Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe: A Delicious and Healthy Dinner Option
Introduction
In this blog post, we will share a delicious and flavorful recipe for chipotle chicken pasta. This dish combines tender chicken, smoky chipotle peppers, and creamy pasta for a satisfying and easy-to-make meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or hosting a dinner party, this chipotle chicken pasta recipe is sure to impress. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
To make chipotle chicken pasta, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped (adjust according to your desired spice level)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Follow these simple steps to prepare chipotle chicken pasta:
- Cook the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.
Cook the pasta: Boil water in a large pot and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, heat another tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
Add the chipotle peppers: Stir in the chopped chipotle peppers, dried oregano, and ground cumin. Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers depending on your desired level of spiciness. Cook for an additional minute to allow the flavors to meld together.
Make the creamy sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any flavorful bits. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the broth reduces slightly. Then, add the heavy cream and stir well. Simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Combine everything: Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Mix well, ensuring that the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the creamy chipotle sauce.
Serve and garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve the chipotle chicken pasta warm and enjoy this delicious and comforting dish!
FAQ
Q: Can I substitute chicken thighs for the chicken breasts?
A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly, so ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Q: How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: To make a vegetarian version of this dish, you can substitute the chicken with your favorite meat alternative, such as tofu or tempeh. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a creamy sauce.
Q: Is chipotle pepper spicy?
A: Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce have a moderate level of spiciness. If you prefer less heat, you can adjust the amount of chipotle peppers used in the recipe.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: While it’s best to enjoy this dish immediately after preparation, you can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat the pasta gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Q: What side dishes would go well with chipotle chicken pasta?
A: This pasta pairs well with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
