Chipotle Shrimp Pasta with Creamy Adobo Sauce | CookOS

Chipotle Shrimp Pasta

Name: Chipotle Shrimp Pasta with Creamy Adobo Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb shrimp, cleaned and deveined; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 4 oz cream cheese; 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce; 1 tbsp chicken bouillon powder; 2 (7.6 oz) cans media crema (table cream); 1/2 cup water; 1 lb spaghetti; salt, for pasta water; 3 tbsp butter, divided; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

This Chipotle Shrimp Pasta combines tender shrimp with a smooth, smoky sauce blended from cream cheese, chipotle peppers in adobo, and media crema. It comes together in under 20 minutes for an easy weeknight meal.

🌍Mexican-inspired 🏷️Shrimp pasta 🏷️Chipotle 🏷️Creamy pasta 🏷️Spaghetti Weeknight dinner

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Total

30 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$28–$46

Recipe Source

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Ingredients

1 lb shrimp, cleaned and deveined
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt
4 oz cream cheese
3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
1 tbsp chicken bouillon powder
2 (7.6 oz) cans media crema (table cream)
1/2 cup water
1 lb spaghetti
salt, for pasta water
3 tbsp butter, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

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Instructions

1
In a bowl, combine the shrimp with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, and 1/2 tsp salt. Toss to coat and set aside.
2
In a blender, combine the cream cheese, chipotle peppers, chicken bouillon, media crema, and water. Blend until completely smooth.
3
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
4
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5
Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
6
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Pour in the blended chipotle sauce.
7
Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and cook, stirring, until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
8
Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss with tongs until the pasta is evenly coated.
9
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the pasta.
10
Let the pasta simmer for about 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve immediately.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Blend the sauce until completely smooth for the best texture; any chunks of chipotle will remain coarse.
Season the shrimp with smoked paprika, cayenne, onion powder, and salt before cooking for deeper, layered flavor that stands up to the rich sauce.
Add the cooked shrimp to the warm sauce at the last moment to prevent overcooking; they continue to cook slightly from residual heat.

Substitutions

Cream cheese → mascarpone or crème fraîche (will be slightly tangier)
Media crema → heavy cream or crema mexicana (adjust salt as these vary in density)
Chipotle peppers in adobo → roasted red peppers + 1/2 tsp smoked paprika + 1/4 tsp cayenne (less heat, milder smoke)

Storage & make-ahead

Store cooled pasta and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days; reheat sauce gently on low heat and toss with warmed pasta to avoid drying out the shrimp.

Equipment

blender

Common Questions

Can I make the chipotle sauce ahead of time?

Yes. Blend the cream cheese, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, chicken bouillon, media crema, and water up to 2 days ahead. Store in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stovetop before tossing with cooked shrimp and pasta.

How do I know when the shrimp is cooked through?

Shrimp is done when it turns opaque pink and the flesh is firm, typically 2–3 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp becomes rubbery, so watch carefully.

What can I use instead of media crema?

Heavy cream (1.5 cups) or a mix of sour cream and whole milk (1 cup each) works well. Media crema is thinner and richer, so adjust seasoning if substituting.