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You are here: Home / Recipes / Main Dish / Chicken / Jalapeno Popper Chicken and Pasta

Jalapeno Popper Chicken and Pasta

Published January 22, 2020. Last updated May 7, 2021 by Lauren Vavala

Thanks for sharing!

If you love Jalapeno Poppers, you will love this creamy Jalapeno Popper Chicken and Pasta recipe. By adding chicken and pasta into a spicy, cheesy sauce, the appetizer becomes the meal!

Close up of a white bowl filled with Jalapeno Popper Chicken Pasta topped with bacon and slices of jalapeno pepper with extra peppers and part of a black skillet showing in the background

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If you are a fan of bacon-wrapped Jalapeno Poppers, you will absolutely love this recipe for Jalapeno Popper Chicken and Pasta.

By adding chicken and pasta, the whole dish becomes much heartier and very filling, but doesn’t lose the jalapeno popper taste at all.

Why This Recipe Works

Besides having incredible cheesy, spicy, bacon-y flavor, this recipe is very versatile.

You can control the amount of spiciness by leaving some, all, or none of the jalapeno seeds and membrane in.

You can also make some simple swaps to make this recipe suitable for a low carb and/or gluten free diet. See the notes section of the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Jalapeno Popper Chicken and Pasta

Prep!

There is a little prep work for this recipe, but it will make the cooking process so much easier.

Dice the chicken into bite-size pieces and dice the bacon.

Tip: it’s easier to dice the bacon by stacking it on top of each other and slicing it, horizontally, into thin strips.

Dice the jalapenos, mince the garlic, and shred the cheese.

Tip: it is always recommended to shred the cheese from a block for the best melting and texture.

Create!

Start a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the pasta according to the directions on the package. Drain and set aside until the sauce is done.

Meanwhile, being preparing the chicken and sauce.

Diced bacon cooking in a black skillet

Heat a large, deep skillet over medium and add the bacon.

Cook until just crisp, about 7-10 minutes.

Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel lined plate and set aside.

Drain all but one tablespoon of the bacon grease from the pan and return it to medium-high heat.

Cubed chicken cooking in a large, black skillet.

Season the chicken with salt and pepper and add to the hot pan.

Cook until done through and no longer pink in the center.

Remove to the plate with the bacon and set aside.

Diced jalapeno peppers and garlic cooking in a large, black skillet

If the pan is dry, add a drizzle of olive oil, then the jalapeno peppers and garlic.

Cook until the peppers are just slightly tender, about 2-3 minutes.

Cream cheese sauce with peppers and chicken in it in a large black skillet

Stir in the cream cheese and milk until smooth and creamy.

Note: it may take about 5 minutes for the cream cheese to fully melt.

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.

Once the cheese is all melted, add the bacon and chicken.

Cook a few additional minutes until everything is heated through.

Stir the sauce into the prepared pasta.

Present!

Overhead view of a white bowl of pasta topped with bacon and peppers with a skillet of more pasta behind it and a part of a wood cutting board with jalapeno peppers on it off to the side

Spoon a serving of the pasta into a bowl.

Garnish with extra bacon and slices of jalapeno peppers, if desired.

How to Make This Recipe Low Carb

To make this recipe low carb, simply swap out the pasta for spaghetti squash or zoodles.

You can swap out the whole milk for unsweetened almond milk or heavy cream to reduce the carb count even more.

You may also want to try this recipe for Low Carb Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole, as well.

How to Make This Recipe Gluten Free

To make this recipe gluten free, simply swap out the pasta for gluten free pasta, spaghetti squash, or zoodles.

Tips and Techniques for the Best Jalapeno Popper Chicken and Pasta

  • Dice the bacon by stacking it on top of each other and slicing it, horizontally, into thin strips.
  • Shred the cheese from a block for the best melting and texture. Pre-shredded bagged cheese contains a starch that can make your sauce gritty.
  • Remove some, all, or none of the jalapeno seeds and membrane to control the level of spiciness. Removing all the seeds and membrane will give you a much milder dish.
  • Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. Use within 3-4 days for the best results.

FAQ’s

  • Can you make Jalapeno Popper Chicken and Pasta ahead of time? Yes. You can make this dish ahead of time. It is recommended to reheat it on the stovetop for the best results.

More Chicken Recipes to Try

Creamy Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Casserole in a Baking Dish

Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Casserole is another delicious, spicy, cheesy chicken recipe that you might enjoy.

Be sure to also check out Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Easy Garlic Chicken + VIDEO. Both are quick and easy family-friendly recipes.

Love this Jalapeno Popper Chicken and Pasta recipe? Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook for more!

Overhead of Jalapeno Popper Chicken Pasta in a white bowl with a fork, white napkin, part of a skillet, and a cutting board in the background
Print

Jalapeno Popper Chicken and Pasta

If you love Jalapeno Poppers, you will love this creamy Jalapeno Popper Chicken and Pasta recipe. By adding chicken and pasta into a spicy, cheesy sauce, the appetizer becomes the meal!
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Chicken
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 674kcal
Author Lauren Harris

Ingredients

  • 1 pound pasta
  • 6 slices bacon
  • 1.5 pounds chicken * cut into bite size pieces
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 4 jalapeno peppers * diced
  • 2 cloves garlic * minced
  • 16 ounces cream cheese
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese * shredded
  • extra bacon and Jalapeno slices for garnish optional

Instructions

  • Cook your pasta according to the directions on the package, drain, and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, begin making the sauce by heating a large skillet over medium and adding the diced bacon.
  • Cook until just crisp, about 7-10 minutes.
  • Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel lined plate. Set aside.
  • Drain all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease from the pan and return the pan to medium high heat.
  • Season the chicken with salt and pepper and add to the hot pan.
  • Cook until the chicken is done through and no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Remove the chicken to the plate with the bacon and set aside.
  • If the pan is dry, add a drizzle of olive oil as well as the diced jalapeno peppers and garlic.
  • Cook until the peppers are tender, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Cut the cream cheese into cubes and add it to the pan along with the milk.
  • Cook until the cheese is fully melted and smooth, then stir in the cheddar cheese and cook until that is fully melted, as well.
  • Stir in the chicken and bacon.
  • Combine the pasta and sauce.
  • Garnish with extra bacon and slices of jalapeno peppers, if desired.

Notes

How to Make This Recipe Low Carb

To make this recipe low carb, simply swap out the pasta for spaghetti squash or zoodles.
You can swap out the whole milk for unsweetened almond milk or heavy cream to reduce the carb count even more.

How to Make This Recipe Gluten Free

To make this recipe gluten free, simply swap out the pasta for gluten free pasta, spaghetti squash, or zoodles.

Tips and Techniques for the Best Jalapeno Popper Chicken and Pasta

  • Dice the bacon by stacking it on top of each other and slicing it, horizontally, into thin strips.
  • Shred the cheese from a block for the best melting and texture. Pre-shredded bagged cheese contains a starch that can make your sauce gritty.
  • Remove some, all, or none of the jalapeno seeds and membrane to control the level of spiciness. Removing all the seeds and membrane will give you a much milder dish.
  • Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. Use within 3-4 days for the best results.
** Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 674kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Cholesterol: 124mg | Sodium: 437mg | Potassium: 431mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1125IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 244mg | Iron: 1.5mg

This recipe was originally published on April 19, 2016. It was updated with new images, more thorough instructions, tips, techniques, and FAQ’s in January 2020.

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Filed Under: Chicken, Main Dish, Recipes

Comments

  1. Sarah Almendarez says

    February 13, 2020 at 11:26 am

    I replaced chicken with jalapeno sausage, added more bacon, and more cheese on top. It was super delicious and a hit at the party. Thanks for the recipe.

    Reply
    • Lauren Vavala says

      February 24, 2020 at 9:36 pm

      That sounds really good! Glad you enjoyed it!!

      Reply
  2. Sarah Almendarez says

    February 13, 2020 at 11:24 am

    Made it for a pot luck last night and it was a hit. I replaced chicken with jalapeno sausage and added a little green onion and half a cup of cheese on top. Will make again. Someone mentioned it tasting like a jalapeno popper before knowing what it was. Great dish.

    Reply
  3. Caroline says

    June 25, 2018 at 8:49 pm

    Sounds like a flavorful pasta sauce that’s full of comfort factor as well.

    Reply
  4. Tisha says

    June 25, 2018 at 6:03 pm

    I LOVE jalapeno poppers! So creative to make it into a main dish!!! Definitely gonna try this ASAP

    Reply
  5. Shanika says

    June 25, 2018 at 5:45 pm

    I love spice and Jalapeños so this Chicken pasts sounds perfect! Yum!

