Chipotle Chicken Pasta Salad is an easy crowd-pleaser with shredded rotisserie chicken, penne pasta and smoked gouda, that will surely be your favorite pasta salad.

Chipotle Chicken Pasta Salad with rotisserie chicken, penne pasta and tomatoes.

Chipotle Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

Wouldn’t you agree that every summer gathering needs a good pasta salad on the menu?

If you’ve searched the world over for a slightly tangy and spicy chipotle chicken pasta salad, a teeny bit spicy, and ultra creamy- you’ve just found it!

And the smoked gouda in this pasta salad just sends it over the top.

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I can’t remember where I came across this recipe, but I’ve been making it for years. It’s STILL my all-time favorite pasta salad.

I tend to make this chipotle chicken pasta recipe more often in the summer. But it’s truly a pasta salad you could make any time of year.

It’s perfect for when you need something quick and refreshing with a rotisserie chicken on a hot summer day. It’s also good as a side dish.

When you take it to a potluck or family gathering, be prepared to be hounded for the recipe! I also like the fact that’s just a few ingredients, too.

Chipotle pasta salad with chicken in a clear bowl with cherry tomatoes.

Chipotle Chicken Pasta Ingredients

Cooked, shredded chicken: This recipe is especially good with a moist, smoky rotisserie chicken to pull the meat from.

Pasta: This recipe calls for penne pasta, but you could truly use ANY pasta that’s on hand. I especially love using the MINI penne pasta in this salad.

Smoked Gouda cheese: If you’re not already a smoked Gouda fan, you will be soon!

Mayonnaise: Use real mayonnaise, not Miracle Whip. I love Hellman’s mayonnaise because that’s the brand that both my Grandmas and my Mom always used.

White wine vinegar: Substitute any mild vinegar in this recipe. Rice vinegar or red wine vinegar if you don’t mind that your dressing has a tinge of pink color.

Whipping cream: I add a bit of whipping cream to a mayo-based dressing, I find that it stays creamier longer.

Adobo sauce: This is where your salad/dressing gets a bit of spicy-ness and smokiness – super yummy. Buy some at your grocery store or make some homemade Abodo sauce. You can also use Chipotle Sauce.

Grape tomatoes: Feel free to substitute cherry tomatoes or diced larger tomatoes varieties.

Fresh basil: Available in your produce department.

How to make Chipotle Chicken Salad

Shred your rotisserie chicken or cook a few frozen chicken breasts in your Instant pot.

I usually use breast meat, but that’s not set in stone.

Once you’ve dressed this salad, nobody is really going to be able to tell which part of the chicken you’ve use.

White or dark meat and either one is delish in this salad.

In a large mixing bowl, combine mayo with vinegar, whipping cream, and adobo sauce.

Whisk until smooth then season with salt and pepper.

Add chicken, pasta, cheese, tomatoes and basil. Toss gently to combine with dressing.

The smoked Gouda lends itself well to both the chipotle dressing and the chicken.

Don’t blame me when you’re addicted and want to keep smoked Gouda on hand at all times from now on.

And it’s wonderful with a glass of red wine.

Refrigerate until ready to serve.

How to Make your Own Abodo Sauce

I like to buy chipotle chilies packed in adobo sauce, then I throw them into my food processor and puree them until they become a nice, thick paste.

Because a chipotle is actually a smoked jalapeno, this ingredient is very hot and spicy so a little goes a long way – take care!

You can always add more, if you need it, right?

I store this chipotle/adobo paste in a mason jar as a condiment in my fridge.

Use it for all the great recipes out there that call for chipotle sauce or adobo sauce.

Make Ahead Smoked Guoda Pasta Salad

If I’m taking this salad to a special gathering or event, I usually get all the components ready in advance.

I’ll wait to combine everything until I’m ready to leave for the event.

This way, the salad is nice and creamy at the time it’s served.

Also, I take a bit of extra dressing in a mason jar to the salad if it happens to have absorbed.

How long will this pasta salad keep in the fridge?

2-3 days, but good luck with THAT. When I make this salad, it’s always devoured within HOURS. Everybody loves this salad!

Substituting other cooked meats

I’ve never done that with this salad, but go for it as long as what you’re substituting is fully cooked.

I think leftover grilled steak or salmon would be super yummy in this salad, personally.

Other Summer Salad Recipes to Enjoy