One-Pot Smoky Chipotle Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

Today I’m bringing you a truly luscious, soul-warming pasta that is about to become your new weeknight superstar. Picture this: tender chunks of juicy chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a dreamy, velvety sauce all infused with smoky chipotle and a generous blanket of melted, gooey cheese. Best of all? It’s a one-pot wonder, meaning cleanup is an absolute breeze. This isn’t just dinner; it’s a hug in a bowl, and trust me, you’re going to love this!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pot Wonder: The most glorious part! Everything cooks right in one deep skillet, cutting down on dishes so you can spend less time scrubbing and more time savoring.
• Big, Bold Flavor: We’re not holding back on the flavor here! The combination of smoked paprika and chipotle chili powder gives it an irresistible smokiness and a lovely kick of heat.
• The Ultimate Comfort: It’s rich, creamy, cheesy, and packed with chicken—the very definition of comfort food. It’s hearty enough to satisfy everyone at the table.
• Lightning Fast: From prep to plate, this meal is ready in about 35 minutes. It’s the perfect answer to the “what’s for dinner?” scramble.

Ingredients

This is one of those recipes where the ingredients work together in perfect harmony to create a truly unforgettable flavor profile. It’s so easy!

• Olive Oil: The starting point! A little bit of oil helps you get a nice sear on the chicken, locking in those savory juices.
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces, this is our lean, hearty protein. Removing it after browning ensures it stays tender and juicy.
• Small Onion & Garlic: The aromatic backbone of the dish! These two build the essential savory base before we layer on the spices.
• Smoked Paprika & Chipotle Chili Powder: This duo is a game-changer. Smoked paprika brings the depth, while chipotle chili powder delivers that signature smoky heat. Adjust the chipotle to match your preferred spice level!
• Cumin, Salt, & Black Pepper: Your essential seasonings. Cumin adds an earthy warmth that pairs beautifully with the other smoky spices.
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: This is the magic cooking liquid that hydrates the pasta and turns into our flavorful sauce base. Low-sodium gives you control over the final saltiness.
• Diced Tomatoes (Canned): These add a subtle tang, a bit of acidity to balance the richness, and a lovely texture to the sauce.
• Penne or Rotini Pasta: Choose a sturdy, medium-sized pasta shape. These shapes have great grooves and pockets for catching all that delicious, creamy sauce!
• Heavy Cream: The secret to that ultra-velvety, rich, and luxurious mouthfeel we’re after. Don’t skip it!
• Shredded Cheddar & Mozzarella Cheese: Cheddar brings the sharp, savory flavor, while mozzarella adds the epic, melty, gooey stretch.
• Fresh Cilantro: A bright, fresh herb that cuts through the richness and adds a pop of color and flavor right before serving.
• Lime Wedges: This citrusy finish is non-negotiable! A squeeze of lime brightens the whole dish, giving it that perfect zing.

Note: The exact measurements for these ingredients, along with the step-by-step instructions, are listed in the printable recipe card found right under this article.

How to Make the One-Pot Smoky Chipotle Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

First things first, let’s get that chicken golden! Heat your olive oil in a large deep pot or skillet over medium heat. Add your bite-sized chicken pieces and cook them until they have a nice, light golden color on the outside. Scoop it out and set it aside—we’re bringing it back later!

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In that same glorious pot (all those chicken bits are flavor!), add your chopped onion and let it soften for a couple of minutes. Next, stir in the garlic and all those wonderful spices: smoked paprika, chipotle powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds until you can really smell that amazing aroma.

Step 3: Simmer the Pasta

Bring the chicken back to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes (juices and all!). Finally, add the uncooked pasta. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is submerged. Bring it all to a boil, then immediately turn the heat down to low. Cover the pot and let it gently simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring once or twice to prevent the pasta from sticking. The pasta is done when it’s tender and most of the liquid has been soaked up.

Step 4: Stir in the Cream and Cheese

The moment you’ve been waiting for! Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the heavy cream, followed by the shredded cheddar and mozzarella. Stir, stir, stir until every single noodle is coated in a thick, creamy, dreamy, melted cheese sauce.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle the whole gorgeous dish with your fresh chopped cilantro. Don’t forget that final secret weapon: a squeeze of fresh lime juice right over the top. Serve hot with extra lime wedges on the side!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Skip the Sear: Browning the chicken in the beginning adds a crucial layer of savory flavor to the whole dish. Those little brown bits left in the pan (called the fond) are pure deliciousness!
• Use Quality Broth: Since the broth is the base of our sauce, using a good quality, flavorful low-sodium chicken broth makes a difference.
• Stir Occasionally: Even though it’s a one-pot meal, stirring a few times during the simmer prevents the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot or clumping together.
• Adjust the Heat: Start with 1 teaspoon of chipotle powder and taste before adding more! You can always add heat, but you can’t take it away. If you like it extra spicy, feel free to use 121​ teaspoons or more.

How to Serve

This pasta is a full meal all on its own, but here are a few fun ways to plate it up:

• Garnish Power: Finish with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, extra chopped cilantro, and maybe a few finely sliced jalapeños for a fresh kick.
• Garlic Bread Pairing: You can never go wrong with a side of crunchy, buttery garlic bread for dipping into that decadent sauce.
• Fresh Side Salad: Pair this rich pasta with a simple, crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken quite a bit as it cools—that’s normal!

Freezing

Because of the dairy and pasta, this recipe is best enjoyed fresh. Freezing can sometimes change the texture of the sauce (it may become grainy) and the pasta (it might get too soft). If you must freeze it, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and expect a slight texture change upon thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, place a serving in a microwave-safe bowl and add a splash of milk or extra chicken broth before warming. This helps thin the sauce back out and restores its creamy texture. You can also reheat it in a pot on the stovetop over low heat, stirring in a little liquid until it’s warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of protein in this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is super versatile. You can easily swap the chicken breasts for boneless skinless chicken thighs for an even juicier result, or use shrimp, which cooks even faster—just toss the shrimp in at the end with the cream and cheese and cook until pink. For a vegetarian option, you could use a can of drained and rinsed black beans or chickpeas instead of the meat.

Why did my sauce turn out too thick or too thin?

If your sauce is too thick, it likely means the pasta soaked up more liquid than expected, especially if you had the heat a little too low during simmering. Just stir in an extra 1/4 cup of chicken broth or heavy cream after adding the cheese until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, it usually means the pasta needed more time to cook and absorb the liquid. Simply remove the lid and let it simmer for a few more minutes to allow the sauce to reduce.

Can I substitute the cheeses?

Yes, you can certainly play around with the cheese! The key is to use a good melter. A mixture of Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack (for extra heat!), or even a smoked Gouda would be phenomenal in this dish. Just keep the total quantity of cheese the same to ensure you get that luxurious, creamy texture.

What if I don’t have fresh cilantro?

While the fresh cilantro and lime add a crucial brightness that cuts through the richness, if you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh parsley for a hint of herbaceousness and color. Alternatively, you can omit the herb entirely and simply rely on a squeeze of fresh lime juice to provide the necessary zest and lift to the final dish.