    Reply
  6. Catherine Brown says

    June 25, 2018 at 5:14 pm

    Now here’s a clever idea! I LOVE jalapeno poppers, so this should be fabulous… can’t wait to try it out!

    Reply
  7. Dana says

    June 25, 2018 at 4:54 pm

    Oh wow. I would have never thought to make a pasta dish out of this flavor combo! I bet it would be great as a cold pasta salad, too!

    Reply
  8. Rudi says

    July 17, 2017 at 10:00 pm

    It looks like you made individual servings? Did you mix in the sauce as well throughout the whole salad or serve it on top as it is in the picture? Also is it okay to serve it cold?

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      July 18, 2017 at 7:11 am

      Hi Rudi! You can either plate the pasta and top with the sauce or mix it all in – both ways work. It’s been a little while since I’ve made this but I think it would be just fine cold, just maybe not as creamy. Hope that helps 🙂

      Reply
  9. Renee groskreutz says

    September 2, 2016 at 12:04 pm

    Whew that looks hot. There is no way that I could handle all of that heat but otherwise this looks good. Clearly, I am hungry.

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      September 4, 2016 at 9:36 pm

      Just take the seeds out of the peppers for a mild version 🙂

      Reply
  10. Amanda says

    July 16, 2016 at 8:53 pm

    Oh this looks divine! I may have to give this a try for one of stay in date nights! Nom nom nom!

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 17, 2016 at 10:34 am

      Hope you like it!

      Reply
  11. madeline says

    July 16, 2016 at 9:43 am

    this is such a good and classic flavor combo, and I love how you put it in a pasta dish. yum!

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 17, 2016 at 10:38 am

      Thanks Madeline!

      Reply
  12. Molly says

    July 15, 2016 at 10:13 pm

    Whaaat I love Jalepeno poppers and this sounds seriously amazing. I am getting hungry just looking at your pretty pics!

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 16, 2016 at 6:36 am

      Thank you Molly!

      Reply
  13. Ashleigh says

    July 15, 2016 at 7:45 pm

    Oh delicious! This recipe looks wonderful, I love trying new dishes and treats. This pasta just might become my new fav! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 16, 2016 at 6:36 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
  14. Lynn says

    July 15, 2016 at 7:06 pm

    Looks Tasty! I’m sure my partner would really love this. Pasta with jalapeno twist is so awesome. I can’t wait to try this when he gets home.

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 16, 2016 at 6:36 am

      Hope you guys like it!

      Reply
  15. Amy says

    July 15, 2016 at 6:52 pm

    Oh man, this sounds AMAZING! I bookmarked it for a supper very soon. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 16, 2016 at 6:36 am

      Thanks Amy!

      Reply
  16. Ruthie Ridley says

    May 9, 2016 at 11:30 pm

    Oh. My. Goodness. Pasta never looked so good! Sounds amazing!

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      May 10, 2016 at 8:03 am

      Thanks Ruthie!

      Reply
  17. michelle mink says

    May 9, 2016 at 2:22 am

    now this is a recipe that i would love to try out. i just recently started to realize how much i enjoy jalapeños

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      May 9, 2016 at 10:05 am

      Me too! I want them all the time now…in nachos, on burgers, in pasta…lol

      Reply
  18. Madeline says

    May 8, 2016 at 2:15 pm

    This is exactly the kind of creamy comfort food I would love to have on a rainy day! Delicious combo of flavors <3

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      May 8, 2016 at 9:31 pm

      Ahhh it was good on a sunny day too haha! Thanks Madeline!

      Reply
  19. Holly says

    May 8, 2016 at 1:12 am

    This sounds really tasty. I think my husband would even eat it!

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      May 8, 2016 at 8:54 am

      Thanks Holly 🙂

      Reply
  20. candy says

    May 7, 2016 at 4:15 pm

    We love all the ingredients. Not how it starts off but how it turns out in the end that counts.

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      May 7, 2016 at 6:05 pm

      Very true! 🙂

      Reply

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Welcome, I'm Lauren!

Delicious Little Bites is where I share all types of recipes from appetizers to desserts. You will also find plenty of keto, gluten free, and vegetarian recipes here to help you put a delicious meal on the table every night that the whole family will love! Read More...

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