Tired of the same old pasta night? Craving something delicious, healthy, and ready in under 30 minutes? Then look no further! This chipotle pasta sauce recipe is your new go-to for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner. It's bursting with smoky chipotle flavor, creamy texture, and a touch of spice that will leave you wanting more. This easy recipe is perfect for homemade cooking and offers a delicious alternative to jarred sauces. It’s one of the best recipes for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies, undrained
- 1 (15-ounce) can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, undrained
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a vegan option
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, omit for vegan)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound pasta of your choice (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
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Sauté Aromatics: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Build the Sauce: Add the diced green chilies (undrained), chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (undrained), diced tomatoes (undrained), vegetable broth, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
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Creamy Finish: Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream) and Parmesan cheese (if using). Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
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Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the chipotle sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Chipotle Pasta Sauce:
- Adjust the Spice: For a milder sauce, remove the seeds and membranes from the chipotle peppers before adding them to the skillet. For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Make it Vegan: Easily adapt this recipe for a vegan diet by substituting coconut cream for heavy cream and omitting the Parmesan cheese. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor if desired.
- Add Protein: Boost the protein content by adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or black beans to the pasta.
- Fresh Herbs: Experiment with other fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an extra layer of flavor.
Variations:
- Spicy Chipotle Shrimp Pasta: Add cooked shrimp to the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Creamy Chipotle Chicken Pasta: Incorporate cooked shredded chicken for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Vegetarian Chipotle Pasta: Add roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant for a vibrant and healthy twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the ingredients used and serving size. For a general estimate using heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, expect around 400-500 calories per serving, with a moderate amount of fat and protein. The nutritional content will be significantly lower when using coconut cream and omitting the cheese.
This chipotle pasta sauce recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. It's a simple yet flavorful dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy!