Cheesecake Factory Copycat Chicken Carbonara: Creamy, Cheesy, and Delicious

Introduction & Inspiration

As someone who loves a good pasta dish, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are both flavorful and satisfying. This Cheesecake Factory Copycat Chicken Carbonara is a winner on both fronts! It’s a classic dish that’s perfect for those evenings when you’re craving a warm and comforting meal. The inspiration for this recipe came from my love of the Cheesecake Factory’s pasta dishes and my desire to recreate that creamy, cheesy goodness at home.

Homemade Focus

While you can certainly find pre-made carbonara sauces at the grocery store, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of making it from scratch. This recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, and the result is a carbonara that’s far superior to anything you can buy pre-made. Plus, making it yourself allows you to control the quality of ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking.

Flavor Goal

The goal here is to create a pasta dish that’s rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor. We’re talking perfectly cooked spaghetti, tender chicken, sweet peas, crispy bacon, and a luscious sauce that’s both cheesy and savory. The combination of eggs, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of garlic creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s explore the key players in this delicious pasta dish:

• Spaghetti Noodles: Spaghetti is a long, thin pasta that’s perfect for coating in the creamy carbonara sauce.
• Frozen Peas: Frozen peas add a touch of sweetness and a pop of color to the dish.
• Bacon: Cooked and chopped bacon adds a smoky and salty flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
• Butter: Butter adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
• Garlic: Minced garlic adds a subtle aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Eggs: Eggs are the key to creating the creamy sauce in carbonara. They add richness and bind the other ingredients together.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is essential for a flavorful carbonara. It adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps to thicken the sauce.
• Flour: Flour helps to thicken the sauce and create a smooth texture.
• Evaporated Milk: Evaporated milk adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: Salt and pepper are essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Italian Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note to the finished dish.

Equipment

You’ll need just a few essential tools to whip up this easy and delicious dish:

• Large pot (for cooking pasta)
• Small saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk

Ingredients

• 8 ounces spaghetti noodles
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter, divided
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 3 eggs, beaten (room temperature)
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons Italian parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta and Peas: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package directions. Add the frozen peas to the pot 5 minutes before draining the pasta. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
2. Sauté Garlic: In a small saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for a few minutes until fragrant.
3. Whisk the Sauce Base: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, Parmesan cheese, flour, salt, and pepper.
4. Make the Sauce: Remove the saucepan with garlic from the heat and stir in the evaporated milk and ½ cup of the reserved pasta water. Slowly whisk in the egg mixture. Return the pan to low heat and simmer until the sauce thickens (2-3 minutes).
5. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together the pasta, peas, and cooked bacon. Pour the sauce over the pasta mixture and add the remaining pasta water. Toss to combine.
6. Serve: Serve immediately, topped with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Troubleshooting

• Pasta overcooked: Avoid overcooking the pasta. Cook it al dente according to package directions.
• Sauce too thin: If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken. You can also add a slurry of 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of cold water to thicken it quickly.
• Sauce too thick: If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
• Scrambled eggs in sauce: To prevent the eggs from scrambling, temper them by slowly whisking a small amount of the hot cream mixture into the egg mixture before adding the eggs to the sauce.

Tips and Variations

• For a richer flavor, you can use pancetta or guanciale instead of bacon.
• Feel free to add other ingredients to the dish, such as sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes.
• You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Cheesecake Factory Copycat Chicken Carbonara is a delicious and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed on its own or with a side salad and crusty bread. It’s also great for a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Nutritional Information

(Per serving, approximate)

• Calories: ~600
• Fat: ~30g
• Cholesterol: ~150mg
• Sodium: ~1000mg
• Carbohydrates: ~60g
• Protein: ~30g

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Recipe Summary and Q&A

Recipe Name: Cheesecake Factory Copycat Chicken Carbonara

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Yields: 4 servings

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A: Yes, you can use any type of pasta that you like for this recipe, but long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine is ideal for carbonara.

Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?

A: Yes, you can omit the bacon and add grilled or roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus, for a vegetarian version.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A: It’s best to enjoy carbonara fresh, but you can cook the pasta and chicken ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Reheat the pasta and combine it with the sauce just before serving.