Honey Chipotle Chicken Pasta

The first time I made honey chipotle chicken pasta, my kitchen smelled incredible—smoky, sweet, and savory all at once. My roommate wandered in from the living room, following that unmistakable chipotle aroma, and ended up staying for dinner. Now its become one of those recipes I make when I want something impressive but dont want to spend hours at the stove.

Last winter, I served this for a casual dinner with friends on a rainy Tuesday. Everyone went quiet after the first forkful, which is always the best compliment. One friend asked for the recipe before shed even finished her plate, and now she makes it for her family every Sunday.

Ingredients

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts: Pounding them to even thickness ensures they cook uniformly and stay tender
• 1 tsp smoked paprika: This adds deep smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with chipotle
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Use fresh garlic too, but this gives the chicken seasoning extra depth
• 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper: Season generously—this is your main flavor base for the chicken
• 2 tbsp olive oil: You want enough oil to get a good golden sear without burning
• 350 g (12 oz) penne pasta: Penne catches sauce beautifully in its ridges and tubes
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter: This creates the silky foundation for your sauce
• 3 cloves garlic minced: Fresh garlic is non-negotiable here—mince it finely so it melts into the sauce
• 2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce finely chopped: Start with less if youre sensitive to heat, then add more
• 3 tbsp honey: This balances the chipotle heat with natural sweetness
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream: Heavy cream gives the sauce its luxurious velvety texture
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) low-sodium chicken broth: This thins the cream slightly and adds savory depth
• 1/2 cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Buy a wedge and grate it yourself—pre-grated cheese resists melting smoothly
• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste): Taste the sauce before adding more since chipotle adobo is already salty
• 1/4 tsp black pepper: Freshly ground makes a noticeable difference
• Juice of 1/2 lime: The acid cuts through the richness and brightens everything
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro: This adds freshness and color that makes the dish pop
• Extra grated Parmesan (optional): Because some dishes just need that final cheesy flourish

Instructions

Get your pasta water boiling:

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook penne according to package directions until al dente, then drain but reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before emptying the pot

Season and sear the chicken:

While pasta cooks, season both sides of chicken breasts with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through

Rest and slice the chicken:

Transfer chicken to a plate and let it rest 5 minutes so juices redistribute, then slice thinly across the grain

Build the sauce foundation:

In the same skillet over medium heat, add butter and minced garlic, sautéing 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned

Add chipotle and honey:

Stir in chopped chipotle peppers and honey, cooking 1 minute to meld flavors

Create the creamy base:

Pour in heavy cream, chicken broth, salt, and pepper, then simmer 3–4 minutes while stirring until sauce thickens slightly

Melt in the cheese:

Stir in Parmesan until completely melted and sauce is smooth, then add lime juice

Bring it all together:

Add drained pasta and sliced chicken to the sauce, tossing well and adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired consistency, then cook 1–2 minutes until everything is heated through and coated

Finish and serve:

Serve immediately topped with fresh cilantro and extra Parmesan if desired

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My sister called me mid-bite the first time she tried this recipe, just to tell me Id ruined her for plain pasta forever. Thats when I knew this sauce was something special—it transforms weeknight pasta into something memorable.

Making It Your Own

Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream if you want a lighter sauce that still feels indulgent. I often add roasted bell peppers or zucchini for extra vegetables and color. Sometimes I toss in spinach at the end so it wilts slightly into the sauce.

Perfect Pairings

A crisp Chardonnay cuts through the creaminess while complementing the smoky notes. On lighter evenings, a cold Mexican lager works beautifully. For sides, a simple green salad with citrus vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

This recipe actually tastes better the next day as flavors deepen. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating gently with a splash of cream or pasta water. The sauce separates when chilled but emulsifies again with gentle heat and stirring.

• Cook pasta slightly less than al dente if meal-prepping—it firms up in the fridge
• Freeze sauce without pasta for up to 3 months and reheat with fresh pasta
• Reserve fresh garnishes until serving so they stay vibrant

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Theres something deeply satisfying about a pasta dish that delivers this much flavor with relatively little effort. Enjoy every bite of that sweet, smoky, creamy goodness.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do I achieve tender chicken in this dish?

Season the chicken with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then sear it over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through. Rest before slicing to retain juices.

→ Can I adjust the spiciness level?

Yes, adjust the amount of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to make the dish more or less spicy according to your preference.

→ What pasta type works best here?

Penne is ideal as it holds the creamy honey chipotle sauce well, but other medium shapes like rigatoni or ziti can also be used.

→ How can I lighten the sauce?

Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to create a lighter, less rich sauce without sacrificing flavor.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini complement it nicely, along with a crisp Chardonnay or a light Mexican lager.

→ How to ensure the sauce is smooth and well combined?

Simmer the cream, broth, and seasonings until slightly thickened, then stir in Parmesan cheese until melted for a smooth, creamy texture.