Imagine diving into a creamy, bold pasta dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen! This Copycat Cheesecake Factory Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta is not just another weeknight meal—it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece. With its perfect balance of creamy chipotle sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked penne, this recipe will have your family and friends begging for seconds (and the recipe)!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 cup chipotle sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by slicing chicken breasts into thin, even strips. Season chicken generously with salt and pepper.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and carefully place seasoned chicken strips into the pan.
- Cook chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 165°F. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and pour in heavy cream and chipotle sauce. Whisk together to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring continuously to prevent clumping. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet and add cooked penne pasta. Gently toss everything together, ensuring pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the spicy chipotle cream sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Let the dish simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Plate the pasta, ensuring an even distribution of chicken. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or additional Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips
- Chicken Perfection: Slice chicken breasts when they're slightly cold for more precise, even cuts. Use a sharp knife and aim for uniform strips to ensure even cooking.
- Pasta Pro Tip: Always salt your pasta water generously—it should taste like seawater. This is your only chance to season the pasta from the inside out.
- Sauce Consistency Hack: If your sauce breaks or looks too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to smooth it out and create a silky texture.
- Flavor Boosting Trick: For an extra flavor punch, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne to your chipotle sauce.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This dish can be partially prepared in advance. Cook the chicken and pasta separately, then combine just before serving to maintain optimal texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 680kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 160mg
