Chipotle Creamy Beef Pasta

Featured in: Comfort Baking

Prepare a bold, Tex-Mex inspired dish featuring tender macaroni and ground beef enveloped in a rich, smoky tomato-chipotle cream. Begin by cooking the pasta and browning the beef, infusing flavor with chopped chipotle and a splash of heavy cream for smoothness. Mix pasta and sauce, then sprinkle with fresh coriander for color and herbal brightness. This one-pan entrée balances protein, creamy texture, and mild spice for a satisfying meal that comes together in 30 minutes. Adjust the chipotle for desired heat and enjoy a hearty serving suitable for a relaxed weeknight dinner.

Updated on Fri, 31 Oct 2025 13:10:00 GMT
Smoky Chipotle Creamy Beef Pasta drizzled with heavy cream and fresh coriander.  Save
Smoky Chipotle Creamy Beef Pasta drizzled with heavy cream and fresh coriander. | butterhearth.com

A smoky and spicy ground beef pasta with chipotle tomato cream.

The first time I made this dish, my family could not stop asking for more because the bold Tex-Mex flavors were such a hit.

Ingredients

  • Macaroni: 300 g, uncooked
  • Ground beef: 400 g
  • Tomato sauce: 2 cups
  • Chipotle in adobo: 1 tbsp, chopped
  • Heavy cream: ½ cup
  • Fresh coriander: for garnish

Instructions

Boil pasta:
Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
Brown beef:
Brown ground beef in skillet. Drain excess liquid.
Simmer sauce:
Add chipotle, tomato sauce, and cream. Simmer gently until thickened.
Combine:
Mix cooked pasta with sauce and beef mixture.
Garnish:
Sprinkle chopped fresh coriander before serving.
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| butterhearth.com

This pasta became our go-to after late soccer practices. We always enjoyed gathering at the table for spicy comfort food.

Required Tools

Pot, skillet

Allergen Information

Dairy, wheat

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 520 calories, 22 g fat, 46 g carbohydrates, 35 g protein

Deliciously spicy Chipotle Creamy Beef Pasta garnished with vibrant coriander leaves.  Save
Deliciously spicy Chipotle Creamy Beef Pasta garnished with vibrant coriander leaves. | butterhearth.com

Finish with a sprinkle of coriander and enjoy right away for maximum creaminess.

Recipe Questions

Can I substitute another protein for ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well. Adjust seasoning to match protein choice and ensure thorough browning before adding sauce.

How spicy is the dish?

The spice level depends on the amount of chipotle used. Start with the suggested amount, then add more to taste for extra heat.

What type of pasta is best?

Macaroni is traditional, but penne or fusilli can also hold the creamy sauce and provide a pleasant texture.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Replace heavy cream with a plant-based alternative. Note that the sauce texture and flavor may vary slightly.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, for mild palates, reduce chipotle quantity. The creamy tomato base with beef and pasta generally appeals to kids.

How do I store leftovers?

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of cream if needed.

Chipotle Creamy Beef Pasta

Beef pasta with chipotle tomato cream, Tex-Mex flavor, easy prep, hearty protein. Finished with aromatic coriander.

Prep duration
10 min
Time to cook
20 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Grace Mitchell


Skill Level Easy

Heritage Tex-Mex

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations None specified

Components

Pasta & Protein

01 10.6 ounces macaroni
02 14.1 ounces ground beef

Sauce

01 2 cups tomato sauce
02 1 tablespoon chopped chipotle in adobo
03 1/2 cup heavy cream
04 Fresh coriander, for garnish

Directions

Stage 01

Cook Pasta: Boil macaroni in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Stage 02

Prepare Beef Sauce: In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.

Stage 03

Build the Chipotle Cream Sauce: Add chopped chipotle in adobo, tomato sauce, and heavy cream to the browned beef. Stir to combine and simmer for 8 minutes.

Stage 04

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Fold the drained macaroni into the chipotle beef sauce until evenly coated.

Stage 05

Finish and Garnish: Plate pasta and garnish generously with fresh coriander.

Necessary tools

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consider consulting with a healthcare provider if you're unsure about certain ingredients.
  • Contains dairy and wheat.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy Value: 520
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Protein Content: 35 g