Craving a delicious pasta dish that's reminiscent of a Cheesecake Factory favorite? This farfalle recipe combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and savory sun-dried tomatoes with a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for a special dinner or a comforting family meal.
Photos of Farfalle Recipe (Cheesecake Factory Copycat)
When preparing this dish, you might need to pick up a few specialty items at the supermarket. Crimini mushrooms have a richer flavor compared to regular white mushrooms. Sun dried tomatoes add a unique tangy sweetness to the dish, which might not be a pantry staple. Ensure you have white wine for cooking, as it enhances the sauce's depth of flavor.
Ingredients for Farfalle Recipe (Cheesecake Factory Copycat)
Garlic cloves: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the dish.
Chicken breasts: Provides a lean source of protein and a hearty component to the pasta.
Extra virgin olive oil: Used for cooking and adding richness to the sauce.
Kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor and seasons the chicken.
Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth to the seasoning.
Bow tie pasta: The base of the dish, also known as farfalle, with a fun shape that holds the sauce well.
Bacon: Adds a smoky, salty crunch to the pasta.
Crimini mushrooms: Provide an earthy, umami flavor to the dish.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the flavor profile.
Sun dried tomatoes: Introduce a tangy sweetness that complements the creamy sauce.
White wine: Used to deglaze the pan and add complexity to the sauce.
Heavy cream: Creates a rich, velvety texture in the sauce.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish and thickens the sauce.
One reader, Hashim Nemeth says:
This farfalle recipe is a delightful Cheesecake Factory copycat! The flavors blend perfectly, and the creamy sauce is divine. The combination of chicken, bacon, and sun-dried tomatoes is simply irresistible. A must-try for pasta lovers!
Techniques Required
How to cook pasta: Follow the package instructions to cook the pasta until al dente. How to cut chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. How to cook chicken: Cook the chicken in a cast-iron skillet with olive oil until browned on both sides. How to cook bacon: Cook the bacon in a skillet until crisp. How to cook mushrooms and onions: Cook the mushrooms and onions in a skillet until they start browning. How to reduce wine: Add white wine to the skillet and let it reduce by half. How to combine ingredients: Mix the cooked pasta, chicken, bacon, vegetables, and sauce together. How to garnish: Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese on top before serving.
How To Make Farfalle Recipe (Cheesecake Factory Copycat)
This farfalle recipe yields a creamy and flavorful chicken dish that tastes just like Cheesecake Factory’s! Whip up a filling serving in just under 1 hour.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1garlic cloves,roasted, head removed
- 2chicken breasts,boneless, skinless
- 2tbspextra virgin olive oil
- ½tspkosher salt
- ¼tspblack pepper
- 1lbbow tie pasta
- 12ozbacon
- 8ozcrimini mushrooms,quartered
- ½yellow onion,chopped
- ½cupsun dried tomatoes
- ¾cupwhite wine
- 1cupheavy cream
- ¾cupparmesan cheese
Instructions
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Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
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Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes and season with kosher salt and black pepper.
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To a cast-iron skillet, add the olive oil on high heat. Cook the chicken until browned on both sides, about 2 to 3 minutes on each side.
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Remove from the pan, reduce the heat to medium-high heat and add in the bacon. Cook until crisp and remove the bacon.
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Add in the mushrooms and onions and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until they start browning. Remove the mushrooms and onions from the pan to the chicken plate.
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Add in the sun dried tomatoes, white wine, and stir well, then let reduce by half for about 15 minutes.
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Add in the heavy cream, roasted garlic, chicken, and vegetables. Add in most of the Parmesan cheese leaving just a garnishing amount.
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Stir well, then add in the pasta and bacon, and combine everything.
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Garnish with remaining Parmesan cheese, serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 1373.12kcal
- Fat: 79.77g
- Saturated Fat: 33.19g
- Trans Fat: 0.20g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 31.76g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 9.63g
- Carbohydrates: 97.49g
- Fiber: 5.13g
- Sugar: 10.37g
- Protein: 57.49g
- Cholesterol: 212.29mg
- Sodium: 1171.31mg
- Calcium: 433.93mg
- Potassium: 1227.92mg
- Iron: 3.77mg
- Vitamin A: 335.52µg
- Vitamin C: 4.39mg
Technique Tip for Perfect Farfalle Pasta
To ensure your chicken stays juicy and flavorful, avoid overcrowding the skillet when browning. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary, allowing each piece to develop a nice sear. This not only locks in moisture but also enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Farfalle Pasta at Home
Prep ingredients ahead: Chop chicken, mushrooms, and onions in advance to streamline cooking.
