Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta from Cheesesteak Factory features tender grilled chicken tossed in a smoky chipotle cream sauce with al dente penne pasta, garnished with fresh cilantro and shaved Parmesan, delivering a bold and creamy flavor with a hint of heat.
Equipments
- Large pot
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Colander
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cheese grater or vegetable peeler (for shaved Parmesan)
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium red bell pepper
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 small red onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2-3 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt
- Black pepper
When selecting chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, adjust the quantity based on your desired heat level, as they can vary in spiciness. Fresh bell peppers and garlic provide essential sweetness and depth to balance the smoky chipotle flavor, so use firm, fresh produce for the best taste. Heavy cream and chicken broth form the rich base of the sauce, so ensure they're well combined for a smooth consistency. Shaved Parmesan cheese used as a garnish adds a subtle nutty finish that enhances the dish's bold flavors. Your Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta from Cheesesteak Factory copycat will achieve its signature smoky heat and creamy texture by carefully balancing these ingredients.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook penne pasta until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Cut chicken breast into bite-sized strips.
- Season chicken with salt and black pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken to skillet; cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Slice red and yellow bell peppers into thin strips.
- Dice red onion.
- Mince garlic cloves.
- In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil.
- Sauté red onion, garlic, and bell peppers until softened.
- Stir in chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits.
- Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Blend in grated Parmesan cheese; stir until melted and sauce thickens.
- Add cooked chicken, frozen peas, and drained pasta to the skillet.
- Toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through.
- Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro and shaved Parmesan on top.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta from Cheesesteak Factory copycat menu can be easily adapted if you don't have chipotle peppers in adobo sauce; smoked paprika or a blend of chili powder and a touch of tomato paste can replicate the smoky heat. When fresh bell peppers aren't available, frozen peppers work well and help maintain texture and color. If heavy cream is not on hand, coconut cream or a mixture of milk and cream cheese can provide a similar richness in the sauce. Use your preference of pasta shapes if penne isn't available, though boil times might vary slightly. You can also substitute fresh cilantro with parsley for garnish if you're not a fan of cilantro's flavor.
Tips
Use a sharp chef's knife to ensure your chicken and vegetables are cut cleanly and evenly, which helps them cook uniformly. When boiling penne pasta, salt the water generously to enhance the pasta's flavor. Stir the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce well into the cream sauce to distribute the smoky heat evenly throughout the dish. When serving, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and shaved Parmesan cheese to add vibrancy and a rich, creamy texture to your Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta.
Nutritions
Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta offers a balanced nutritional profile with lean protein from 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breast, supporting muscle repair and growth. The 12 oz of penne pasta provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, while vegetables like red and yellow bell peppers, red onion, and peas add fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. The dish contains healthy fats from 2 tablespoons of olive oil and creamy richness from 1 cup of heavy cream combined with Parmesan cheese, which also contributes calcium essential for bone health. You can enjoy this hearty meal knowing it delivers a blend of macronutrients and micronutrients that fuel your body and satisfy your taste buds.
Storage
Store your Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety, reheating thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165degF (74degC) before serving. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute boneless chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful meat option. Swap penne pasta for fusilli or rigatoni to better capture the chipotle cream sauce. For a dairy-free alternative, replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. Adding a splash of lime juice before serving enhances the smoky heat and brightens the overall flavor profile.
Allergies
The Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta contains common allergens such as dairy from heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, which may trigger reactions in those with lactose intolerance or milk protein allergy. Additionally, chicken and bell peppers could cause sensitivity in individuals allergic to poultry or nightshade vegetables. You should carefully check each ingredient if you have known allergies to avoid adverse effects.
Why this recipe?
The Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta from Cheesesteak Factory offers a bold blend of smoky chipotle peppers and tender grilled chicken, perfectly balanced with al dente pasta and a creamy, spicy sauce that excites the palate. This dish captures the essence of comfort food with a fiery kick, appealing to those who crave flavor-packed, satisfying meals. Making a copycat version allows you to customize the heat level and ingredient quality, ensuring a fresh and personalized experience. Your taste buds will appreciate the rich, smoky complexity that makes this menu item a standout favorite.