Go Back
–+ servings
a bowl of spicy chicken chipotle pasta showing hot to serve with parsley and limes
Print Pin

Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta, inspired by Cheesecake Factory's mouth-watering version, will spice up your weeknight dinner routine at a fraction of the price of dining out! This spicy chicken pasta recipe is loaded with tender bites of honey glazed chicken, crisp-tender asparagus, colorful bell peppers, and sweet petite peas, in a creamy chipotle Parmesan sauce, all brightened with a kiss of lime. Every bite is an explosion of sweet, spicy, tangy delight that will leave you wanting more. So, whether you're cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta is sure to be a crowd-pleaser alongside sweet cornbread and pina colada fruit salad!
Course Main Course, Main Dish
Cuisine Mexican
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients

SPICE MIX

  • 1 ½ teaspoon chipotle chili pepper, chili powder
  • 1 tsp EACH ground cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

CHICKEN

  • 2 medium chicken breasts, pounded to tenderize, then chopped into bite size pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice

PASTA

  • 1 cup asparagus, 1-inch chop
  • 1 pound penne

Creamy Chipotle Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 bell peppers (red, yellow and/or orange) thinly sliced
  • 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 2 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 ½ cups half and half (or milk whisked with 1 TBS cornstarch, or evaporated milk mixed with 2 tsps. cornstarch)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons chicken bouillon (granulated, crushed cubes or base)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1/2 cup frozen petite peas (don’t thaw)

OPTIONAL GARNISHES

  • freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • fresh parsley or cilantro
  • lime juice

Instructions

  • Pasta water: Start the water boiling for your pasta in a large pot, meanwhile season the chicken and prep the veggies.
  • Spice Mix: In a small bowl, whisk the spices together. Remove 1 1/2 tablespoons to use on the chicken (the rest is for the pasta sauce).
  • Season chicken: While the chopped chicken is still on the cutting board, pat dry with paper towels, then toss with the 1 1/2 tablespoon spice mix; set aside.
  • Cook asparagus: Prepare a large bowl of ice water and place a colander inside (skip colander if you have a pasta pot with drain insert). Season the boiling pasta water generously with salt. Add the asparagus and boil for 2-3 minutes or until tender crisp. Use a fine mesh sieve (or drain insert) to transfer the asparagus to the colander in the ice bath to prevent it from continuing to cook.
  • Cook pasta: Cook pasta in the boiling water just until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining. Drain, rinse and toss pasta with a drizzle of olive oil; set aside.
  • Cook chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in an enameled cast iron braiser or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once smoking, add chicken in a single layer. Sear chicken for 2-3 minutes, then flip over. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or just until cooked through. Stir in 2 tablespoon honey and 1 tablespoon lime juice, until evenly coated. Transfer to a plate including all of the yummy glaze (use a spatula to get it all). Wipe the pan clean (so the residual honey doesn’t burn).
  • Sauté onions and peppers: To the now empty pan, melt 2 tablespoons butter in 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and sauté for 4 minutes. Add bell peppers and remaining spice mix and cook for 2 minutes. Add garlic, and sauté for 30 seconds.
  • Make sauce: Sprinkle in the flour and cook for 1 additional minute. Reduce heat to low, then slowly whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the half and half. Stir in the chicken bouillon and oregano. Increase heat to medium-high and bring the sauce to a simmer until thickened, stirring often.
  • Add cheeses: Reduce heat to low. Working in batches, stir in the cheddar until melted, followed by Parmesan cheese until melted. You may need to cook for 1-2 minutes on low for the cheeses to completely melt.
  • Combine and season: Stir in the lime juice, chicken, asparagus, and peas, followed by the pasta. Season with salt, pepper and/or chipotle chili pepper to taste. If you would like to thin the sauce (optional), add some reserved pasta water a little at a time. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley or cilantro and lime juice (optional).

Video