1. 1. Cook the Pasta to Al Dente Perfection: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until it’s al dente – firm to the bite. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This will be crucial for achieving the perfect sauce consistency later. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. 2. Sear the Chicken Until Golden: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned on all sides and cooked through. The chicken should have a nice golden crust, indicating a good sear. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

3. 3. Build the Flavor Base with Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

4. 4. Infuse the Chipotle Warmth: Stir in the chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and the diced tomatoes (undrained). Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. The aroma of the chipotle will become quite prominent here.

5. 5. Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. If it seems too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

6. 6. Combine and Finish the Dish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained pasta, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh cilantro. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your preferred consistency. Stir in the lime juice just before serving.

7. 7. Serve Hot and Garnish: Divide the pasta among serving plates. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Cheesecake Factory-style Chipotle Chicken Pasta!