Creamy Poblano Pasta with Chicken: A Perfect Comfort Meal

Creamy Poblano Pasta is one of those dishes where the flavour is never compromised. If there’s a heaven, it’s the creaminess the sauce achieves from the butter, and then the roasted poblanos are smoky and earthy, making it just amazing.

I love making it when I have guests to impress with minimal effort. Whether it’s a creamy poblano pasta with cream cheese for added decadence or a simple vegetarian variety, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

How to Make Creamy Poblano Pasta

Recipe Overview

This creamy poblano pasta is a creamy, smoky, and slightly spicy pasta dish that pairs perfectly with your favorite pasta. The roasted poblano peppers add a wonderful depth of flavor, while the creamy sauce makes it rich and indulgent. Here’s what you can expect:

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Course: Main dish
Difficulty Level: Easy
Yield: 4 servings
Calories per Serving: 450 kcal

Ingredients

2 Poblano Chiles, roasted and peeled
1 Onion, chopped
3 Garlic Cloves, minced
1 Jalapeño Pepper (optional for extra heat)
1 cup Chicken Broth
1 cup Heavy Cream
12 oz. Pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your favorite type)
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Roast the Poblano Chiles: Start by roasting your poblano chiles over an open flame or in the oven until the skins are charred. Once done, place them in a bowl and cover with a towel for a few minutes. This makes it easier to peel off the skins. Remove the seeds and chop them finely.
Prepare the Sauce: In a large pan, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in a little oil over medium heat until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the chopped poblano chiles and the jalapeño pepper (if using) to the pan. Stir well to combine.
Simmer the Sauce: Add the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring it back to a simmer. Stir occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta, reserving a little pasta water for later.
Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy poblano sauce, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to help the sauce coat the pasta. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy!

My Secret Tips for Perfect Creamy Poblano Pasta

Roast the poblano chiles. Well, roasting the poblano peppers until the skins are charred gives the sauce a deep, smoky flavor. If you’re short on time, you can broil them in the oven or use a gas flame for a quicker roast.
Adjust the Heat: If you like a bit more spice, keep the seeds in the poblano peppers, or add a little more jalapeño pepper to the sauce. For a milder version, remove all the seeds and ribs.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the creamy poblano sauce in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, just reheat it and toss with freshly cooked pasta.
Add Protein: Feel free to add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even some sautéed mushrooms for a complete meal.

Exciting Variations and Serving Ideas

This Creamy Poblano Pasta is incredibly versatile! Here are a few ways to switch it up:

Poblano Pasta with Chicken: Add grilled chicken for a protein-packed meal.
Roasted Poblano Pasta with Shrimp: Try tossing in some shrimp for a delicious seafood twist.
Vegetarian Option: For a fully vegetarian version, you can skip the chicken broth and use vegetable broth instead.

Pair your creamy poblano pasta with a fresh salad or a side of garlic bread for the perfect meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for poblano peppers in this recipe?

If you can’t find poblano peppers, you can substitute with other mild chili peppers, like Anaheim or poblano-like bell peppers. Keep in mind that the flavor will differ slightly, but the dish will still be delicious!

Can I make creamy poblano pasta with cream cheese?

Yes, adding cream cheese can make the sauce extra creamy and tangy! Simply stir in 2-3 ounces of cream cheese with the heavy cream for a richer texture.

Is it possible to make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! Add more jalapeño peppers, or even a bit of cayenne pepper, to increase the heat. You can also use spicier peppers like serrano or habanero for an even hotter kick.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Definitely! This creamy poblano sauce works wonderfully with any type of pasta—whether it’s spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne. Just use whatever pasta you prefer!

Video Tutorial

Creamy Poblano Pasta

Conclusions

This rich and creamy Poblano Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, offering just the right amount of heat.

Whether you serve it alongside grilled chicken, enhance it with an extra dollop of cream cheese for added creaminess, or adapt it into a Mexican-style dish, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Feel free to make this recipe your own! Don’t forget to share your comments and questions in the form below.

Olivia