Adobo Pasta with Chicken is a flavorful, creamy dish that combines the smokiness of chipotle and the richness of heavy cream with hearty chicken and mushrooms. This dish is perfect for anyone who loves a bit of spice with their pasta. It’s quick to prepare and is ideal for a weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Adobo Pasta with Chicken is bursting with flavor and simplicity. The combination of adobo sauce and chipotle peppers adds a smoky, spicy kick to the creamy sauce, while the penne pasta absorbs all the rich flavors. It’s a one-pan meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make. Plus, the addition of mushrooms and onions gives the dish a hearty feel, making it the perfect comfort food.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 box Barilla Penne pasta
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 lb chicken breast, cubed
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1 yellow onion, diced
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1 lb mushrooms, sliced
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1/4 cup adobo sauce
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2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
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1/4 cup heavy cream
Directions
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Cook the Barilla Penne pasta according to the package instructions, cooking until al dente, and set aside.
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In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
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In the same pan, sauté the diced onion until translucent. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they soften.
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Return the cooked chicken to the pan, and stir in the adobo sauce and chopped chipotle peppers.
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Slowly add the heavy cream and stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Right before serving, add the cooked pasta to the pan and stir gently to combine.
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Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 8
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Preparation time: 10 minutes
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Cooking time: 30 minutes
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Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
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For a different texture, substitute the chicken breast with chicken thighs.
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If you prefer a lighter version, you can replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based alternative.
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Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra color and nutrition.
Storage/Reheating
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute penne with any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli or rigatoni.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
Reduce or omit the chipotle peppers and adobo sauce if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I make this ahead of time?
While it’s best fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and store them separately. Just add the pasta when ready to serve.
Can I add cheese to this dish?
Yes, you can sprinkle shredded Parmesan or mozzarella on top for added flavor.
How can I adjust the creaminess of the sauce?
If you prefer a creamier sauce, simply add more heavy cream to achieve your desired consistency.
Can I use other vegetables instead of mushrooms?
Yes, you can substitute mushrooms with vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe isn’t naturally gluten-free because of the pasta, but you can use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best to reheat on the stovetop to preserve the texture of the pasta.
Can I freeze this dish?
This dish does not freeze well because of the cream-based sauce and the texture of the pasta, but you can freeze the chicken and sauce separately.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs will work great in this recipe and provide a slightly richer flavor.
Conclusion
Adobo Pasta with Chicken is an easy, flavorful dish that combines smoky chipotle heat with creamy goodness. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners and has just the right amount of spice to keep your taste buds excited. The recipe is flexible, so feel free to adjust the spice levels or add extra vegetables to suit your preferences. This dish is sure to become a family favorite!
Print
Adobo Pasta with Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Adobo Pasta with Chicken is a smoky, creamy pasta dish that combines chipotle heat, tender chicken, and hearty mushrooms. This flavorful, one-pan recipe is quick to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner the whole family will love. With its rich adobo sauce and creamy texture, it’s a delicious balance of spice and comfort. Customize the spice levels and add veggies for a dish that suits your taste.
Ingredients
1 box Barilla Penne pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lb chicken breast, cubed
1 yellow onion, diced
1 lb mushrooms, sliced
1/4 cup adobo sauce
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta: Cook the Barilla Penne pasta according to the package instructions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Cook the Chicken: In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set aside.
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Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, sauté the diced onion until translucent. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until softened.
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Combine with Adobo Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Stir in the adobo sauce and chopped chipotle peppers.
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Make the Creamy Sauce: Slowly add the heavy cream and stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the pan and stir gently to combine. Cook for a minute or two to allow the pasta to absorb the sauce.
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Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warm.
Variations: Replace chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a richer flavor, or use plant-based cream for a lighter version.
Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by reducing or omitting chipotle peppers and adobo sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Italian Fusion
