Name: Pasta Carbonara Cheesecake Factory
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti; 1 cup frozen peas; dash of salt, for cooking the pasta; 1 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup smoked bacon, chopped or sliced; 3 eggs, large; salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp flour; 12 oz evaporated milk; 3/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated; parsley, freshly chopped

Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 15 mins
Total: 25 mins Yields: 4

Pasta Carbonara at Cheesecake Factory is a special type of carbonara using smoked bacon, green peas, and a special garlic-parmesan cream sauce. This dish has an irresistible taste achieved thanks to the special Garlic Parmesan Egg sauce and this places it amongst the most popular Cheesecake Factory dishes!

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What is Cheesecake Factory Chicken Carbonara?

The Chicken Carbonara dish at Cheesecake Factory is a rich and creamy sauce loaded with protein from the eggs, milk, cheese, peas, and bacon. The parmesan garlic sauce has a distinctive and irresistible flavor making this dish one of the signature pieces on the Cheesecake Factory menu.

Why does this recipe work?

The pasta carbonara is a classic and popular Italian recipe as it is comforting and fulfilling.
Cheesecake Factory Pasta Carbonara is very similar to the fettuccine alla papalina recipe which is a different lighter version of the pasta carbonara using parmesan instead of pecorino romano and also adding peas to the recipe.
On average, a portion of Pasta Carbonara at the Cheesecake Factory costs around $14.95. However, you can cook this for a family of 4 at the cost of 1 buying the finest ingredients.
This recipe can be done in 15 minutes and it’s so easy that even kids can easily cook it.
Homemade Carbonara can be done using different kinds of pasta like fettuccine egg pasta. So you can give a different take to the carbonara recipe also elevating the taste.

Cheesecake Factory chicken carbonara recipe

Ingredients

12 oz spaghetti
1 cup frozen peas
dash of salt, for cooking the pasta

For the sauce:

1 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup smoked bacon, chopped or sliced
3 eggs, large
Salt and Pepper to taste
2 tbsp flour
12 oz evaporated milk

For serving:

3/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
parsley, freshly chopped

Instructions

For cooking the peas and pasta:

Cook the pasta according to package directions adding the peas for the last 5 minutes to soften them a bit.
Take the pasta out a little bit sooner than it says on the package since will continue to cook them with the sauce.
Drain the pasta and set aside.

For the sauce:

Prepare the egg mixture by whisking together the eggs, parmesan, flour, salt, and pepper.
Fry the bacon in a pan using 1/4 of the butter amount and set aside.
Add the butter and garlic to a pan (you can use the same pan used for the bacon).
Sauté for a few minutes to melt the butter and then lower the heat.
Stir in the evaporated milk.
Slowly whisk the egg mixture into the pan.
Simmer on low heat until the sauce thickens.

For serving:

Toss together the pasta, peas, and cooked bacon in a large bowl.
Then pour the egg mixture over the pasta and with the remaining pasta water. Toss together.
Serve topped with Italian parsley and grated parmesan.
Enjoy!

Tips for making the best Carbonara

The allure of this dish lies in its simplicity, though achieving perfection might take a bit of practice.

Plan ahead: Given the dish’s swift assembly and the significance of timing, ensure all ingredients and tools are prepared beforehand.
Warm the eggs gradually: Swift action after draining the pasta is vital. To simplify, have the beaten eggs on standby in a bowl, and swiftly whisk in a few tablespoons of the hot reserved pasta cooking water to temper them. This minimizes the risk of curdling when mixed with the pasta. Next, combine the pasta with the tempered eggs in the still-warm pot, maintaining enough warmth to melt the cheese.
Opt for top-notch cheese: Set aside the processed cheese shaker! Opting for genuine, high-quality Parmesan cheese is crucial. Rest assured, this recipe is a worthy investment. If you’re treating yourself, why not do it properly?

Variations

Chicken Carbonara: Add cooked and diced chicken breast for an extra protein boost. This variation combines the richness of carbonara with the heartiness of chicken.
Vegetarian Carbonara: Skip the meat and use sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a vegetarian twist. Maintain the creamy texture by using eggs and cheese.
Seafood Carbonara: Integrate seafood like shrimp, scallops, or crab meat to infuse the dish with a delightful oceanic flavor.
Asiago Carbonara: Swap out Parmesan for Asiago cheese to introduce a nuttier and slightly tangy flavor profile.
Smoky Carbonara: Experiment with smoked bacon or pancetta for an intensified smoky taste that adds depth to the dish.
Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Carbonara: Incorporate chopped sun-dried tomatoes and wilted spinach for bursts of color and additional flavors.
Whole Wheat Carbonara: Choose whole wheat pasta for a nuttier taste and enhanced nutritional value.
Creamy Carbonara: Deviate slightly by adding a touch of heavy cream to the egg mixture for an even creamier consistency.

How to serve Cheesecake Factory chicken carbonara recipe

The carbonara recipe is indulgently rich and stands on its own. Yet, there are a couple of tricks you can use to transform it into a more gratifying meal, tailored to the day and your disposition:

Balancing Creaminess: Since carbonara is rich, consider serving it with dishes that provide freshness or contrast, such as a simple salad with light vinaigrette.
Incorporating Veggies: Vegetables can add color and nutrition. Opt for options like roasted broccoli, sautéed spinach, or a medley of grilled vegetables.
Bread and Carbs: Slices of crusty bread or garlic bread can be satisfying for mopping up the creamy sauce. Risotto or polenta are also hearty accompaniments.
Protein Boost: To enhance protein intake, add grilled chicken, seared shrimp, or crispy bacon on the side.
Refreshing Sides: Light options like cucumber slices with yogurt dip or fresh fruit salad can provide a refreshing contrast.
Creaminess Complement: If you desire another creamy element, opt for dishes like a creamy coleslaw or creamy potato salad.
Italian Touch: Staying within the Italian theme, antipasto platters, bruschetta, or caprese salad can harmonize well.

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