Cheesecake Factory Carbonara

#28 in my '100 30 minutes meals' series is this Cheesecake Factory Carbonara. This copycat recipe is made with tender pasta in a creamy Parmesan sauce, with peas & bacon.

Why You'll love this Cheesecake Factory Carbonara:

• It comes together in just 30 minutes! From start to finish, you can have this pasta on the table in a snap. Serve with a chopped salad.
• Ultra-Creamy Bacon & Pea Sauce, made with melted butter, onions, garlic, starchy pasta water, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan.
• A restaurant favorite at home. No need to leave the house and much more budget-friendly!

Key Ingredients:

• Bacon: Cooked until crisp, then crumbled, bacon adds a salty, savory crunch.
• Butter, Onions, & Garlic: Garlic & onions are sauteed in melted butter to begin the sauce.
• All Purpose Flour: Are sprinkled over the onion & garlic mixture to create a sort of roux to slightly thicken the pasta sauce.
• Heavy Cream & Pasta Water: Blended together and simmered to create the creamy, velvety sauce.
• Add-In's: Frozen peas, grated Parmesan cheese, and ground nutmeg to add texture and flavor.

Dietary Swaps:

• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten free pasta noodles and gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. For the recipe I used Jovial's Gluten Free Egg Tagliatelle.
• Vegetarian: Skip the bacon and add sauteed mushrooms instead. Double check that your Parmesan is labeled vegetarian as well as some use animal rennet.

Recipe Variations:

• Add extra protein, such as sliced grilled chicken or shrimp.
• Add a bit of acidity with a splash of white wine or lemon juice to brighten and balance the flavor.

Tips & Recipe Notes:

• Reserve extra pasta water before draining! Pasta water is great for loosening the pasta sauce and achieving the perfect texture.
• Before adding cream, turn heat down to medium-low to prevent scorching. Stir constantly until slightly thickened.

Storage & Reheating:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat carbonara on the stove-top over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth, and stirring until reheated.

More 30 Minute Meals You Will Love:

• Creamy Mushroom Pasta
• Sausage Pesto Ricotta Pasta
• Mushrooms and Gnocchi
• Creamy Ground Beef & Pasta
• Sausage Leek Pasta
• Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Chicken

Recipe

Cheesecake Factory Carbonara

This copycat recipe is made with tender pasta in a creamy Parmesan sauce, with peas & bacon.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Pasta

Servings 4

Calories 640 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 8 oz pasta
• 8 slices bacon
• 2 tablespoon butter
• ½ large yellow or white onion diced
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup reserved pasta water more as needed
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Pinch ground nutmeg
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

 

• Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve at least 1 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
• In a large high-sided skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble.
• Drain most bacon grease, add butter, and cook onion 3-4 minutes until tender. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
• Reduce heat to medium-low. Sprinkle flour over onions and stir to combine. Cook 1 minute.
• Stir in pasta water, cream, and parmesan until smooth.
• Add bacon and peas. Simmer, stirring, until sauce thickens. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
• Add cooked pasta and toss to coat.
• Serve topped with extra parmesan and fresh parsley.

Notes

• Reserve extra pasta water before draining! Pasta water is great for loosening the pasta sauce and achieving the perfect texture.
• Before adding cream, turn heat down to medium-low to prevent scorching. Stir constantly until slightly thickened.
• Nutrition information is an estimate only. 

Nutrition

Calories: 640kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 19gFat: 44gSodium: 820mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5g

Keyword cheesecake factory carbonara

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