Get ready to fall in love with the tangy, spicy, and irresistibly cheesy flavors packed into this Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Pasta Recipe. It brings together tender, perfectly seasoned chicken and protein-rich pasta tossed in a dreamy sauce that combines jalapeños, cream cheese, and a medley of cheeses for a wonderful balance of heat and creaminess. Whether you want a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to impress friends, this dish is a total winner that hits every craving spot in one delicious bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet thoughtfully chosen, the ingredients in this recipe create a gorgeous symphony of flavors and textures. Each component plays an essential role, from the smoky spices on the chicken to the creamy cheeses and fresh jalapeños that make the dish shine. Here’s everything you’ll need to make this dish come alive in your kitchen:
- 20 oz chicken breast, cubed: Provides tender, protein-packed bites that soak up all the spices perfectly.
- Salt & pepper, to taste: Essential to enhance all the other flavors without overpowering.
- 1 tsp garlic powder, chili powder, paprika: Adds smokiness and subtle heat for a well-rounded spice profile.
- 1/2 tsp cumin: Brings a warm earthiness that complements the jalapeños beautifully.
- Avocado oil spray: Perfect for sautéing chicken and veggies without extra heaviness.
- 12 oz protein pasta: A hearty base that holds up to the sauce and adds extra nutrition.
- 1/2 white onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce foundation.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses its iconic aroma and flavor into the dish.
- 1/4 cup pasta water: Helps bind the sauce and pasta for a velvety finish.
- 1 cup corn: Adds a burst of natural sweetness and lovely texture contrast.
- 1–2 jalapeños, finely diced: Packs that playful, spicy kick essential for the recipe’s signature flavor.
- 1/4 cup fat-free or low-fat mozzarella: Melts smoothly to give luscious creaminess without heaviness.
- 2 tbsp light cream cheese: Builds the creamy body of the sauce with a rich tang.
- 1 cup fat-free milk (Fairlife): Keeps the sauce silky and smooth without adding excess fat.
- 1 cup fat-free cottage cheese: Adds protein and a subtle tang while boosting the creamy texture.
- 2 tbsp heavy cream: Elevates richness to create that indulgent mouthfeel.
- 1/4 cup Parmesan: Contributes sharp, nutty notes that brighten the dish.
- 1/4 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Additional seasoning layers for the sauce.
- 1 tsp hot honey (optional): Offers a sweet heat that balances the jalapeños brilliantly.
- Cotija cheese, Tajín, Fresh cilantro: For garnish, adding bursts of flavor, color, and a little zesty punch.
How to Make Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sauté the Chicken
Start by seasoning your cubed chicken breast generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, and cumin. Heat avocado oil in a large skillet and sauté the chicken until it’s beautifully golden and cooked through. This step infuses the meat with bold flavors and gives it a lovely crust that stands out against the creamy sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the chicken cooks, boil your protein pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to save about 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining. This starchy water will come in handy later to help create the perfect sauce consistency that clings to every strand.
Step 3: Sauté Onion, Garlic, Corn, and Jalapeños
In the same skillet you cooked the chicken in, toss in the finely chopped white onion and minced garlic. Sauté until translucent and fragrant. Then add the sweet corn and diced jalapeños. Cooking these together softens the ingredients while letting their flavors mingle, building the flavorful base for your sauce.
Step 4: Blend the Creamy Sauce
Combine the cream cheese, fat-free milk, cottage cheese, heavy cream, Parmesan, plus salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a blender. Blitz until perfectly smooth. Pour this luscious sauce into the skillet with the veggie mixture and add the reserved pasta water. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes gloriously creamy.
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Cheese
Finally, add your cooked pasta, sautéed chicken, and mozzarella to the skillet. Stir everything together thoroughly, allowing the mozzarella to melt into the sauce. This step makes sure each bite is coated with that dreamy, creamy texture we all love from the Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Pasta Recipe.
How to Serve Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To transform this dish from wonderful to unforgettable, top it with crumbled cotija cheese for a salty punch, a sprinkle of Tajín for zesty spice, and fresh cilantro for a burst of herbaceous brightness. These garnishes not only add exciting layers of flavor but also create vibrant contrast that will get everyone reaching for seconds.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs splendidly with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lime vinaigrette or a simple roasted vegetable medley. Both options provide fresh, bright counterpoints that complement the dish’s creamy heat and keep the meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in shallow pasta bowls to showcase its colorful ingredients, or plate it layered with a small side of avocado slices for extra creaminess and visual appeal. Drizzling a little hot honey on top right before serving adds a glossy finish and a final kiss of sweet heat that excites the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover creamy jalapeño chicken pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it an easy and tasty next-day meal.
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze this dish for up to 1 month. Store in a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove to maintain the creamy texture.
Reheating
Reheat the pasta on the stove over low-medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce and keeps it silky smooth, bringing back that fresh-made feeling with every bite.
FAQs
Can I adjust the spiciness in the Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! The heat level can be easily controlled by adjusting the amount of jalapeños you add or removing the seeds. You can also skip the hot honey for less sweetness and heat if preferred.
What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?
Protein pasta is a great choice for its nutrition and texture, but any pasta that holds sauce well, like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli, will work beautifully.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute dairy cheeses and cream with plant-based alternatives like cashew cream, vegan mozzarella, and almond milk. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will differ slightly but still delicious!
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes! The sauce can be blended and stored in the fridge for a day before combining with the pasta and chicken. Just reheat gently before tossing with the other ingredients.
What’s the best way to dice jalapeños without overwhelming heat?
Use gloves to remove the seeds and membranes where most of the heat lives, then finely dice. This controls the spice level while still imparting that delicious jalapeño flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Pasta Recipe is truly a delightful dish that brings comfort and a little kick in every forkful. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something easy but packed with exciting flavors. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a new favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Pasta combines tender, spiced chicken with protein-packed pasta and a flavorful, creamy sauce infused with fresh jalapeños for a perfect balance of heat and richness. Ideal for a quick, satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 20 oz chicken breast, cubed
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Avocado oil spray
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz protein pasta
- 1/2 white onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup corn
- 1–2 jalapeños, finely diced
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved)
- 1/4 cup fat-free or low-fat mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp light cream cheese
- 1 cup fat-free milk (such as Fairlife)
- 1 cup fat-free cottage cheese
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp hot honey (optional)
Garnishes
- Cotija cheese
- Tajín seasoning
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Season and Cook Chicken: Season the cubed chicken breast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, and cumin. Spray a pan with avocado oil and sauté the chicken over medium heat until it becomes golden brown and is fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the protein pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan used for the chicken, add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, corn, and diced jalapeños. Sauté over medium heat until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a blender, combine the light cream cheese, fat-free milk, fat-free cottage cheese, heavy cream, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Blend until the mixture is smooth. Pour this sauce into the pan with the sautéed vegetables along with the reserved pasta water, then simmer gently until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Stir the cooked pasta, sautéed chicken, and mozzarella cheese into the pan with the sauce and vegetables. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated and the mozzarella melts slightly. Optionally, drizzle with hot honey. Serve garnished with Cotija cheese, a sprinkle of Tajín seasoning, and fresh cilantro for added flavor and color.
Notes
- You can adjust the number of jalapeños to control the spiciness according to your preference.
- Using protein pasta keeps the dish higher in protein and gluten-free if selected accordingly.
- Substitute light cream cheese and fat-free dairy products for a lower-fat option.
- Hot honey adds a lovely sweet and spicy contrast but is optional.
- For a milder version, remove jalapeño seeds before dicing.
- Allow the sauce to simmer gently; avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
