Easy Chipotle Pasta Recipe

Looking for a creamy, smoky, and slightly spicy pasta dish that comes together in under 30 minutes? This Easy Chipotle Pasta Recipe is a must-try for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something bold and comforting. Packed with rich chipotle flavor and a smooth, velvety sauce, it’s the perfect fusion of Southwest heat and Italian comfort.

Easy Chipotle Pasta Recipe

Recipe by Chef Sadat KhizarCourse: Main CourseCuisine: Mexican-AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

450

kcal

Easy Chipotle Pasta Recipe

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup tomato sauce

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh cilantro, chopped

• 1/2 cup cooked chicken or shrimp

Directions

• Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.
• While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Stir in the chopped chipotle peppers and adobo sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes to combine the flavors. Then, add the heavy cream and tomato sauce. Stir to blend and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly, adding a little reserved pasta water if the sauce needs to loosen up.
• Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Garnish with chopped cilantro and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately. Enjoy!

Recipe Video

Serving Suggestions

This chipotle pasta pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes and proteins. For a heartier meal, top it with grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or roasted vegetables. A crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette and some warm garlic bread on the side also make excellent accompaniments. If you’re entertaining, serve it in a pasta bowl with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and cotija cheese for a restaurant-style presentation.

Savings Suggestions

To save both time and money, buy chipotle peppers in bulk or freeze leftovers from a can—they’re incredibly versatile and keep well. Use any short pasta you have on hand instead of buying something new. For a budget-friendly version, swap out heavy cream with a mix of milk and cream cheese or use a dairy-free alternative if you’re plant-based. This dish is also great for meal prepping—make a double batch and store leftovers for easy lunches.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this pasta less spicy?
A: Yes! Use just one chipotle pepper or remove the seeds before blending. You can also add more cream to mellow the heat.

Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Absolutely. Swap the cream for full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Just make sure it’s unsweetened.

Q: How long does chipotle pasta last in the fridge?
A: Store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

Q: Can I freeze this recipe?
A: Yes, although cream-based sauces may slightly separate when thawed. For best results, freeze the sauce and pasta separately if possible.

Q: What protein goes best with chipotle pasta?
A: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crumbled Mexican chorizo pair wonderfully with the smoky flavors.