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Creamy Chipotle One Pot Beef Pasta

Name: Creamy Chipotle One Pot Beef Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta; 1 lb ground beef; 1 can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup beef broth; 1 cup shredded cheese; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; Olive oil for cooking

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This creamy chipotle one pot beef pasta brings warm, smoky heat to a silky sauce that clings to every forkful. The chipotle peppers add a smoky, slightly sweet spice that balances the rich cream and melted cheese. The dish smells savory and spicy, with tender pasta and small bites of browned beef. It’s quick enough for weeknights and bold enough for casual dinner guests.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

(Approximate per serving)

Calories per serving: 870 kcal
Protein: 36 g
Carbohydrates: 47 g
Fat: 58 g
Fiber: 2.7 g
Sugar: 3.8 g
Sodium: 480 mg

Why Make This Creamy Chipotle One Pot Beef Pasta

This recipe is fast, bold, and comforting. It cooks in one pot, so cleanup is easy. The cream and cheese make the sauce silky and rich. Chipotle in adobo adds smoky heat and a little sweetness. Ground beef gives the dish a hearty, savory base. The pasta soaks up the sauce for a pleasing, creamy texture. Use it when you want a fuss-free meal with big flavor.

How to Make Creamy Chipotle One Pot Beef Pasta

This method keeps things simple: brown the beef, add smoky chipotle, pour in pasta and liquids, simmer until tender, then stir in cheese. Work over medium heat and taste as you go. If you want less heat, use fewer chipotle peppers or remove the seeds. For more depth, let the browned beef get a little crisp before adding liquids.

Ingredients:

8 oz pasta
1 lb ground beef
1 can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup beef broth
1 cup shredded cheese
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for cooking

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 2: Mixing

Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Stir in the chipotle peppers—chop them first if you want smaller pieces—and cook for another minute so the smoky flavor releases.

Step 3: Cooking

Pour in the pasta, beef broth, and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook until the pasta is tender, about 10–12 minutes. Stir every few minutes to keep the pasta from sticking and to check liquid levels.

Step 4: Finishing

Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished if you like with fresh cilantro, green onions, or a squeeze of lime.

How to Serve Creamy Chipotle One Pot Beef Pasta

Serve this pasta right from the pot for a cozy family meal. Top with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream to mellow heat. A squeeze of lime brightens the dish. Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to add freshness. For a weekend gathering, offer crusty bread and pickled jalapeños on the side.

(For another simple one-pot pasta idea, try this one-pot creamy garlic pasta.)

How to Store Creamy Chipotle One Pot Beef Pasta

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.
Freezer: You can freeze for up to 2 months, but texture may change. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly with extra liquid.
Tip: If sauce thickens when chilled, add 2–3 tablespoons of beef broth or milk while reheating and stir until smooth.

Expert Tips for Perfect Creamy Chipotle One Pot Beef Pasta

Control the heat: Start with one or two chipotle peppers, taste, and add more if you want extra spice.
Toast the pasta briefly: After adding pasta to the pot, stir well to coat it so it releases starch and helps thicken the sauce.
Use 80/20 ground beef for flavor and richness; drain excess fat if you prefer a lighter dish.
Stir often during simmering to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
For a silkier sauce, remove the pot from heat before adding cheese to avoid graininess.
Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter but still creamy result.
Add vegetables: Stir in frozen peas or chopped bell peppers during the last 3–4 minutes of cooking for color and nutrients.

Delicious Variations

Chicken version: Swap ground beef for cooked shredded chicken or ground turkey for a milder flavor.
Vegetarian swap: Use cooked lentils or a plant-based crumbled meat substitute instead of beef.
Smokier flavor: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a splash of chipotle adobo sauce for extra smoke.
Cheesy twist: Mix in pepper jack for more heat or mozzarella for stringy texture.
Tex-Mex bowl: Serve over rice instead of pasta and top with black beans, corn, and avocado.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many chipotle peppers should I use if I don’t like it very spicy?
A: Use one chipotle pepper and a teaspoon of adobo sauce, taste, and add more if needed. Removing the seeds also reduces heat.

Q: Can I make this without heavy cream?
A: Yes. Substitute half-and-half or whole milk thickened with a teaspoon of cornstarch. Expect a lighter texture.

Q: Will the pasta overcook if I simmer it in the sauce?
A: Follow the package time as a guide. Stir often and check doneness at 8–10 minutes. If liquid runs low before the pasta is tender, add a splash of hot broth or water.

Q: Can I prepare this ahead and reheat?
A: Yes. Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.

Q: What cheese works best?
A: Sharp cheddar melts well and gives bold flavor. A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack or pepper jack adds a creamy, slightly spicy finish.

Q: Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
A: You can freeze it, but cream-based sauces may change texture. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating slowly with added liquid.

Q: Can I swap ground beef for ground turkey?
A: Yes. Ground turkey is leaner and milder. You may want a little extra oil or butter to add richness.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chipotle One Pot Beef Pasta is a fast, satisfying meal with smoky heat and rich, cheesy texture. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and easy to adapt. If you want another take on a chipotle beef pasta, check out this related recipe: Creamy Southwestern Chipotle Beef Pasta – My Kitchen Little. Give this one a try — it’s bold, comforting, and simple to make. Enjoy!