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Spicy chipotle chicken pasta on a white plate with a fork.
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5 from 2 votes

Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta

Spicy chipotle chicken pasta is a classic favorite from the chain restaurant Cheesecake Factory. It consists of spicy creamy chipotle sauce mixed with chewy pasta and juicy chicken, creating a mouthwatering combination.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 1
Calories: 430kcal
Author: Clara

Ingredients

Pasta and Sauce

  • 1 serving Rigatoni (Or pasta of choice)
  • 7 stalks Asparagus (Sliced)
  • 2 tablespoon Chipotle in Adobo sauce (Sauce only)
  • 1 clove Garlic
  • ¼ Onion (Diced)
  • 2 tablespoon Half and Half
  • 1 teaspoon Parmesan cheese
  • Cilantro (For garnish)

Chicken Spice Mix

  • 4 oz Chicken thigh (Boneless skinless)
  • Salt, pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon Paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon Oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon Cumin

Instructions

  • Prepare the pasta – Cook 1 serving of pasta in a large pot of water to al dente according to the package instructions. Be sure to take at least ¼ cup of pasta water to help the pasta sauce achieve the optimal consistency later.
  • Prepare the vegetables and chicken – Cut the chicken thigh into small, 1-inch cubes, removing any excess fat and season chicken with salt, black pepper, paprika, cumin, and oregano. Mince the onions, garlic, and slice the asparagus.
  • Sauté everything – In a large skillet, spray cooking spray and turn the stove to medium-high heat. Add in the chicken pieces and cook for about 3-4 minutes each side, or until the chicken is cooked thoroughly. While the chicken is cooking on the second side, add in the garlic, onions, and asparagus, stirring around consistently so that they don't burn.
  • Make the sauce – Once the chicken is done cooking and the vegetables are soft, turn the heat to low and stir in the chipotle in adobo sauce and half and half. Mix thoroughly, adding in pasta water as needed.
  • Add in the pasta – Add the cooked pasta and mix everything together thoroughly, continuing to add pasta water as needed.
  • Garnish and serve – Chop a handful of cilantro leaves and mix into the pasta. Top with chili flakes and parmesan cheese if desired and enjoy your chipotle chicken pasta!

Notes

Substitutions and Variations
Swap out chicken for shrimp – Swap out the chicken for shrimp for an equally delicious pasta recipe.
Use milk or greek yogurt – Both are also lower calorie dairy alternatives. The plain greek yogurt will have a bit of a tang and provides a creamier texture. For a dairy-free version, a plant-based milk will also work.
Expert Tips
Use the Adobo Sauce and Omit the Chilis – The adobo sauce is what will give us the chipotle flavor for the sauce. Adding the chilis will result in a chunk sauce and very high heat.
Adjust spice levels – The chipotle in adobo sauce is only mildly spicy. If you prefer something less spicy, you can opt to use chipotle seasoning, or use less adobo sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 430kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 114mg | Sodium: 127mg | Potassium: 545mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 99IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 101mg | Iron: 2mg