If you’re looking for a delicious Italian-inspired dish, the Pasta Carbonara from The Cheesecake Factory is a must-try. This classic Italian comfort food combines the best of both worlds — creamy carbonara sauce with al dente spaghetti noodles. Topped with prosciutto, grated Parmesan cheese and parsley, this dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
The Cheesecake Factory uses high-quality ingredients to ensure that each serving is as flavorful and delicious as possible. If you’re looking for a filling meal, the Pasta Carbonara pairs perfectly with a house salad or one of their signature cheesecakes, giving you the ultimate Italian dining experience.
What is Carbonara?
Carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish that combines egg, cheese, pancetta or guanciale (cured pork cheek) and black pepper. It is one of the most popular pasta dishes in Italy and has been enjoyed by many for centuries. Carbonara is usually prepared with spaghetti or fettuccine noodles, but the sauce can also be used to top other types of pasta.
Cheesecake Factory’s take on Carbonara
The Cheesecake Factory takes the classic Carbonara dish to a new level with their version. Instead of using pancetta or guanciale, they opt for more flavorful prosciutto, adding a salty and smoky flavor to the dish. The spaghetti noodles are cooked al dente and tossed in a creamy carbonara sauce that is made from a blend of Parmesan cheese, cream, and egg yolks. To finish the dish, they top it with grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and fresh black pepper for an added flavor kick.
History of Cheesecake Factory
The Cheesecake Factory first opened its doors in Beverly Hills, California in 1978. It is one of the most beloved restaurants in America and has served millions of customers over the years. Founded by David M. Overton, The Cheesecake Factory has become famous for its generous portions, extensive menu selection, and delicious desserts. Today , the restaurant chain operates more than 200 locations across the United States and is known for its high-quality ingredients and creative recipes.
Pasta Carbonara at Cheesecake Factory
Ingredients and flavors
The Cheesecake Factory’s Pasta Carbonara is made with high-quality ingredients that provide a burst of flavor in every bite. The al dente spaghetti noodles are tossed in a creamy carbonara sauce made from a combination of cream, egg yolks and Parmesan cheese. To give the dish an added kick, it is then topped with prosciutto, grated Parmesan cheese, and parsley.
Presentation and serving method
The Cheesecake Factory’s Pasta Carbonara is a sight to behold. The dish is served in a large bowl, with the spaghetti noodles tossed in the creamy carbonara sauce. The combination of ingredients creates an appealing contrast of colors that make it an inviting presentation. The prosciutto, Parmesan cheese, and parsley are sprinkled on top for the perfect finishing touch. The pasta is best enjoyed hot, and it can be served with a side of garlic bread or a house salad to complete the meal.
Nutritional information
The Cheesecake Factory’s Pasta Carbonara is a delicious and satisfying dish, but it can also be high in calories and fat. One serving of the dish contains 1260 calories, 59 grams of fat, and 83 grams of carbohydrates. It is also high in cholesterol, with 300 milligrams per serving. To make the dish healthier, you can try substituting some of the cream for low-fat milk or using turkey bacon instead of prosciutto.
Ingredients and cooking method
Quality and origin of ingredients
The Cheesecake Factory takes great care to ensure that only quality ingredients are used in their Pasta Carbonara. The spaghetti noodles are imported from Italy and cooked al dente for the perfect texture. They also use fresh prosciutto, Parmesan cheese, cream, egg yolks, parsley, and black pepper to give the dish an amazing flavor. All of the ingredients are of the highest quality and sourced from farms and suppliers that meet The Cheesecake Factory’s high standards.
Cooking techniques
The Cheesecake Factory’s Pasta Carbonara is not difficult to make at home. To begin, start by boiling the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until they reach al dente. Next, prepare the carbonara sauce by heating cream and Parmesan cheese in a saucepan over low heat until it thickens. Then, add the egg yolks and whisk them together with the sauce. Finally, toss the spaghetti noodles in the carbonara sauce and top with prosciutto, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and black pepper.
Tips and tricks
When making the Cheesecake Factory’s Pasta Carbonara, it is important to follow the instructions carefully. If the ingredients are not cooked correctly, it could ruin the dish. For example, if the spaghetti noodles are overcooked, they will be soggy and won’t have the perfect al dente texture. Also, make sure that the egg yolks are whisked into the sauce before it is added to the noodles, otherwise they will scramble when heated. Lastly, be sure to add the Parmesan cheese and parsley at the end so that they don’t get lost in the sauce.
How it’s made: Recipe
Step-by-Step instructions
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain the noodles and set aside.
Step 2: In a separate saucepan, heat the cream over low heat until it begins to simmer. Slowly whisk in the Parmesan cheese until it is completely melted and incorporated into the cream.
Step 3: Whisk the egg yolks into the sauce, stirring constantly until it thickens slightly.
Step 4: Add the cooked spaghetti noodles to the sauce and toss to coat.
Step 5: Transfer the pasta carbonara to a large serving bowl and top with prosciutto, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and black pepper. Serve immediately.
Proper measurements and ratios
The proper measurements and ratios for The Cheesecake Factory’s Pasta Carbonara are important to ensure that the dish turns out perfect. For each serving, you will need 1/2 cup of cream, 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, 2 egg yolks, and 4 ounces of cooked spaghetti noodles. You should also have 1 ounce of prosciutto, a few sprigs of fresh parsley, and freshly ground black pepper for garnish.
Estimated cooking time
The estimated cooking time for The Cheesecake Factory’s Pasta Carbonara is approximately 15 minutes. This includes the time to boil the spaghetti noodles, prepare the carbonara sauce, and assemble the dish. To reduce the cooking time, you can use pre-cooked spaghetti noodles or buy pre-sliced prosciutto instead of having to slice it yourself. With these shortcuts, you can have a delicious pasta carbonara in less than 10 minutes.
Similar dishes in the menu
Other pasta dishes at Cheesecake Factory
The Cheesecake Factory also offers an array of other delicious pasta dishes on its menu. For a flavorful seafood entrée, the Shrimp Scampi is a customer favorite. The dish is served with sautéed shrimp in a garlic white wine sauce, tossed with angel hair pasta and cherry tomatoes. For meat lovers, the Spicy Cashew Chicken Pasta combines chicken, mushrooms, bell peppers, cashews, and a creamy Thai-style peanut sauce. For a classic Italian dish, the Lasagna Verde is made with layers of fresh spinach pasta filled with ricotta and mozzarella cheese.
Comparison with other Carbonara dishes
The Cheesecake Factory’s Pasta Carbonara is a unique take on the classic Italian dish. While traditional Italian carbonara recipes usually require guanciale, Parmigiano Reggiano, and eggs as the base ingredients, The Cheesecake Factory takes a more modern approach by using cream and prosciutto instead of guanciale. Additionally, they add Parmesan cheese to the sauce to give it a richer flavor. As a result, The Cheesecake Factory’s version of the dish is slightly different than traditional carbonara recipes, but still equally delicious.
Conclusion
The Cheesecake Factory’s Pasta Carbonara is a delicious variation of the classic Italian dish. To ensure that the dish turns out perfect, it is important to follow the instructions carefully. This includes boiling the spaghetti noodles until al dente, whisking the egg yolks into the cream sauce before adding it to the noodles, and adding Parmesan cheese and parsley at the end. The estimated cooking time for the dish is 15 minutes, although it can be reduced by using pre-cooked noodles and pre-sliced prosciutto. Finally, The Cheesecake Factory’s version of the dish is slightly different than traditional recipes, but still equally as tasty.