Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

If you love the spicy chicken chipotle pasta from Cheesecake Factory, you’re going to be blown away by my homemade version. It’s extra creamy, smoky, and just the right amount of spicy, with juicy pan-seared chicken, tender pasta, crisp asparagus, and colorful veggies. All that is coated in a chipotle cream sauce you’ll want to eat by the spoonful! Best of all, it’s a one-pan dinner that’s on the table in under 30 minutes.

Why I Love This Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta Recipe

The first time I ordered this spicy and creamy chicken chipotle pasta at Cheesecake Factory, I remember thinking, “this has everything I want in one bowl”—creamy chicken pasta with veggies and a spicy kick that just kept me coming back for more.

When I set out to recreate it at home, I wanted every element to live up to the original… and after plenty of testing, I can confidently say it’s just as good—if not better—than what you get at the restaurant.

What makes it so special is how the flavors and textures work together: the juicy chicken picks up a golden crust in the skillet, the asparagus and peppers stay bright and slightly crisp, and the chipotle cream sauce is silky with a smoky heat that lingers just enough to make you want another bite. It’s hearty enough to be the star of a family dinner, yet impressive enough to serve to guests—and every time I make it, people assume I ordered it to-go from Cheesecake Factory.

The best part? This recipe is a complete meal on its own. But if you want to add a side, Little Caesars' cheesy bread or Cheesecake Factory's brown bread are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce (and trust me, you’ll want to).

Ingredients

Before we dive into the ingredients, don't let the long list intimidate you. Most of the ingredients to make this copycat spicy chicken chipotle pasta recipe are probably already in your pantry.

Anyway, here's what you'll need to make this recipe:

• 8-10 Asparagus spears
• 17oz. Penne Pasta
• 2 Chicken Breasts, cut into chunks
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tbsp. Olive Oil
• ½ onion, chopped
• ½ yellow pepper, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, chopped
• ¼ cup Lemon Juice
• ¼ cup Honey
• 1 cup Heavy Cream
• 2 tbsp. Canned Adobo Peppers
• 2 cups Frozen Peas
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

How to Make Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

Despite the long ingredients list, this copycat Cheesecake Factory spicy chicken chipotle pasta is actually pretty easy to prepare. The best part is you don’t need any special skills! All you need is a pot, a wooden spoon, and a skillet. How easy does that sound?!

Also, just so you know, this recipe makes 4 delicious servings and stores well in case you have leftovers.  So don't be afraid to double or triple this Cheesecake Factory pasta recipe! Now, without further ado, let's get into the recipe and make spicy chipotle chicken pasta!

Step 1: Cook the Asparagus

First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the asparagus spears to it.

Then cook the asparagus in the boiling water for 5 minutes, or until they're bright green and tender - set them aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

In the same pot you used to cook the asparagus - or in a different pot simultaneously - cook the pasta according to package instructions.

Also, since this is a creamy sauce recipe, you'll want to cook the pasta al dente - or slightly - undercooked so it holds the sauce. But, if you like it a bit softer, just cook for 1-2 extra minutes.

Oh, and if you want to cook the pasta even quicker, you can follow the instructions in this microwave pasta recipe.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, season the cubed chicken with salt and pepper (if you did the prep work, you'll already have this cut into 1-inch cubes).

Now, rub the seasoning into all of the pieces of chicken, and make sure they are all equally coated in it. Then, set the chicken aside.

Step 4: Cook the Veggies

Next, add olive oil to a skillet and heat it to medium-high. Then, once it’s hot, add the chopped onion and cook for a couple of minutes.

Now add the garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant. Lastly, add the yellow pepper and cook until the onion is translucent and the veggies are slightly softened.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

Next, add the chicken to the same skillet with the veggies and cook until it’s brown on every side and cooked through. Also, when you're cooking the chicken, let it cook for about 5 minutes without moving it. Then, flip it around, and cook for another 3-5 minutes.

Step 6: Make the Chipotle Parmesan Cream Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked, it's time to make the chipotle Parmesan cream sauce. In the same skillet, add the lemon juice, honey, heavy cream, canned adobo peppers, and frozen peas.

