Cheesecake Factory Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta Recipe: Creamy, Smoky & Restaurant-Worthy
Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta is one of the most popular entrées at The Cheesecake Factory—and for good reason. This creamy, smoky, slightly spicy pasta dish features tender pieces of seasoned chicken, colorful bell peppers, and penne pasta, all tossed in a bold chipotle-parmesan cream sauce. It’s rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to recreate at home. If you’re craving a restaurant-style meal without the reservation, this dish delivers big flavor right from your kitchen.
What Makes This Dish Special?
It’s all about balance—heat from chipotle peppers, sweetness from honey, tang from fresh lime, and richness from the creamy parmesan sauce. Add perfectly sautéed chicken and crisp-tender bell peppers, and you’ve got a complex, satisfying dish that feels indulgent but is totally achievable for a weeknight dinner.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (add more for extra heat)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 orange bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro, for garnish
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil the penne in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Add the chicken strips to the pan and sauté until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Cook the Peppers
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Add the sliced bell peppers and cook until just tender, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in garlic and chipotle peppers and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
4. Make the Chipotle Cream Sauce
Reduce heat to medium. Stir in the honey and lime juice, then pour in the heavy cream. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then stir in the parmesan cheese. Let cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3–4 minutes.
5. Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together until evenly coated with the sauce and heated through.
6. Serve
Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley or cilantro and optional red pepper flakes for a kick.
Variations
- Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or zucchini.
- Extra Creamy: Stir in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese with the heavy cream.
- Low-Carb: Serve over spaghetti squash or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
- More Heat: Add additional minced chipotle peppers or a pinch of cayenne.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Cutting board and knife
- Mixing spoon or tongs
- Grater for parmesan
Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)
- Calories: 620
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 7g
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed.
- Freezing: Not ideal, as the cream sauce may separate, but can be frozen if necessary.
My Cooking Experience
When I first tried the original version at The Cheesecake Factory, I knew I had to recreate it. After testing a few variations, I found that the key is the chipotle peppers in adobo—they bring just the right smoky spice. The homemade version is actually lighter and fresher, and I love that I can adjust the spice level to my liking. It’s now in regular rotation at my house.
Conclusion
Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta is a flavor-packed dinner that feels fancy without the fuss. With its smoky cream sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant veggies, it hits all the right notes. Perfect for date night, dinner parties, or any time you’re craving something bold and comforting.
cheesecake factory spicy chipotle chicken pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Boil the penne in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Add the chicken strips to the pan and sauté until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Add the sliced bell peppers and cook until just tender, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in garlic and chipotle peppers and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Reduce heat to medium. Stir in the honey and lime juice, then pour in the heavy cream. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then stir in the parmesan cheese. Let cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together until evenly coated with the sauce and heated through.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley or cilantro and optional red pepper flakes for a kick.
Notes
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed.
- Freezing: Not ideal, as the cream sauce may separate, but can be frozen if necessary.
