Creamy Chipotle Rotini
⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes • 🍳 Cook Time: 20 minutes
If you're craving comfort with a little kick, this Creamy Chipotle Rotini has your name all over it. It’s smoky, a little spicy, super creamy—and those pasta spirals hold onto every drop of the sauce like champs. Perfect for when you want something easy and wildly flavorful.
Creamy chipotle rotini swirled into a bowl and topped with lime zest and fresh herbs
This is one of those “use-what-you-have” recipes that punches way above its weight. A couple of chipotle peppers, a splash of cream, some garlic, and bam—you’ve got a dinner that tastes like it came from a fancy little bistro. I love finishing it with lime zest for that extra pop of brightness.
And let’s talk rotini—those spirals were made for holding onto creamy sauces like this one. You’ll get a perfect balance of rich and zippy in every bite. It’s simple enough for a weeknight, but bold enough to serve at a dinner party with a crisp glass of white wine. 🍷
Ingredients
🍽️ Servings: 4 • 🔥 Calories/Serving: ~470
12 oz rotini pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (adjust to taste), finely chopped or blended
1 tbsp adobo sauce (from the can)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Zest and juice of 1 lime
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Steps
Step 1
Cook the rotini in salted boiling water according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Step 3
Stir in chopped chipotle peppers and adobo sauce. Cook for about 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
Step 4
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
Step 5
Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until fully melted and creamy. Season with salt, black pepper, lime zest, and lime juice.
Step 6
Toss the cooked rotini into the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen it up.
Step 7
Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley and an extra squeeze of lime.
Make it your own!
🍤 Add protein with grilled shrimp, rotisserie chicken, or blackened tofu.
🧀 Extra creamy? Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese for bonus richness.
🌽 Add texture by mixing in charred corn or sautéed zucchini.
🥑 Balance the heat with avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream.
🥓 Bring the crunch by topping with crispy bacon or fried shallots.
Try it with…
Did you make this recipe?
Did you add a unique twist? Did your family enjoy it? Share your thoughts and any customizations you made in the comments below.
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