Indulge in a restaurant-quality meal right at home with this Cheesecake Factory-inspired Spaghetti Carbonara recipe. Combining the rich flavors of crispy bacon, tender peas, and a creamy Parmesan sauce, this dish is the epitome of comfort food.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a cozy dinner, this recipe brings the taste of the Cheesecake Factory to your table with ease. In just 35 minutes, you’ll have a satisfying and delicious meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Let’s dive into this classic pasta dish that’s as simple to prepare as it is delightful to eat.
Delicious Cheesecake Factory Spaghetti Carbonara
This Cheesecake Factory-inspired Spaghetti Carbonara brings a delicious combination of crispy bacon, tender peas, and a creamy, flavorful sauce right to your dinner table. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a special dinner pairing with Caesar salad, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients for Cheesecake Factory Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe
- 8 ounces dried Spaghetti
- 1 cup frozen Peas
- 4 slices Bacon
- 2 tablespoons Butter, divided
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan Cheese
- 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
- One 12-ounce can Evaporated Milk
- 2 tablespoons snipped fresh Italian Parsley
- Grated Parmesan Cheese to serve
- Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper to taste
Equipment & Tools Required
- Large Pot & Colander
- Large Skillet
- Small Saucepan
- Whisk
- Wooden Spoon or Tongs
- Paper Towels
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Recipe for Cheesecake Factory Spaghetti Carbonara
Step-01: Cook the Pasta and Peas
Begin by boiling the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions. During the final 5 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas to the boiling water.
Once done, drain the spaghetti and peas, making sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the cooking water. Set the drained pasta and peas aside.
Step-02: Prepare the Bacon
While the pasta cooks, place the bacon slices in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the bacon until it becomes crispy, then transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Once cooled enough to handle, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
Step-03: Make the Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it’s fragrant.
Stir in the flour and cook for another minute, ensuring the flour is well blended with the butter.
Gradually whisk in the evaporated milk, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Lower the heat and simmer until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and crumbled bacon.
Step-04: Combine Everything
Place the cooked spaghetti and peas in a large mixing bowl. Pour the sauce over the pasta, adding 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the spaghetti evenly. Toss everything together, adding more pasta water if needed to reach the desired consistency.
Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Garnish the dish with snipped Italian parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy the rich flavors of this homemade Spaghetti Carbonara.
Creative Serving Ideas for Cheesecake Factory Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe
1. Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce. The crispy exterior and soft interior of the bread pair perfectly with the rich carbonara.
2. Caesar Salad: Cheesecake Factory classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and a tangy dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
3. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly grilled asparagus drizzled with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon adds a fresh, slightly smoky element to the meal.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside a medley of roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. The roasted flavors complement the savory bacon and creamy sauce.
5. Caprese Salad: A simple Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a light, refreshing side to your pasta dish.
6. Bruschetta: Start the meal with bruschetta topped with tomatoes, basil, and balsamic reduction for a light, flavorful appetizer that pairs well with carbonara.
7. Antipasto Platter: Create an antipasto platter with cured meats, olives, marinated artichokes, and cheeses to offer a variety of flavors and textures alongside the main dish.
8. Crispy Chicken Cutlets: Add a protein boost by serving crispy breaded chicken cutlets on the side. The crunchiness of the cutlets pairs well with the creamy pasta.
9. Garlic Sautéed Spinach: Sauté fresh spinach with garlic and a touch of olive oil for a healthy, green side dish that complements the richness of the carbonara.
10. Wine Pairing: Serve with a glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay. The acidity and crispness of these wines help balance the creamy sauce and enhance the overall dining experience.
URRecipe Community Tips on Cheesecake Factory Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe
1. Use High-Quality Bacon: Opt for thick-cut bacon for a richer flavor and better texture in your carbonara. The crispy, savory bites of bacon are the highlight of this dish.
2. Reserve Extra Pasta Water: When draining the pasta, save more than just 1/2 cup of the cooking water. This starchy water can be used to adjust the consistency of the sauce as needed.
3. Don’t Overcook the Peas: Add the peas to the pasta water during the last 5 minutes of cooking to keep them tender yet vibrant. Overcooked peas can become mushy and lose their color.
4. Cook Bacon in Batches: To ensure even cooking and crispiness, cook the bacon in batches if your skillet isn’t large enough. Overcrowding the pan can lead to unevenly cooked bacon.
5. Grate Fresh Parmesan: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated varieties. Freshly grated Parmesan melts better into the sauce, providing a smoother, creamier texture.
6. Sauté Garlic Gently: Be careful not to brown the garlic while sautéing it in butter. Burnt garlic can introduce a bitter taste to the sauce, so keep the heat moderate.
7. Adjust Sauce Thickness: If your sauce turns out too thick, thin it out with a little more of the reserved pasta water. If it’s too thin, simmer it a bit longer to thicken.
