Name: One-Pot Chipotle Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced; 1 teaspoon salt; 0.5 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 unit onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 3 cups uncooked penne pasta; 2 tablespoons chipotle in adobo sauce (adjust to taste); 1 cup corn (frozen or fresh); 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 unit Fresh cilantro, for garnish; 1 unit Lime wedges, for serving

Looking for a quick dinner that packs a punch? My One-Pot Chipotle Chicken Pasta is your answer. This dish combines tender chicken, zesty chipotle, and creamy sauce, all in one pot. You can make it in under 30 minutes! Explore how to create this easy weeknight meal that is loaded with flavor. Say goodbye to boring dinners—let’s dive into this tasty recipe!

$- 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika The main ingredients create the base of this dish. Olive oil adds flavor and helps cook the chicken. Diced chicken breasts provide protein and make it filling. Seasonings like salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika give the pasta a warm and smoky taste. - 1 onion, finely chopped - 3 garlic cloves, minced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream Next, we have the extra components. Chopped onions and garlic bring a savory depth to the dish. Diced tomatoes add freshness and acidity. Chicken broth enhances the flavor, while heavy cream makes it rich and creamy. - 3 cups uncooked penne pasta - 2-3 tablespoons chipotle in adobo sauce (adjust to taste) - 1 cup corn (frozen or fresh) - 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - Fresh cilantro, for garnish - Lime wedges, for serving Finally, we include the pasta and extras. Penne pasta cooks perfectly and absorbs all the flavors. Chipotle in adobo sauce adds heat and smokiness. Corn and black beans contribute sweetness and texture. Cheddar cheese makes it gooey and delicious. Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime for brightness. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. 2. Season 1 pound of diced chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. 3. Add the chicken to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes. You want it browned and cooked through. 4. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. 1. In the same pot, add 1 finely chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes. The onion should be translucent. 2. Next, add 1 can of diced tomatoes with their juices, 2 cups of chicken broth, and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir to combine all the ingredients. 3. Now, add 3 cups of uncooked penne pasta into the mix. Bring everything to a gentle boil. 4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer. This should take about 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking. 1. After the pasta is cooked al dente and most of the liquid has absorbed, add 2-3 tablespoons of chipotle in adobo sauce. Adjust based on your spice level. 2. Toss in 1 cup of corn and 1 cup of black beans that you rinsed and drained. Then, return the chicken to the pot. Stir well to combine. 3. Remove the pot from heat and add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until it melts and becomes creamy. 4. Finish by garnishing with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for a zesty kick. - Adjusting chipotle heat level: Start with 2 tablespoons of chipotle in adobo sauce. If you want more heat, add more sauce a little at a time. Taste as you go. Chipotle adds a smoky flavor, but you control the spice. - Ensuring pasta doesn’t stick: Stir the pasta often while it cooks. This keeps it from sticking together. Make sure to add enough liquid, too. If you find the pasta gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. - Alternatives for heavy cream: If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free option, try coconut milk or cashew cream. Each gives a different flavor but still keeps it creamy. - Using different types of pasta: Penne works well, but you can swap it for fusilli or rotini. Just ensure the cooking time matches the pasta you choose. Make sure to check the package for instructions. - Pairing ideas for a complete meal: Serve this pasta with a fresh salad or garlic bread. A simple green salad with lime dressing complements the flavors perfectly. - Best toppings and garnishes: Top your dish with extra cheddar cheese for richness. Add sliced green onions or diced tomatoes for color. Fresh cilantro and lime wedges enhance the flavor and make it look pretty. Pro Tips Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, start with 1 tablespoon of chipotle in adobo sauce and gradually add more to taste. Protein Variations: Feel free to substitute the chicken with shrimp or even tofu for a different protein option. Make it Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version. Garnish for Flavor: Fresh lime juice and cilantro brighten up the dish, so don’t skip on these garnishes before serving! {{image_2}} You can make this dish meat-free. Start by replacing the chicken with plant-based protein. Options like tofu or tempeh work well. You can also add more veggies. Think bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. These ingredients add color and nutrients. They also boost the flavor of your dish. If you like heat, try a spicy twist. Increase the amount of chipotle in adobo sauce. This adds more depth and a smoky flavor. You can also incorporate jalapeños. Slice them thin and add them when cooking the onions. This gives your pasta a nice kick. For a twist on creaminess, use different cheeses. Cream cheese or goat cheese can add a unique taste. You can also use flavored broth or stock. Try vegetable broth for a lighter option. These swaps can change the dish while keeping it delicious. After you enjoy your One-Pot Chipotle Chicken Pasta, let it cool. You should not leave it out for more than two hours. Use an airtight container to seal the pasta well. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing it. When it's time to enjoy leftovers, you have two good options. The microwave is quick and easy. Just place the pasta in a safe bowl and heat it for a minute. Stir and heat again if needed. The stovetop is another great choice. Heat a pan over low heat and add a splash of water. Stir the pasta until warm. This method keeps it creamy and tasty. Freezing is a smart way to save extra pasta. First, cool the dish completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing. Label with the date. It can stay frozen for up to three months. To defrost, move it to the fridge overnight. You can also microwave it straight from the freezer. Just add a bit of water to keep it moist. Yes, you can make this recipe without cream. To keep it creamy, try using coconut milk or cashew cream. Both options add a nice texture and flavor. If you prefer a lighter dish, use vegetable broth instead of cream. This will still give you a tasty meal without dairy. You can add many fun ingredients to this pasta. Try bell peppers for crunch and color. Spinach or kale adds great nutrients. You can also toss in some mushrooms for an earthy taste. If you love heat, add jalapeños or more chipotle. Feel free to mix and match! The pasta cooks for about 12-15 minutes. You want it al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. Be sure to stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick to the pot. If you use a different pasta type, check the package for specific cooking times. Yes, you can use different meats for this dish. Try ground turkey or beef for a different flavor. Shrimp also works well if you want seafood. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on the meat you choose. Cook it until it's fully done for the best taste. In this post, we explored how to make One-Pot Chipotle Chicken Pasta. We covered the main ingredients like chicken, pasta, and spices and provided easy step-by-step instructions. I shared tips for perfecting your dish and various tasty variations. Remember, you can adjust flavors or swap ingredients to suit your taste. This recipe is flexible and fun to customize. Enjoy cooking and make it your own!$

