Honey Chipotle Chicken Pasta (Printable Format)

Seared chicken and penne in a creamy honey chipotle sauce with fresh cilantro. A bold, satisfying main dish ready in 40 minutes.

# What's Needed:

→ 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 ounces 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, optional

# How To Make It:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
02 - While pasta cooks, season 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 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Transfer to a plate and rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
04 - In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic, sautéing 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 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
06 - Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is smooth. Add lime juice to balance flavors.
07 - Toss drained pasta and sliced chicken into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency. Cook 1 to 2 minutes until everything is well coated and heated through.
08 - Serve immediately, garnished with chopped cilantro and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The sauce hits that perfect balance of sweet heat that keeps you going back for another bite
  • It comes together in under 45 minutes but tastes like something from a restaurant
  • The leftovers reheat beautifully for tomorrow's lunch
02 -
  • Chipotle heat levels vary wildly between brands—always taste your sauce before adding more
  • The sauce will continue thickening off the heat, so don't reduce it too much in the pan
  • Room temperature cream incorporates more smoothly than cold from the fridge
03 -
  • Pound your chicken to even thickness so it cooks through without drying out the thinner parts
  • Warm your honey slightly in the microwave—it incorporates into the sauce much faster
  • Grate your own Parmesan instead of using pre-grated for better melting
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