If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy dish with a smoky kick, this Creamy Chipotle Chicken Mac and Cheese is exactly what you need. It’s a luscious twist on the classic mac and cheese, combining tender diced chicken breast with creamy cheeses and a bold chipotle heat that elevates every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe balances richness with a subtle smoky spice, making it a true crowd-pleaser.
Reasons to Love Creamy Chipotle Chicken Mac and Cheese
This dish ticks all the boxes for an irresistible meal. First, it’s incredibly creamy and cheesy, thanks to the blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses mixed with heavy cream. The diced chicken adds protein, making it hearty enough to satisfy hungry appetites. The star ingredient, chipotle in adobo sauce, infuses a smoky, mildly spicy flavor that takes the mac and cheese to the next level without overpowering it. Plus, it’s easy to make with simple ingredients and takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Whether you’re serving family or guests, this recipe fits the bill for comfort food with a modern twist.
For those who love experimenting with flavors, you might also enjoy dishes like Creamy Chipotle Shrimp Mac or the indulgent Baked Three Cheese Chicken Rigatoni, both offering unique takes on creamy, cheesy pasta dishes.
Ingredient List
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish
Gear Checklist
- Large pot – for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan – to cook the chicken and sauce
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – for stirring
- Measuring cups and spoons – to ensure accurate ingredient portions
- Colander – to drain cooked pasta
- Knife and cutting board – for dicing chicken and chopping green onions
From Start to Finish: Creamy Chipotle Chicken Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Cook the elbow macaroni
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the diced chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast, seasoning with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Step 3: Make the chipotle cream sauce
Reduce heat to medium. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the chopped chipotle in adobo sauce. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.
Step 4: Add the cheeses
Lower the heat and gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Step 5: Combine pasta and sauce
Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the skillet with the creamy chipotle chicken sauce. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly with the cheesy, smoky sauce.
Step 6: Garnish and serve
Transfer the creamy chipotle chicken mac and cheese to serving bowls. Sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
For a twist on this recipe, try the Cheesy Chicken Fajita Pasta Bake, which also pairs chicken and cheese with bold southwestern flavors.
Vegan & Vegetarian Swaps
- Replace chicken breast with diced firm tofu or roasted chickpeas for a plant-based protein option.
- Use plant-based heavy cream alternatives, such as coconut cream or cashew cream, to keep the sauce rich.
- Swap the cheddar and mozzarella with vegan cheese shreds that melt well, such as those made from cashews or coconut oil.
- Ensure chipotle in adobo sauce is free from animal products (some brands may contain non-vegan ingredients).
Notes from the Test Kitchen
- For the best texture, cook the pasta just until al dente to avoid mushiness once mixed with the sauce.
- Chipotle in adobo sauce varies in heat; start with 1 tablespoon if you prefer milder spice and adjust to taste.
- Using a combination of cheddar and mozzarella balances sharpness and meltability, creating the perfect creamy consistency.
- If you want an extra smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika along with the garlic and onion powders.
Storing Tips & Timelines
This creamy chipotle chicken mac and cheese is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to prevent drying out. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Quick Q&A
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic for mac and cheese, you can substitute with penne, rotini, or shells. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta shape.
How spicy is this dish?
The chipotle in adobo sauce adds a smoky, medium heat that can be adjusted. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the chipotle amount or omit the adobo sauce.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the pasta and chicken separately in advance. Combine and finish with cheese and chipotle sauce just before serving to keep the texture fresh.
Is there a way to make it creamier?
Yes! Adding a little more heavy cream or a splash of whole milk while melting the cheese will make the sauce even richer and creamier.
Serve with These
- Creamy Chipotle Shrimp Mac – for a seafood variation with similar smoky heat.
- Baked Three Cheese Chicken Rigatoni – a baked pasta dish loaded with cheese and tender chicken.
- Cheesy Chicken Fajita Pasta Bake – a southwestern-inspired pasta bake with fajita seasonings.
- Simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette – to balance the richness of the mac and cheese.
- Roasted vegetables, like broccoli or Brussels sprouts – for added texture and nutrition.
Serve & Enjoy
Dish out generous portions of this creamy chipotle chicken mac and cheese for a satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor. The tender chicken, cheesy sauce, and smoky chipotle come together to create a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Garnished with fresh green onions, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether for a cozy night in or a casual gathering, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
With its perfect balance of creamy cheese and smoky spice, this Creamy Chipotle Chicken Mac and Cheese is a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and dive into a bowl of pure comfort.
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Creamy Chipotle Chicken Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast, seasoning with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the chopped chipotle in adobo sauce. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.
- Lower the heat and gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the skillet with the creamy chipotle chicken sauce. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly with the cheesy, smoky sauce.
- Transfer the creamy chipotle chicken mac and cheese to serving bowls. Sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
Notes
- Cook pasta just until al dente to avoid mushiness when mixed with sauce.
- Adjust chipotle in adobo sauce amount to control the spice level.
- For extra smoky flavor, add smoked paprika with the garlic and onion powders.
- Use a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for perfect meltability and flavor balance.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