Why I Love This Recipe

Easy One-Pot Wonder: This recipe simplifies dinner prep with everything cooked in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
Flavor Explosion: The chipotle in adobo sauce adds a smoky, spicy kick that elevates the dish to new levels.
Healthy and Hearty: With chicken, beans, and corn, this pasta is packed with protein and fiber, making it a nutritious choice.
Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level and ingredients to suit your taste, making it perfect for family meals.

Ingredients

Main ingredients for One-Pot Chipotle Chicken Pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika

The main ingredients create the base of this dish. Olive oil adds flavor and helps cook the chicken. Diced chicken breasts provide protein and make it filling. Seasonings like salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika give the pasta a warm and smoky taste.

Additional components

1 onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream

Next, we have the extra components. Chopped onions and garlic bring a savory depth to the dish. Diced tomatoes add freshness and acidity. Chicken broth enhances the flavor, while heavy cream makes it rich and creamy.

Pasta and extras

3 cups uncooked penne pasta
2-3 tablespoons chipotle in adobo sauce (adjust to taste)
1 cup corn (frozen or fresh)
1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Lime wedges, for serving

Finally, we include the pasta and extras. Penne pasta cooks perfectly and absorbs all the flavors. Chipotle in adobo sauce adds heat and smokiness. Corn and black beans contribute sweetness and texture. Cheddar cheese makes it gooey and delicious. Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime for brightness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the chicken

1. Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

2. Season 1 pound of diced chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika.

3. Add the chicken to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes. You want it browned and cooked through.

4. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

Building the base

1. In the same pot, add 1 finely chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes. The onion should be translucent.

2. Next, add 1 can of diced tomatoes with their juices, 2 cups of chicken broth, and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir to combine all the ingredients.

3. Now, add 3 cups of uncooked penne pasta into the mix. Bring everything to a gentle boil.

4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer. This should take about 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking.

Finishing touches

1. After the pasta is cooked al dente and most of the liquid has absorbed, add 2-3 tablespoons of chipotle in adobo sauce. Adjust based on your spice level.

2. Toss in 1 cup of corn and 1 cup of black beans that you rinsed and drained. Then, return the chicken to the pot. Stir well to combine.

