Cheesecake Factory Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe

This creamy smoky Copycat Cheesecake Factory Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe is made with penne, adobo peppers, and heavy cream, and ready in 40 minutes. The rich, spicy sauce bubbles in the pan until it clings perfectly to the tender chicken and pasta. I always top my bowl with crispy tortilla strips for that authentic crunch.

Restaurant-Quality At Home

I used to pay a premium for this smoky pasta dish every time I visited the restaurant. Creating a homemade version taught me that balancing the heat is entirely in my control.

My first attempt was way too spicy because I dumped in too much adobo sauce. I learned to start with just one pepper and taste the cream sauce before adding more.

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Copycat Cheesecake Factory Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe Ingredients

• 16 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup red onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup asparagus pieces
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup crispy tortilla strips

How To Make Copycat Cheesecake Factory Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe

1. 1. Boil the pasta: Cook the penne in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions, then drain.
2. 2. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken pieces until golden brown.
3. 3. Saute the vegetables: Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and asparagus to the skillet, cooking until they soften slightly.
4. 4. Build the sauce: Stir in the minced garlic and chopped chipotle peppers, cooking for one minute until fragrant.
5. 5. Simmer the cream: Pour in the heavy cream and honey, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer for five minutes to thicken.
6. 6. Combine and serve: Toss in the cooked pasta, parmesan cheese, and peas, stirring until coated before topping with tortilla strips.

Recipe Tips

• Adjust the heat: Start with one chipotle pepper if you are sensitive to spice, as adobo sauce packs a punch.
• Do not boil the cream: Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer so the heavy cream does not split or curdle.
• Prep your veggies early: This recipe moves fast once the chicken is cooked, so having ingredients chopped prevents burning.

What To Serve With Copycat Cheesecake Factory Chipotle Chicken Pasta

A crisp Caesar salad cuts through the richness of the smoky cream sauce perfectly. I also recommend a side of warm garlic bread to soak up every last drop of spicy pasta sauce.

How To Store

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. I do not recommend freezing this dish because the heavy cream sauce will separate and become grainy when thawed.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, farfalle or rigatoni work beautifully to hold the thick cream sauce. Use whatever short pasta you have in your pantry.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half can work in a pinch, but the sauce will be thinner. You might need a cornstarch slurry to thicken it.

Where do I find chipotle peppers?

They are sold in small cans in the Latin American aisle of most grocery stores. Look for peppers packed in adobo sauce.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. The smoky sauce is still incredibly flavorful without meat.

Nutrition

• Calories: 850 kcal
• Total Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 75 g
• Protein: 38 g