As I mentioned earlier, the adobo peppers are very spicy. To avoid the sauce from being too spicy, add the peppers in small amounts and taste the sauce between each addition.

Now cook the sauce for 5 minutes to let it slightly thicken.

Step 7: Complete the Dish and Serve

Once the sauce has cooked, add the cooked pasta and stir everything to combine. Make sure the pasta is completely covered in sauce.

Then serve the pasta in a bowl with the cooked asparagus and Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy!

Expert Tips for the Best Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

• Control the spice level:
  The smoky heat comes from chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. If you’re spice-sensitive, start with 1–2 teaspoons of the sauce only (no peppers) and taste before adding more. For extra heat, include finely chopped chipotle peppers or add a pinch of cayenne.
• Sear the chicken for maximum flavor:
  Don’t just cook the chicken until done—give it a nice golden crust. Searing over medium-high heat locks in juices and adds a savory depth that balances the creaminess of the sauce.
• Cook pasta just to al dente:
  Drain the pasta when it’s still slightly firm to the bite. It will finish cooking in the sauce, absorbing the flavors without getting mushy.
• Blanch or sauté the vegetables:
  Asparagus and bell peppers are best when they still have a slight crunch. Blanch the asparagus in the pasta water for 1–2 minutes, or quickly sauté both in a bit of olive oil before adding them to the sauce.
• Reserve pasta water:
  Keep about ½ cup of pasta cooking water before draining. If your sauce thickens too much, a splash of this starchy liquid will loosen it while helping it cling to the noodles.
• Balance the sauce:
  Chipotle can be intense. A squeeze of fresh lime juice or a sprinkle of Parmesan right before serving can brighten and round out the flavors.
• Use freshly grated cheese:
  If your recipe calls for Parmesan or another cheese garnish, grate it fresh for better melt and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect sauce texture.

FAQS About This Spicy Chicken Chipotle Recipe

Can I make this pasta recipe ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best served fresh so the pasta and vegetables keep their texture. If making ahead, prepare the sauce and chicken in advance, then reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta and vegetables right before serving.

How should I store leftovers?

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Can I freeze this pasta?

Cream-based sauces can separate after freezing, so it’s not ideal. If you want to freeze it, undercook the pasta slightly, cool completely, and freeze in portions. Reheat slowly, whisking the sauce to bring it back together.

What type of pasta works best?

Penne or bowtie pasta (farfalle) are both excellent choices because they hold the creamy sauce in every bite. You can also use rotini or rigatoni or whatever you have on hand.

Can I use a different protein?

Absolutely. Shrimp, salmon, or even rotisserie chicken work well. For a vegetarian option, add extra vegetables or plant-based chicken strips.

How do I make it less spicy?

Use only the adobo sauce from the chipotle peppers and skip the actual peppers, or replace the chipotle entirely with smoked paprika for flavor without the heat. It makes this into more of a creamy chicken chipotle pasta that's just as delicious!

Wrapping It All Up

This copycat spicy chicken chipotle Cheesecake Factory recipe is such a mouth-watering dish that everyone will love.

It has simple ingredients and steps that will make you the favorite cook in the house. And in less than 30 minutes you'll have a complete dinner for you and the family to enjoy!

And, of course, the best part is that this is a one pan pasta recipe so cleanup is an absolute breeze. Anyway, if you try this recipe let us know what you think in the comments below!

More Copycat Pasta Recipes

If you found this spicy chicken chipotle pasta delicious, we have some more pasta recipes on the blog that I think you'll enjoy!

Give one of these a try next:

• Cheesecake Factory pasta carbonara
• Cheesecake Factory four cheese pasta
• Cheesecake Factory pasta da vinci
• Red Lobster shrimp scampi
• Olive Garden chicken alfredo
• Olive Garden chicken and shrimp carbonara
• Olive Garden chicken pasta
• Bahama Breeze jerk chicken pasta
  
• Boursin pasta

Oh, and as always, check out our Youtube channel and Instagram for even more delicious recipes just like this one.