Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

One of my favorite things to order at Cheesecake Factory is the Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta. I absolutely love the spicy/sweet/smokey flavor combo, and have been searching for a recipe similar to my favorite dish. Unfortunately, Cheesecake Factory doesn't share their recipes, but many people have tried to replicate it. I found a recipe a few weeks ago that sounded fantastic and gave it a try. It's not exactly like the stuff you get at the restaurant, but it's pretty close!

Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

(Source: JyotisKitchen.com)

STEP ONE:

Chicken marinade:   Mix all together in Ziploc bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

2 chicken breasts or 4 chicken tenders, cut into bit sized pieces.

4 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon lemon juice

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tsp salt

1 tsp ground pepper

STEP TWO:

Roast 10-12 sticks of asparagus seasoned well with olive oil, parmesan cheese, and pepper in an oven heated to 425 degress for about 15 minutes until tender. Then cut diagonally into 1 inch pieces.

STEP THREE:

1/2 red bell pepper, chopped

1/2 yellow bell pepper, chopped (if you don't have yellow, just cut a whole red bell, its just for looks!)

4 cloves, garlic finely chopped

1 pound piccolini (I used bowtie pasta)

1 can chipotle chilies in adobo sauce, grind the whole can in a food processor to make a sauce

3/4 cup frozen peas

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cups heavy cream

1 cup Parmesan cheese

In a large pasta pot, boil water for the pasta.  Once the water is boiling add a lot of salt to flavor the water.  Then add half the box of pasta.  Cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente and then drain well. Do not rinse the pasta. In a large saucepan, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil on high heat.  Add the chicken and the entire marinade to the saucepan and cook until golden brown.  Then remove the chicken from the saucepan and set aside. Add another 3 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the onions and garlic for about two minutes.  Then add the bell pepper and stir fry for about four minutes. Once the bell pepper is slightly tender add 1/2 cup chipotle sauce, 2 cups heavy cream, and 1 cup Parmesan cheese.  Once you have mixed these ingredients in taste the sauce.  If you prefer a more spicy sauce add more chipotle sauce to taste. Once the sauce is to your liking add frozen peas, chopped roasted asparagus, chicken, and pasta.  Mix well and cook until peas are sweet and juicy.