3. Remove the pot from heat and add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until it melts and becomes creamy.

4. Finish by garnishing with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for a zesty kick.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the dish

Adjusting chipotle heat level: Start with 2 tablespoons of chipotle in adobo sauce. If you want more heat, add more sauce a little at a time. Taste as you go. Chipotle adds a smoky flavor, but you control the spice.
Ensuring pasta doesn’t stick: Stir the pasta often while it cooks. This keeps it from sticking together. Make sure to add enough liquid, too. If you find the pasta gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth.

Ingredient substitutions

Alternatives for heavy cream: If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free option, try coconut milk or cashew cream. Each gives a different flavor but still keeps it creamy.
Using different types of pasta: Penne works well, but you can swap it for fusilli or rotini. Just ensure the cooking time matches the pasta you choose. Make sure to check the package for instructions.

Serving suggestions

Pairing ideas for a complete meal: Serve this pasta with a fresh salad or garlic bread. A simple green salad with lime dressing complements the flavors perfectly.
Best toppings and garnishes: Top your dish with extra cheddar cheese for richness. Add sliced green onions or diced tomatoes for color. Fresh cilantro and lime wedges enhance the flavor and make it look pretty.

Pro Tips

Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, start with 1 tablespoon of chipotle in adobo sauce and gradually add more to taste.
Protein Variations: Feel free to substitute the chicken with shrimp or even tofu for a different protein option.
Make it Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version.
Garnish for Flavor: Fresh lime juice and cilantro brighten up the dish, so don’t skip on these garnishes before serving!

Variations

Vegetarian version

You can make this dish meat-free. Start by replacing the chicken with plant-based protein. Options like tofu or tempeh work well. You can also add more veggies. Think bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. These ingredients add color and nutrients. They also boost the flavor of your dish.

Spicy twist

If you like heat, try a spicy twist. Increase the amount of chipotle in adobo sauce. This adds more depth and a smoky flavor. You can also incorporate jalapeños. Slice them thin and add them when cooking the onions. This gives your pasta a nice kick.

Creamy alternatives

For a twist on creaminess, use different cheeses. Cream cheese or goat cheese can add a unique taste. You can also use flavored broth or stock. Try vegetable broth for a lighter option. These swaps can change the dish while keeping it delicious.

Storage Info

Storing leftovers

After you enjoy your One-Pot Chipotle Chicken Pasta, let it cool. You should not leave it out for more than two hours. Use an airtight container to seal the pasta well. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing it.

Reheating tips

When it's time to enjoy leftovers, you have two good options. The microwave is quick and easy. Just place the pasta in a safe bowl and heat it for a minute. Stir and heat again if needed. The stovetop is another great choice. Heat a pan over low heat and add a splash of water. Stir the pasta until warm. This method keeps it creamy and tasty.

Freezing options

Freezing is a smart way to save extra pasta. First, cool the dish completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing. Label with the date. It can stay frozen for up to three months. To defrost, move it to the fridge overnight. You can also microwave it straight from the freezer. Just add a bit of water to keep it moist.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without cream?

Yes, you can make this recipe without cream. To keep it creamy, try using coconut milk or cashew cream. Both options add a nice texture and flavor. If you prefer a lighter dish, use vegetable broth instead of cream. This will still give you a tasty meal without dairy.

What else can I add to this recipe?

You can add many fun ingredients to this pasta. Try bell peppers for crunch and color. Spinach or kale adds great nutrients. You can also toss in some mushrooms for an earthy taste. If you love heat, add jalapeños or more chipotle. Feel free to mix and match!

How long does the pasta need to cook?

The pasta cooks for about 12-15 minutes. You want it al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. Be sure to stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick to the pot. If you use a different pasta type, check the package for specific cooking times.

Can I use different types of meat?

Yes, you can use different meats for this dish. Try ground turkey or beef for a different flavor. Shrimp also works well if you want seafood. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on the meat you choose. Cook it until it's fully done for the best taste.

In this post, we explored how to make One-Pot Chipotle Chicken Pasta. We covered the main ingredients like chicken, pasta, and spices and provided easy step-by-step instructions. I shared tips for perfecting your dish and various tasty variations.

Remember, you can adjust flavors or swap ingredients to suit your taste. This recipe is flexible and fun to customize. Enjoy cooking and make it your ow