Save The first time I made this honey chipotle chicken pasta, my husband took one bite and actually stopped talking for a full minute. That never happens. The way the sweet honey hits that smoky chipotle heat creates this incredible flavor collision that makes people lean in closer to their plates.
I made this for a Tuesday night dinner with friends last month, and honestly, the best part was watching everyone reach for seconds. My friend Sarah, who claims she hates spicy food, kept saying just one more taste until shed practically finished half the serving dish.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts: Pound them to even thickness so they cook uniformly and stay juicy
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: This adds a deeper smoky layer that complements the chipotle peppers beautifully
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Use this instead of fresh garlic for the chicken rub so it doesnt burn during searing
- 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper: Season both sides generously because underseasoned chicken ruins everything
- 2 tbsp olive oil: You want enough oil to create a nice golden crust without making the chicken greasy
- 350 g (12 oz) penne pasta: The ridges catch the sauce perfectly but rigatoni works just as well
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Unsalted lets you control the sodium level since the cheese and broth already add saltiness
- 3 cloves garlic minced: Fresh garlic here blooms in the butter and creates the aromatic base for your sauce
- 2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce finely chopped: Start with less if youre heat sensitive because these pack serious punch
- 3 tbsp honey: The honey cuts through the heat and creates that gorgeous glossy finish on the pasta
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream: This creates the luxurious velvety texture that makes restaurant pasta so addictive
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) low sodium chicken broth: Low sodium is crucial here since youre adding salt and cheese later
- 1/2 cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Pregrated cheese has anti caking agents that make sauce grainy so grate it yourself
- 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper: Taste your sauce before adding these because the chipotles and adobo are already salty
- Juice of 1/2 lime: This little acid brightens everything and keeps the rich sauce from feeling too heavy
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro: The fresh herbal pop at the end cuts through the creamy richness
Instructions
- Get your pasta water going first:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the penne until al dente then drain but save that half cup of pasta water because its liquid gold for fixing sauce consistency later
- Season and prep the chicken:
- While the pasta water heats rub both sides of each chicken breast with smoked paprika garlic powder salt and pepper making sure to get the edges too
- Sear the chicken to perfection:
- Heat that olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat and cook the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side until youve got gorgeous golden brown spots and the internal temp hits 74C then let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips
- Build the sauce foundation:
- In the same skillet turn the heat down to medium and melt the butter then sauté the minced garlic for just 30 seconds until fragrant because burnt garlic turns bitter fast
- Add the chipotle honey magic:
- Stir in those chopped chipotle peppers and honey letting them cook for a minute so the honey gets all bubbly and starts to caramelize slightly
- Create the creamy base:
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth then add your salt and pepper and let everything simmer for 3 to 4 minutes while stirring constantly until the sauce coats the back of a spoon
- Melt in the cheese and brighten with lime:
- Stir in the Parmesan until its completely melted and the sauce looks smooth and glossy then finish with that fresh lime juice
- Bring it all together:
- Toss in the drained pasta and sliced chicken adding that reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce seems too thick then cook everything for 1 to 2 minutes until the pasta is coated and heated through
- Finish with fresh herbs and serve:
- Plate it up immediately while steaming hot and sprinkle that fresh cilantro on top with extra Parmesan if youre feeling indulgent
Save This pasta has become my go to for comfort food that still feels impressive enough for company. Last week my brother called me at 9 pm demanding the recipe after his friend made it for dinner.
Making It Your Own
Sometimes I throw in roasted bell peppers or zucchini when I want to bulk up the vegetables. The sweetness from roasted peppers plays really nicely with the honey chipotle flavors.
Wine Pairing Magic
A crisp Chardonnay cuts through the creamy richness without competing with the spice. Or if you prefer beer a light Mexican lager works surprisingly well to cool things down between bites.
Leftover Secrets
The sauce actually gets better overnight as the flavors meld together. Store it in an airtight container and reheat gently with a splash of cream to bring back that silky consistency.
- Add a handful of spinach while reheating for extra nutrition
- Turn leftovers into a baked pasta casserole with extra cheese on top
- Freeze the sauce separately from pasta if you want to meal prep
Save Theres something so satisfying about a pasta dish that hits every single flavor note in one bite. Hope this becomes a regular rotation in your kitchen too.
Recipe FAQs
- → How spicy is this honey chipotle pasta?
The heat level is medium and can be easily adjusted. Using 2 tablespoons of chipotle peppers provides a noticeable warmth without overwhelming the palate. Reduce to 1 tablespoon for milder flavor or increase to 3 tablespoons if you prefer more heat.
- → Can I make this pasta dish ahead of time?
The sauce can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta and chicken fresh when ready to serve, then toss everything together. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or pasta water to maintain silky consistency.
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Penne is ideal because its tube shape holds the creamy sauce beautifully. Rigatoni, fusilli, or ziti also work well. Short pasta with ridges or curves helps capture the thick honey chipotle sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- → How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving, which can cause the sauce to separate and become grainy.
- → Can I use grilled chicken instead of seared?
Absolutely. Grilled chicken adds a wonderful smoky char that complements the chipotle sauce beautifully. Season and grill the chicken until cooked through, then slice and toss with the pasta and sauce just before serving.
- → What vegetables can I add to this dish?
Roasted bell peppers, zucchini, corn, or sautéed spinach work wonderfully. Add them during the final toss so they heat through without becoming mushy. The vegetables add color, nutrition, and extra layers of flavor.