Cheesecake Factory Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe

This Cheesecake Factory-inspired Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta brings a deliciously smoky, spicy, and creamy flavor to your plate. Featuring tender chicken, smoky chipotle seasoning, and a creamy sauce with a hint of lime, this dish has all the bold flavors you crave.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Smoky and Spicy Flavor: The chipotle sauce offers a wonderful balance of heat and smokiness.
• Rich and Creamy: The creamy base of the sauce makes each bite silky and satisfying.
• Restaurant-Style Quality: This recipe will remind you of Cheesecake Factory’s famous dish, without the need to leave home.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken strips with chipotle powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well-coated.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta: While preparing the chicken, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain and Set Aside: Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water in case you need to thin out the sauce later.

Step 3: Make the Chipotle Sauce

1. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet used for the chicken, add 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Once melted, add the minced garlic, red onion, and sliced bell peppers. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
2. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, smoked paprika, and chipotle powder. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Add Cream and Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.
4. Add Parmesan and Lime Juice: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and lime juice. Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

1. Add Chicken and Pasta: Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet with the chipotle sauce. Toss everything together until well-coated.
2. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish with Cilantro: Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the pasta.
2. Serve with Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges on the side for a fresh, zesty finish.

Tips for the Best Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, onions, and cilantro bring out the best flavors.
2. Cook the Pasta Al Dente: This prevents it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
3. Adjust Spice Level: Add more or less chipotle powder based on your spice preference.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and add more bell peppers or other veggies like zucchini or mushrooms.
2. Extra Creamy Sauce: For an even richer sauce, add 1/2 cup of cream cheese.
3. Add Heat: For an extra kick, sprinkle in a dash of cayenne pepper or serve with hot sauce on the side.

Serving Suggestions

• Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Green Salad: A light, fresh salad pairs well with the creamy, spicy pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Try serving with roasted asparagus or green beans.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   • Yes, but the sauce may thicken upon refrigeration. Add a little broth or water when reheating.
2. Can I substitute the heavy cream?
   • You can use half-and-half, though the sauce will be a bit thinner.
3. What if I don’t have chipotle powder?
   • Substitute with smoked paprika and a dash of cayenne pepper.
4. Can I freeze leftovers?
   • It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 1 month.
5. Can I use a different type of pasta?
   • Yes, any short pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or bowtie will work well.

Conclusion

This Cheesecake Factory-inspired Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta is a deliciously rich, spicy, and creamy dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The smoky chipotle flavor paired with tender chicken and creamy sauce makes for an unforgettable meal that’s sure to impress.

Yield: 4

Cheesecake Factory Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe

Print

This Cheesecake Factory-inspired Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta brings a deliciously smoky, spicy, and creamy flavor to your plate. Featuring tender chicken, smoky chipotle seasoning, and a creamy sauce with a hint of lime, this dish has all the bold flavors you crave.

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Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thinly
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• For the Pasta and Sauce:
• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped (adjust for spice level)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup chopped cilantro
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
   
2. Prepare the Chicken:
   In a small bowl, season the chicken with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
   
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
   In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
   
4. Make the Sauce:
   Add the chopped chipotle peppers, heavy cream, and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
   
5. Combine and Serve:
   Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well-coated in the sauce. Add cherry tomatoes and sprinkle with chopped cilantro, stirring to combine.
   
6. Serve:
   Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and cilantro if desired.

Notes

• For extra heat, add an additional chipotle pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
• This dish pairs well with garlic bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.