Cheesecake Factory Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta | Creamy & Bold
I still remember the first time I made this Cheesecake Factory Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe at home — rich, creamy, smoky, and packed with bold flavor. It instantly reminded me of my favorite Cheesecake Factory dish, but honestly, making it myself felt even more satisfying. The sauce clung perfectly to the pasta, and the tender chicken soaked up all that chipotle goodness.
I stood by the stove, tasting and adjusting, and couldn’t wait to serve it. If you love creamy pasta with a spicy kick, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. You can also enjoy a different twist on baked chicken with the Easy Baked Ricotta Chicken Recipe for a cheesy, comforting option.
Ingredients Section
This recipe uses simple ingredients that work together to create that signature Cheesecake Factory-style flavor.
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts – sliced or diced for even cooking
- 1 tbsp olive oil – helps achieve a golden sear
- 1 tsp salt – brings out the chicken’s natural flavor
- 1 tsp garlic powder – adds savory depth
- 1 tsp paprika – gives warmth and color
- ½ tsp black pepper – mild heat and balance
- ½ tsp ground cumin – adds subtle earthiness
- 1 tbsp honey – balances the smoky spice with sweetness
- Juice of ½ lime – brightens the chicken after cooking
For the Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz penne pasta – ideal for holding creamy sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil – for sautéing vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, diced – sweet and colorful
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced – mild and vibrant
- ⅓ cup onion, diced – builds the flavor base
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – fresh garlic is best
- 2 cups heavy cream – creates the rich, creamy sauce
- ¼ cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce – signature smoky heat
- 2 tsp chili powder – enhances spice without overpowering
- 1 tsp paprika – reinforces smoky flavor
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste – adjust as needed
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – melts smoothly into the sauce
- 1 cup asparagus, cut into bite-size pieces – crisp and fresh
- ½ cup frozen peas – adds sweetness and color
- Fresh cilantro, chopped – optional garnish. You might also enjoy making a simple, one-pan chicken dish like the One Dish Chicken Bake Recipe when you want dinner on the table quickly.
Note: This recipe serves approximately 4–6 people, depending on portion size.
Variations
This pasta is easy to customize depending on your needs or preferences.
For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. If you want a lighter option, swap chicken breast with shrimp or grilled chicken thighs for more juiciness. You can add mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli for extra vegetables.
For a milder dish, reduce the chipotle peppers, or increase them if you love extra heat. Low-carb eaters can serve the sauce over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Cooking Time
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Equipment You Need
• Large pot – for boiling pasta and blanching asparagus
• Large skillet or sauté pan – for cooking chicken and sauce
• Cutting board – for prepping vegetables and chicken
• Sharp knife – for clean, even cuts
• Cheese grater – for freshly grated Parmesan
• Tongs or pasta spoon – for tossing pasta evenly
How to Make Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe
This recipe comes together smoothly when you prepare everything ahead of time.
Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken with salt, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked. Drizzle honey and lime juice over the chicken and set aside to keep it juicy.
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne until al dente. Add asparagus during the last minute of cooking to blanch it lightly. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the onions and bell peppers until slightly softened. Add minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Make the Chipotle Cream Sauce
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, chipotle peppers, chili powder, paprika, and salt. Let the sauce gently simmer until slightly thickened. Slowly add Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly to create a smooth sauce.
Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta, asparagus, peas, and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together until evenly coated with the creamy chipotle sauce.
Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and garnish with chopped cilantro and extra Parmesan. Serve hot for best flavor.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
From my experience, a few small details really elevate this dish:
• I always grate the Parmesan fresh for a smoother sauce.
• Letting the sauce simmer slowly improves thickness and flavor.
• A splash of pasta water helps loosen the sauce if needed.
• I taste and adjust the chipotle level before serving.
• Smoked paprika adds extra depth if you enjoy bolder flavor.
How to Serve Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe
This pasta pairs beautifully with garlic bread or warm dinner rolls. I like serving it with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette. Garnish with fresh cilantro, cracked black pepper, and extra cheese for a restaurant-style presentation.
Nutritional Information
This dish is rich and satisfying.
• Calories: Approximately 700–900 per serving
• Protein: Around 25–30 grams
• Carbohydrates: About 50–60 grams
• Fat: Roughly 45–50 grams
Make Ahead and Storage
Refrigerating
Allow the pasta to cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens over time, so add a little cream or milk when reheating.
Freezing
Cream-based sauces can separate slightly when frozen, but it’s still possible. Freeze in a sealed container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Adding a splash of cream or broth helps restore the creamy texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta is packed with flavor and comfort.
• It delivers bold, restaurant-quality taste at home
• The spice level is fully customizable
• It includes vegetables for balance and color
• It’s easy enough for weeknights but impressive for guests
• One creamy sauce brings everything together perfectly
Cheesecake Factory Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Season the chicken with salt, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked. Drizzle honey and lime juice over the chicken and set aside to keep it juicy.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne until al dente. Add asparagus during the last minute of cooking to blanch it lightly. Drain and set aside.
- In the same skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the onions and bell peppers until slightly softened. Add minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, chipotle peppers, chili powder, paprika, and salt. Let the sauce gently simmer until slightly thickened. Slowly add Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly to create a smooth sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta, asparagus, peas, and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together until evenly coated with the creamy chipotle sauce.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped cilantro and extra Parmesan. Serve hot for best flavor.
Notes
• Letting the sauce simmer slowly improves thickness and flavor.
• A splash of pasta water helps loosen the sauce if needed.
• I taste and adjust the chipotle level before serving.
• Smoked paprika adds extra depth if you enjoy bolder flavor.