Honey Chipotle Chicken Pasta (Printable)

Creamy honey chipotle sauce coats tender chicken and penne pasta for a bold, satisfying meal with sweet-smoky flavor.

# What you'll need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
03 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Pasta

07 - 12 ounces penne pasta

→ Sauce

08 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
09 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
11 - 3 tablespoons honey
12 - 1 cup heavy cream
13 - 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
14 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
15 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
16 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
17 - Juice of 1/2 lime

→ Garnish

18 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
19 - Extra grated Parmesan cheese

# How to make it:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
02 - Season chicken breasts on both sides with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through to 165°F. Transfer to a plate, rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
04 - In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
05 - Stir in chopped chipotle peppers and honey. Cook for 1 minute, then add heavy cream, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring until slightly thickened.
06 - Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is smooth. Add lime juice.
07 - Toss drained pasta and sliced chicken in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency. Cook for 1-2 minutes until well coated and heated through. Serve immediately garnished with cilantro and extra Parmesan.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The sauce strikes that perfect balance between sweet and spicy that keeps you coming back for another bite
  • Everything comes together in one skillet, meaning less cleanup and more time enjoying dinner
02 -
  • The sauce thickens quickly as it cools so if you plan to reheat leftovers keep some extra cream or pasta water handy
  • Chipotle heat varies by brand so taste your adobo sauce before adding and adjust accordingly
03 -
  • Pound your chicken to even thickness before seasoning so it cooks evenly and stays tender
  • Always grate your own Parmesan because pre grated cheese has additives that prevent smooth melting
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