One-Pot Smoky Chipotle Cheesy Chicken Pasta
This comforting one-pot dish combines smoky chipotle peppers with creamy cheese and tender chicken, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta and Base Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta (or other short pasta)
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (finely chopped) Adjust the number for desired spiciness
- 1 tbsp adobo sauce (from the chipotle can)
- 1 small onion, chopped (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Final Touches
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Can substitute with other cheeses
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until soft and fragrant.
- Add the cooked chicken along with the chopped chipotle peppers and adobo sauce. Stir to coat everything evenly.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir to combine the ingredients thoroughly.
Cooking
- Add the uncooked pasta. Stir to mix, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cover the pot.
- Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
- Taste the dish and adjust with salt, pepper, or additional adobo sauce as needed.
- Let it sit for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly before serving.
Notes
For a spicier kick, adjust the number of chipotle peppers to your liking. If you're short on time, use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut. Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack. Consider topping the dish with crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.