Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe With Spinach
This Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta is perfect for busy moms. It's ready in just 30 minutes and features tender chicken pieces, colorful bell peppers, and fresh spinach tossed in a creamy, smoky chipotle sauce, pleasing the kids' picky taste buds.
Ingredients
- 2 medium chicken breasts
- 3 cups uncooked pasta (penne or similar)
- 3-4 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ bell pepper
- 1 small onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1-1.5 cup spinach
- 3-4 radishes
- 1 cup (250 mL) heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon chipotle mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoon salt (incl. 1 teaspoon for pasta water)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or other herbs
- ½ lime (juice only)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade by combining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper, and the juice of ½ lime. Rub the chicken with the marinade and set it aside until it's time to fry. For larger chicken breasts, we recommend slicing them into thinner pieces to ensure the marinade penetrates the meat more thoroughly.
- Cook the pasta in a salted water according to package directions until al dente, usually 9-11 minutes. Drain, but do not rinse.
- While pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet, add marinated chicken and sear for 5-7 minutes on each side (depending on the thickness of the chicken pieces) until golden brown. Add honey and make sure all chicken pieces are covered in it. Cook for 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add more olive oil and minced garlic, cook for 1 minute, then add 1 chopped onion and cook for additional 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add chopped bell pepper and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add fresh spinach and stir until just wilted, about 1 minute.
- Slice the cooked chicken and add it back to the skillet. Reduce heat to medium and add heavy cream, smoked paprika powder, salt, and chipotle mayonnaise. Stir to combine.
- Allow sauce to simmer for 1-2 minutes, then add half of the grated parmesan cheese, stirring until melted.
- Remove from the heat and add the drained pasta. Toss well to combine.
- Garnish with thinly sliced radishes, additional grated parmesan, and chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
- If sauce seems too thick, add some pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- t's best to allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- If possible, warm your serving plates in the oven at a low temperature before plating. The warm plates will help keep this creamy pasta at the perfect temperature while you enjoy every bite!
