Creamy Chipotle Chicken Pasta

Name: Creamy Chipotle Chicken Pasta (Slow Cooker)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 5 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tbsp paprika; 1 tbsp onion powder; 1 tbsp garlic powder; 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes & green chilies; 2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped; 1 medium red bell pepper, diced; 1 lb curly macaroni pasta; 2 cups fat-free shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup chipotle whipped cream cheese

This creamy chipotle chicken pasta is made almost entirely in a slow cooker, combining tender chicken breasts with a smoky chipotle cream sauce and finished with pasta and melted cheese. It's designed for meal prep and delivers high protein in one pot.

🌍American 🏷️Meal prep 🏷️Chicken pasta 🏷️Chipotle chicken 🏷️Creamy pasta High-protein

🏷️

🏷️Easy recipe

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TikTok

Total

3h 5m

Servings

6

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$20–$33

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

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TikTok

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes & green chilies
2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
1 lb curly macaroni pasta
2 cups fat-free shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup chipotle whipped cream cheese

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Instructions

1
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a slow cooker.
2
Season the chicken with paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.
3
Add the diced tomatoes and green chilies, chipotle peppers in adobo, and diced red bell pepper.
4
Stir to combine, cover, and cook on high for 3 hours.
5
Towards the end of the cooking time, cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
6
Once the chicken is cooked through, shred it directly in the slow cooker using two forks.
7
Add the cooked pasta, shredded mozzarella, and chipotle cream cheese to the slow cooker.
8
Stir everything together until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and well combined.
9
Portion the finished pasta into six meal prep containers.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Do not stir pasta into the slow cooker until the last 20–30 minutes of cooking; adding it earlier results in mushy, overcooked pasta.
Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts of similar thickness so they cook evenly; if they vary, pound thicker breasts to uniform thickness.
Chop chipotle peppers finely and distribute evenly throughout the slow cooker to ensure consistent heat and flavor throughout the dish.
Stir in the cheese only after the slow cooker is switched to warm or off to prevent it from breaking or becoming grainy.

Substitutions

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts → chicken thighs (reduce cooking time by 10–15 minutes; thighs stay moister but are slightly higher in fat)
Curly macaroni → penne or rigatoni (adjust cook time slightly; larger shapes may need 1–2 extra minutes)
Fat-free shredded mozzarella → full-fat mozzarella or sharp cheddar (will add richness and alter texture slightly)
Chipotle whipped cream cheese → regular cream cheese + ½ tsp liquid smoke (omit smoke if using smoked paprika as chipotle substitute)

Storage & make-ahead

Store cooled portions in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water, stirring occasionally, or microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

Equipment

slow cooker (4-quart or larger) · cutting board and knife

Common Questions

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes. Cook chicken breasts in a covered Dutch oven or large pot at 375°F for 25–30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, then shred and combine with remaining ingredients as directed.

How far ahead can I prepare this for meal prep?

Portion cooled pasta into airtight containers and refrigerate up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or in the microwave until warmed through.

What can I substitute for chipotle peppers in adobo sauce?

Use smoked paprika (½–1 tsp) mixed with a pinch of cayenne for heat, or swap chipotle whipped cream cheese for regular cream cheese and add ½ tsp liquid smoke.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes. Scale all ingredients equally and use a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Cooking time may increase by 30 minutes; check that chicken reaches 165°F internally.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Swap curly macaroni for gluten-free pasta and verify that chipotle peppers and cream cheese contain no gluten additives. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.