Use pre-cooked bacon: Save time by using pre-cooked bacon instead of frying it from scratch.
Quick pasta cooking: Start boiling water for pasta while prepping other ingredients to save time.
One-pan method: Cook chicken, bacon, and vegetables in the same pan to reduce cleanup.
Ready-made sun-dried tomatoes: Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil to skip rehydration.
Substitute Ingredients For Farfalle Recipe (Cheesecake Factory Copycat)
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Use 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of garlic. It provides a similar flavor profile.
chicken breasts - Substitute with chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, though they may require a bit more cooking time.
extra virgin olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it a good alternative for cooking.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a similar texture and flavor, making it a suitable replacement.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used in the same quantity as black pepper.
bow tie pasta - Substitute with penne pasta: Penne pasta has a similar texture and can hold the sauce well, making it a good alternative.
bacon - Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon is a leaner option and provides a similar smoky flavor.
crimini mushrooms - Substitute with button mushrooms: Button mushrooms have a similar texture and flavor, making them a suitable replacement.
yellow onion - Substitute with white onion: White onions have a slightly sharper flavor but can be used in the same quantity as yellow onions.
sun dried tomatoes - Substitute with cherry tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes can be roasted to achieve a similar sweetness and texture.
white wine - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth provides a savory flavor and can be used in the same quantity as white wine.
heavy cream - Substitute with half-and-half: Half-and-half is lighter but still provides a creamy texture.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar texture and a slightly saltier flavor, making it a good alternative.
How to Beautifully Present Your Homemade Farfalle Dish
Use a large, white plate: The simplicity of a white plate will allow the vibrant colors of the bow tie pasta, sun dried tomatoes, and crimini mushrooms to stand out, creating a visually appealing presentation.
Create a base layer: Start by placing a generous portion of the bow tie pasta in the center of the plate. This will act as the foundation for the rest of the dish.
Arrange the chicken artfully: Place the chicken cubes on top of the pasta in a circular pattern, ensuring each piece is evenly spaced. This will give the dish a structured and elegant look.
Add the vegetables strategically: Scatter the crimini mushrooms and yellow onions around the chicken, ensuring they are evenly distributed. This will add texture and color contrast to the dish.
Highlight the bacon: Crumble the bacon into small pieces and sprinkle it over the entire dish. The crispy bacon will add a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor.
Drizzle the sauce: Pour the white wine and heavy cream sauce over the pasta and chicken, allowing it to pool slightly at the bottom of the plate. This will create a luxurious and creamy finish.
Garnish with parmesan: Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese over the top of the dish. The cheese will melt slightly, adding a rich and savory element.
Add a touch of greenery: Place a few fresh basil leaves or a sprig of parsley on top of the dish for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Serve with elegance: Present the dish with a clean, polished look. Wipe any sauce drips from the plate edges and ensure the presentation is symmetrical and balanced.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Farfalle Pasta
Cast-iron skillet: Essential for browning the chicken and cooking the bacon, mushrooms, and onions. It retains heat well and provides even cooking.
Large pot: Used to cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
Tongs: Handy for turning the chicken cubes and bacon while cooking.
Cutting board: Necessary for cutting the chicken, mushrooms, onions, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Chef's knife: Essential for chopping and slicing ingredients like chicken, mushrooms, onions, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper accurately.
Measuring cups: Necessary for measuring the white wine, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese.
Wooden spoon: Useful for stirring the ingredients in the skillet and combining everything at the end.
Garlic press: Convenient for mincing the garlic cloves.
Colander: Used to drain the pasta after cooking.
Grater: Needed for grating the parmesan cheese if it’s not pre-grated.
Serving spoon: Useful for serving the final dish.
Plate: Used to temporarily hold the cooked chicken, bacon, mushrooms, and onions before they are added back to the skillet.
How To Store and Freeze Homemade Farfalle
Here are the storing and freezing guidelines for the farfalle recipe (Cheesecake Factory copycat):
- Allow the farfalle pasta to cool completely before storing. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- To reheat, place the desired amount of pasta in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. You can also reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the farfalle for up to 2-3 months:
- Divide the cooled pasta into individual serving-sized portions and place in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
- Squeeze out any excess air from the bags before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy reference.
