Creamy Chipotle Chicken Pasta
This Creamy Chipotle Chicken Pasta is SO EASY! Smoky chipotle sauce and tender chicken blend perfectly with penne, black beans, and corn for a deliciously creamy weeknight dinner.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn frozen or canned
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2-3 tbsp chipotle sauce adjust based on heat preference
- 1 tsp cumin
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 8 oz of penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water for later.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breasts, seasoning with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of cumin. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Aromatics
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Add Beans, Corn, and Sauce
- Stir in the rinsed and drained black beans and corn. Pour in the 1 cup of heavy cream and 2-3 tablespoons of chipotle sauce, adjusting to your preferred spice level. Stir well to combine and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Pasta
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it in the creamy chipotle sauce. Add the drained penne pasta, tossing everything together. If the sauce feels too thick, slowly add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve warm and enjoy!
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Skillet
- Colander
- Wooden Spoon
- Silicone spatula
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cups
- Knife
- Cutting Board
Notes
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier or gluten-free option.
- Swap heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free twist.
- Replace chicken breasts with diced turkey or tofu for a protein variation.
- Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently with added cream or water.