Chipotle Spaghetti with Shrimp

A Bold and Smoky Twist on Classic Pasta

If you’re craving a pasta dish with a spicy, smoky kick, this Chipotle Spaghetti with Shrimp is the perfect recipe. It combines the rich flavors of a creamy chipotle sauce with tender, succulent shrimp and perfectly cooked spaghetti. The smoky heat of chipotle peppers pairs beautifully with the sweetness of shrimp, creating a balanced and exciting meal. Whether you’re preparing a special dinner or just want to spice up your pasta routine, this dish is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Flavor: The combination of chipotle peppers, garlic, and cream gives this pasta a rich and smoky depth.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
• Restaurant-Quality Meal: The blend of shrimp and chipotle sauce gives a gourmet feel without the hefty price tag.
• Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the chipotle peppers to suit your spice preference.

Ingredients

For the pasta:

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)

For the shrimp:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the chipotle sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (adjust for spice level)
• 1 teaspoon adobo sauce (from the can)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth (or pasta water)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Juice of ½ lime
• ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For garnish:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Lime wedges

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Sauté the Shrimp

1. Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
3. Add shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Make the Chipotle Sauce

1. In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in the minced chipotle peppers and adobo sauce. Cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth (or reserved pasta water), stirring well.
5. Let the sauce simmer for about 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, lime juice, salt, and black pepper.

4. Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss until well coated.
2. Return the shrimp to the pan and mix gently. Let everything heat through for about 1–2 minutes.

5. Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish with fresh cilantro, extra Parmesan, and a squeeze of lime.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy the smoky, creamy, and spicy flavors!

Variations and Substitutions

• Less Spicy: Use just one chipotle pepper or skip the adobo sauce.
• More Creamy: Increase the heavy cream to 1¼ cups for a richer texture.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap shrimp for grilled mushrooms or roasted bell peppers.
• Protein Alternatives: Try grilled chicken or salmon instead of shrimp.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti or zucchini noodles.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this dish?

It has a medium spice level, but you can adjust it by adding or reducing the amount of chipotle peppers and adobo sauce.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, fettuccine, linguine, or even penne work well with this sauce.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute it with half-and-half or a mixture of whole milk and a little butter.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan.

Do I have to use fresh shrimp?

Frozen shrimp works well—just thaw and pat dry before cooking.

What other cheeses can I use?

Parmesan is ideal, but you can also use Pecorino Romano or a Mexican cheese blend.

Can I prep this dish ahead of time?

You can cook the sauce and shrimp ahead, then reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.

How can I make it extra smoky?

Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the sauce or a splash of liquid smoke.

What should I serve with this dish?

A light side salad, garlic bread, or grilled vegetables complement this pasta well.

Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?

Absolutely! Just sauté sliced chicken breast until fully cooked and follow the same steps.

Conclusion

This Chipotle Spaghetti with Shrimp is the perfect fusion of smoky, creamy, and spicy flavors. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that brings a bold twist to traditional pasta. With its quick preparation and gourmet taste, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Try it today and elevate your pasta game with a little smoky heat!

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