8. Season Gradually: When seasoning with salt and pepper, add a little at a time, especially since the bacon and Parmesan cheese already contribute saltiness to the dish.
9. Use Fresh Parsley: Fresh Italian parsley adds a bright, herbal note to the dish. Add it just before serving to maintain its fresh flavor and vibrant color.
10. Serve Immediately: Spaghetti Carbonara is best enjoyed right after it’s prepared. The sauce thickens as it cools, so serve it immediately for the creamiest, most delicious result.
How to Store Leftover Cheesecake Factory Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe
To store leftover Cheesecake Factory Spaghetti Carbonara, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
When reheating, add a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce, then warm gently in a saucepan or microwave. For best results, avoid freezing as the creamy sauce may separate.
Cheesecake Factory Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces dried Spaghetti
- 1 cup frozen Peas
- 4 slices Bacon
- 2 tablespoons Butter divided
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan Cheese
- 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
- One 12-ounce can Evaporated Milk
- 2 tablespoons snipped fresh Italian Parsley
- Grated Parmesan Cheese to serve
- Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by boiling the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions. During the final 5 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas to the boiling water.
- Once done, drain the spaghetti and peas, making sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the cooking water. Set the drained pasta and peas aside.
- While the pasta cooks, place the bacon slices in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the bacon until it becomes crispy, then transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Once cooled enough to handle, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it’s fragrant.
- Stir in the flour and cook for another minute, ensuring the flour is well blended with the butter.
- Gradually whisk in the evaporated milk, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Lower the heat and simmer until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and crumbled bacon.
- Place the cooked spaghetti and peas in a large mixing bowl. Pour the sauce over the pasta, adding 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the spaghetti evenly. Toss everything together, adding more pasta water if needed to reach the desired consistency.
- Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Garnish the dish with snipped Italian parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy the rich flavors of this homemade Spaghetti Carbonara.
Notes
Common queries on Cheesecake Factory Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe
These commonly asked questions and their short answers will give you an better understanding of this Cheesecake Factory Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe
1. What is spaghetti carbonara sauce made of?
Spaghetti carbonara sauce is traditionally made with eggs, Parmesan cheese, pancetta or bacon, and black pepper. In this Cheesecake Factory-inspired version, the sauce is made with evaporated milk, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and bacon, creating a rich and creamy texture.
2. What is the golden rule of cooking a carbonara?
The golden rule of cooking carbonara is to avoid scrambling the eggs. If using eggs, it’s crucial to mix them with the hot pasta off the heat, allowing the residual heat from the pasta to cook the eggs gently into a creamy sauce, rather than a scrambled mess.
3. What’s the difference between spaghetti Alfredo and carbonara?
The main difference is the sauce. Spaghetti Alfredo features a creamy sauce made with butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, while carbonara is traditionally made with eggs, cheese, pancetta or bacon, and black pepper. The Cheesecake Factory version of carbonara uses evaporated milk instead of eggs, creating a different creamy consistency.
4. Can I make spaghetti carbonara without bacon?
Yes, you can make spaghetti carbonara without bacon by substituting it with pancetta, guanciale, or even a vegetarian option like smoked tempeh or mushrooms for a similar smoky flavor.
5. Is spaghetti carbonara safe to eat if using raw eggs?
Traditional carbonara uses raw eggs, which are cooked by the heat of the pasta. If you’re concerned about food safety, you can use pasteurized eggs or, as in this recipe, opt for a version that uses evaporated milk instead.
6. Can I add cream to spaghetti carbonara?
While traditional carbonara doesn’t include cream, you can add a splash of heavy cream for an even richer sauce. This recipe uses evaporated milk for a creamy consistency without the heaviness of cream.
7. How do I prevent the carbonara sauce from being too thick?
To prevent the sauce from becoming too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta cooking water to the sauce until you reach your desired consistency. This starchy water helps thin out the sauce while keeping it creamy.
8. Can I use a different type of pasta for carbonara?
While spaghetti is the most common choice, you can use other types of pasta like fettuccine, bucatini, or rigatoni. The key is to choose a pasta shape that holds onto the sauce well.
9. How do I reheat spaghetti carbonara without drying it out?
Reheat spaghetti carbonara gently on the stove over low heat, adding a little water or milk to help loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the sauce dry and the pasta overcooked.
10. What can I serve with spaghetti carbonara?
Spaghetti carbonara pairs well with a variety of sides like garlic bread, Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or grilled asparagus. A light, crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio also complements the dish nicely.
This Cheesecake Factory-inspired Spaghetti Carbonara recipe offers a delightful balance of rich flavors and comforting textures that will make any meal feel special. With its combination of crispy bacon, tender peas, and a creamy Parmesan sauce, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to prepare and deeply satisfying.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a cozy dinner at home, this recipe delivers the taste of a restaurant-quality meal right from your own kitchen. Serve it hot, sprinkle on some extra Parmesan, and savor each delicious bite. Enjoy!
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Great dinner. tnx
Thanks for the feedback