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Plate with creamy spaghetti carbonara Cheesecake Factory copycat with grated cheese, peas and bacon strips.

Pasta Carbonara Cheesecake Factory

Caroline Sciberras
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!
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch, Pasta
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4 people
Calories 686.74 kcal

Ingredients
  

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

FOR THE GARLIC PARMESAN CREAM SAUCE:

  • 1 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ cup smoked bacon chopped or sliced
  • 3 eggs large
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 12 oz evaporated milk

FOR SERVING:

  • ¾ cup parmesan cheese grated
  • parsley freshly chopped

Instructions
 

Cook the Peas and Pasta

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

Prepare the Carbonara Sauce

  • Prepare the egg mixture 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 in 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.

Serve

  • 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 the Italian parsley and grated parmesan.

Notes

Recipe Notes:

🍽️ Quick Overview

  1. Ready in 25 minutes: 10 minutes prep + 15 minutes cook time.
  2. Serves 4 people: Family-friendly and portioned perfectly.
  3. Inspired by Cheesecake Factory: A creamy twist on classic carbonara with peas and smoked bacon.

🧀 Flavour & Technique

  1. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Rich flavour from garlic, evaporated milk, eggs, parmesan, and flour.
  2. Tempering Eggs: Whisk in hot pasta water to prevent scrambling and ensure a silky sauce.
  3. Use Quality Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan makes a big difference in flavour and texture.

🥓 Ingredient Highlights

  1. Smoked Bacon: Adds a savoury, smoky note.
  2. Green Peas: Adds colour and slight sweetness to balance the creaminess.
  3. Evaporated Milk: Offers richness without needing heavy cream.

🔄 Variations

  1. Add Protein: Use cooked chicken breast, shrimp, or pancetta.
  2. Go Veggie: Substitute mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes.
  3. Cheese Swap: Try Asiago for a nuttier, tangier flavour.

🍽️ Serving Ideas

  1. Best Pairings: Garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a green salad.
  2. Balance Creaminess: Lighten the plate with cucumber salad or fruit.
  3. Italian Touch: Add caprese salad, antipasto, or bruschetta.

🧊 Storage & Reheating

  1. Store Leftovers: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  2. Reheat Gently: Warm over low heat with a splash of milk or pasta water.
Keyword bacon strips, carbonara, chickpeas, evaporated milk, peas