobo. Chop them finely and use some of the sauce from the can for an extra smoky flavor.

Helpful tips

Cook the chicken in batches if your pan is small because crowding prevents good browning.
When sautéing the peppers and onions, let them soften fully. They need to break down so the blended sauce is smooth.
Don’t let the sauce boil hard after blending; keep it at a gentle simmer so it stays creamy.

What to serve with this spicy chicken pasta

It pairs perfectly with some garlic bread to scoop up any extra sauce.
I love it with some grilled corn on the cob, which goes so well with the smoky chipotle flavor.
Or you could serve it with some avocado slices or guacamole to add some creaminess and a cooling contrast to the spice.

Leftovers and storage

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Warm gently on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or milk to loosen the sauce. Stir often so it heats evenly without splitting.
This pasta dish isn’t ideal for freezing since the cream cheese sauce can become grainy.

More cozy pasta recipes

If you’ve tried this creamy chicken chipotle pasta recipe, please rate it and leave a comment below! I’d love to hear how it turned out.

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Creamy Chicken Chipotle Pasta