The Cheesecake Factory Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

You know those nights when dinner feels like a chore, and I’ve been there too, because one time I stood in front of the fridge for way too long and I kept asking myself if cereal could count as dinner, but of course it didn’t, so I ended up making Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta, and honestly it wasn’t perfect.

I cooked the pasta a little too much, but the Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta still came out so tasty, and I even went back for seconds because the flavors were just that good.

I realized something important: imperfect meals can still be the best ones. Have you ever cooked something and thought it looked messy, but then it surprised you and turned out delicious.

That’s exactly how Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta feels because it’s creamy and smoky and a little spicy in the best way, and if I can make Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta on a chaotic day, then you can too.

ingredients

• Penne pasta
• Chicken breast (boneless, skinless)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic
• Red bell pepper
• Yellow bell pepper
• Asparagus
• Peas
• Onion
• Butter

ingredients notes

• The pasta we use here is penne, but you can also use any shape you like, spirals, shells, or even spaghetti.
• Chicken breast works great because it cooks fast, but you can also use chicken thighs if you like them juicier.
• The chipotle peppers are what give the pasta its smoky spicy taste.
• The cream and Parmesan cheese make the sauce silky and cheesy.
• The veggies, bell peppers, asparagus, and peas make the pasta colorful and crunchy.
• Garlic and onion are like flavor superheroes, making everything taste better.

How to make Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta?

step 1: cook the pasta

Fill a big pot with water, add a little salt, and let it boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until it’s soft but still a tiny bit firm. That’s called “al dente.” Drain the pasta and keep it aside.

step 2: cook the chicken

Cut the chicken into small pieces. Put a little olive oil in a big pan, heat it up, and cook the chicken until it turns golden on the outside and white on the inside. Sprinkle some salt and pepper while it cooks. Take the chicken out and keep it aside.

step 3: cook the veggies

In the same pan, add butter. Toss in the chopped onion, garlic, red and yellow bell peppers, asparagus, and peas. Cook until the veggies are soft but still a little crunchy.

step 4: make the chipotle cream sauce

Take out your chipotle peppers. Chop them finely and put them in the pan with the veggies. Add the heavy cream and stir well. The cream will turn a little orange from the peppers. Add parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce looks smooth and creamy.

step 5: mix it all together

Put the chicken back into the pan. Add the cooked pasta too. Stir everything together until the pasta, chicken, and veggies are coated in the creamy chipotle sauce. Taste it if it needs more salt or pepper, add a little.

step 6: serve and enjoy

Scoop the pasta into bowls or plates. Sprinkle a little extra parmesan on top if you like. Your spicy chicken chipotle pasta is ready to eat!

kitchen equipment needed

• Large pot
• Big pan or skillet
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Strainer/colander

storage options!

If you have leftover spicy chicken chipotle pasta, don’t worry! You can put it in a container with a lid and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you want to eat it again, just warm it up in the microwave or in a pan with a little splash of cream or milk so it gets creamy again. You can also freeze it, but the cream sauce may taste a little different once thawed.

variations!

There are so many fun ways to change this pasta! You can use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist. You can make it less spicy by using only one chipotle pepper or extra spicy by adding more. If you don’t have asparagus, you can add broccoli or spinach. Want it even cheesier? Add some mozzarella or cheddar along with the parmesan. And if you don’t want pasta, you can use rice instead. The Chipotle sauce works with almost anything.

what to enjoy with Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta?

I love eating Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta with other things because it makes the meal even more fun, and have you ever tried it with Chocolate Old-Fashioned sour cream donuts. Yes, it sounds weird, but the sweet and savory mix is actually awesome, and I also love it with Texas Roadhouse seasoned rice.

The rice soaks up the creamy chipotle sauce perfectly, and if you want some ideas, here are some things to eat with Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta like garlic bread or buttery corn on the cob and don’t forget a cold glass of lemonade, because the drink helps balance the spice, and if I can make this combo on a crazy busy night then you can too.

tips for making the best spicy chicken chipotle pasta

The secret to the best pasta is timing. Cook the pasta until it’s just right, not too soft and not too hard. Use fresh veggies so they stay colorful and tasty. Don’t add too many chipotle peppers at once. Start with one or two, taste, and add more if you like it spicier. Always add Parmesan cheese when the cream is warm so it melts smoothly. And stir everything together at the end so every bite has pasta, chicken, veggies, and sauce.

FAQ

what is spicy chicken chipotle pasta made of?

It’s made of pasta, chicken, chipotle peppers in creamy sauce, cheese, and colorful veggies.

what does spicy chicken chipotle pasta taste like?

It tastes smoky, creamy, cheesy, and a little spicy. Every bite has a mix of soft pasta, juicy chicken, and crunchy veggies.

can i make it less spicy?

Yes! Just use fewer chipotle peppers or remove the seeds before chopping them.

can i make it more spicy?

Of course! Add more chipotle peppers or even a little chili powder if you like it extra hot.

can i use another kind of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta you like such as spaghetti, shells, or bow tie pasta.

can i make this with shrimp?

Yes, shrimp works really well instead of chicken. Just cook the shrimp until pink and add them to the sauce.

can i use milk instead of cream?

You can, but the sauce won’t be as thick and creamy. If you use milk, add a little extra cheese to make it thicker.

how long does this pasta last in the fridge?

It lasts about 3 days in the fridge if you keep it in a closed container.

can i freeze spicy chicken chipotle pasta?

Yes, you can freeze it, but the cream sauce might separate a little when thawed. Stir well when reheating.

what kind of cheese is best?

Parmesan is the best for flavor, but you can also mix in mozzarella or cheddar for extra cheesiness.

what veggies can i add?

You can add broccoli, spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms instead of or along with the peppers and asparagus.

can i make it without meat?

Yes! Just skip the chicken and add extra veggies for a tasty vegetarian pasta.