Save This Honey Chipotle Chicken Pasta is a vibrant and bold meal that brings together the smoky heat of chipotles with the velvety sweetness of honey. It is an ideal dish for those who love a creamy, flavor-packed pasta with a satisfying kick.
Save The secret to this dish lies in the pan-seared chicken, seasoned with smoked paprika and garlic powder. Searing the meat first creates a flavorful crust that complements the velvety texture of the honey-infused cream sauce.
Ingredients
- Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Pasta:
- 350 g (12 oz) penne pasta
- Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- Garnish:
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- Extra grated Parmesan (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2
- While pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts on both sides with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Step 3
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 74°C/165°F). Transfer to a plate, rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
- Step 4
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 5
- Stir in chopped chipotle peppers and honey. Cook for 1 minute, then add heavy cream, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Simmer 3–4 minutes, stirring, until slightly thickened.
- Step 6
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is smooth. Add lime juice.
- Step 7
- Toss in drained pasta and sliced chicken, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired sauce consistency. Cook 1–2 minutes until everything is well coated and heated through.
- Step 8
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped cilantro and extra Parmesan if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the best flavor, adjust the quantity of chipotle peppers to reach your preferred heat level. Always use a thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) for safety and juiciness.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a lighter version of the sauce, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. To add more nutrition, consider tossing in roasted vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini during the final mixing step.
Serviervorschläge
Garnish each bowl with plenty of fresh cilantro and an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese. This dish pairs excellently with a crisp Chardonnay or a light Mexican lager to complement the smoky notes.
Save With its bold flavors and creamy texture, this Honey Chipotle Chicken Pasta is sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy this satisfying and unique twist on classic pasta night!
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Sear the chicken over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side until golden, watching for an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). Avoid overcooking. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain moisture and juices.
- → Can I adjust the heat level?
Absolutely. Start with 1 tablespoon of chipotle peppers and add more to taste. The honey balances the heat, so increasing either ingredient shifts the flavor profile. Taste as you go for your preferred spice level.
- → What's the best way to achieve the right sauce consistency?
Reserve pasta water before draining. After combining pasta and chicken with the sauce, gradually add reserved pasta water 1-2 tablespoons at a time until you reach your desired creaminess. This prevents the sauce from becoming too thick.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast. The sauce will have a slightly different texture but maintains the sweet-smoky flavor profile. Adjust seasonings to compensate for the richness reduction.
- → How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore sauce consistency. Alternatively, warm in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
- → What vegetables pair well with this pasta?
Roasted bell peppers, zucchini, sun-dried tomatoes, and broccoli complement the honey chipotle sauce beautifully. Add them during the final tossing step. Fresh corn kernels also enhance the sweet-smoky notes without overpowering the sauce.