Honey Chipotle Chicken Pasta (Printable)

Succulent chicken and penne in a luscious honey chipotle cream sauce with smoky heat and fresh herbs.

# What You Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
03 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Pasta

07 - 12 oz penne pasta

→ Sauce

08 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
09 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
11 - 3 tablespoons honey
12 - 1 cup heavy cream
13 - 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
14 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
15 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
16 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
17 - Juice of 1/2 lime

→ Garnish

18 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
19 - Extra grated Parmesan cheese

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
02 - Season the chicken breasts on both sides with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F). Transfer to a plate, rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
04 - In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
05 - Stir in chopped chipotle peppers and honey. Cook for 1 minute, then add heavy cream, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Simmer 3-4 minutes, stirring, until slightly thickened.
06 - Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is smooth. Add lime juice.
07 - Toss in drained pasta and sliced chicken, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired sauce consistency. Cook 1-2 minutes until everything is well coated and heated through. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped cilantro and extra Parmesan if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The sauce hits that perfect balance where heat meets honey in the most gorgeous way possible
  • Everything comes together in one pan while pasta boils, making weeknight luxury feel totally doable
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day, if there are any
02 -
  • Chipotle heat varies wildly between brands, start with less and add more after tasting
  • The sauce thickens quickly off the heat, so pull it a little earlier than you think
  • Lime juice at the end is not optional, it completely transforms the dish
03 -
  • Grate your own Parmesan fresh, pre-grated has anti-caking agents that make sauce grainy
  • Let the sauce bubble gently, never boil hard or the cream can separate
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