Description
A delightful and creamy Honey Chipotle Chicken Pasta that combines tender seared chicken breasts with a smoky, sweet, and spicy chipotle-honey sauce. This dish features perfectly cooked penne pasta tossed in a luscious, cheesy sauce with a hint of lime and fresh cilantro for a vibrant finish. It’s an easy and flavorful dinner perfect for weeknights or entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Pasta
- 12 ounces penne pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta while reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use.
- Season the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to build flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter and minced garlic, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant to develop the sauce’s aromatic base.
- Build the Sauce: Stir in the finely chopped chipotle peppers and honey. Cook this mixture for 1 minute to meld flavors. Then add heavy cream, low-sodium chicken broth, salt, and black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until it slightly thickens.
- Finish the Sauce: Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir until melted and smooth. Add the juice of half a lime to brighten the sauce with a fresh citrus note.
- Combine and Heat: Add the drained pasta and sliced chicken into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together well, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a creamy consistency. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes more to heat through and combine flavors thoroughly.
- Serve: Serve the honey chipotle chicken pasta immediately, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired, for an extra touch of flavor and texture.
Notes
- For spicier heat, increase the amount of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
- Reserve pasta water carefully as it helps loosen the sauce without making it watery.
- Letting the chicken rest after searing keeps it juicy and tender.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a creamier sauce and better flavor.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste, especially after adding parmesan as it can add saltiness.