- To thaw frozen farfalle, transfer the container from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Reheat as mentioned above.
- If you plan to freeze the dish, it's best to slightly undercook the pasta to maintain its texture after thawing and reheating.
- The cream sauce may separate slightly upon thawing, but it should come back together when reheated and stirred well.
- For optimal flavor and texture, consume the frozen farfalle within 2-3 months.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Reheat the leftover farfalle in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add a splash of heavy cream or milk to help loosen the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out. Stir gently until the dish is heated through and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This method allows you to control the moisture content and ensure the pasta doesn't become mushy.
For a quick and easy reheating option, place the leftover farfalle in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water, heavy cream, or milk to help keep the pasta moist. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the pasta is heated through and the sauce is warm and creamy.
If you prefer a crispy texture, reheat the leftover farfalle in a preheated oven. Transfer the pasta to an oven-safe dish and add a splash of heavy cream or milk to help maintain moisture. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through and the sauce is bubbly. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the top to brown slightly and develop a crispy texture.
For a stovetop reheating method that mimics the original cooking process, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the leftover farfalle to the boiling water and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Add a splash of heavy cream or milk and stir gently over low heat until the sauce is warm and creamy. This method helps refresh the texture of the pasta and ensures even heating throughout the dish.
Random Fact about Farfalle Pasta:
A fun fact about this farfalle recipe is that it combines the rich flavors of bacon, sun dried tomatoes, and parmesan cheese to create a dish that closely mimics the popular Cheesecake Factory version, offering a delightful blend of textures and tastes.
Is Making Farfalle at Home Cost-Effective?
This farfalle recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The combination of chicken breasts, bacon, crimini mushrooms, and sun-dried tomatoes adds a gourmet touch without breaking the bank. The use of heavy cream and parmesan cheese elevates the dish, making it rich and satisfying. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $25-$30 USD. Overall Verdict: 7/10.
Is This Cheesecake Factory Copycat Farfalle Recipe Healthy?
The farfalle recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy due to several factors:
- The recipe includes high-fat ingredients such as bacon, heavy cream, and a significant amount of parmesan cheese, which can contribute to high calorie and saturated fat content.
- The use of white wine and sun-dried tomatoes adds additional calories and sugar to the dish.
- The recipe does not include a significant amount of vegetables, which are essential for a balanced and nutritious meal.
However, the inclusion of chicken breast and crimini mushrooms does provide some protein and nutrients to the dish.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the amount of bacon or replace it with a leaner protein source, such as turkey bacon or prosciutto.
- Swap the heavy cream for a lower-fat alternative, such as half-and-half or evaporated skim milk, to reduce the calorie and saturated fat content.
- Increase the variety and quantity of vegetables in the dish, such as adding spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini, to boost the nutrient content and fiber.
- Use whole wheat or vegetable-based pasta to increase the fiber content and provide additional nutrients.
- Reduce the amount of parmesan cheese used or opt for a lower-fat cheese alternative to decrease the overall calorie and fat content of the dish.
Editor's Thoughts on This Cheesecake Factory Inspired Farfalle Recipe
This farfalle recipe captures the essence of a Cheesecake Factory favorite with its rich, creamy sauce and savory ingredients. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and earthy mushrooms creates a delightful medley of flavors. The sun-dried tomatoes and white wine add a sophisticated touch, while the heavy cream and parmesan cheese ensure a luxurious texture. Cooking the components separately and then combining them allows each ingredient to shine. Overall, this dish is a well-balanced, indulgent pasta that is sure to impress.
Enhance Your Farfalle Recipe (Cheesecake Factory Copycat) with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Pasta Recipes to Try
Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Farfalle Pasta
Why trust this Farfalle Recipe (Cheesecake Factory Copycat):
This recipe captures the essence of the Cheesecake Factory's beloved dish with its rich and creamy sauce, perfectly cooked bow tie pasta, and savory bacon. The combination of chicken, crimini mushrooms, and sun dried tomatoes creates a symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds. The use of white wine and heavy cream ensures a luxurious texture, while parmesan cheese adds the perfect finishing touch. Trust this recipe for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
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