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Creamy Cheesecake Factory Pasta Carbonara Recipe

Creamy Cheesecake Factory Pasta Carbonara Recipe - featured image

A rich and indulgent pasta carbonara inspired by the Cheesecake Factory, featuring a creamy sauce made with heavy cream, egg yolks, and Parmesan cheese, combined with smoky bacon and spaghetti for a comforting and easy-to-make dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
  • 6 oz (170 g) thick-cut bacon, sliced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 3 large egg yolks, room temperature
  • 1 cup (100 g) finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Salt, for pasta water and seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional: A handful of fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
  • Optional: 1/4 cup (60 ml) white wine, to deglaze the pan

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  2. While pasta cooks, whisk together 3 large egg yolks, 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, and 1 cup (100 g) finely grated Parmesan cheese in a bowl. Add a generous pinch of freshly ground black pepper and mix until smooth.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 6 oz (170 g) thick-cut bacon pieces and cook until crisp, about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add 2 minced garlic cloves in the last minute to soften without burning.
  4. Optional: Pour 1/4 cup (60 ml) white wine into the pan with bacon and garlic. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly and absorb flavors.
  5. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with bacon. Toss well to coat the pasta with bacon fat and garlic aroma. Remove the pan from heat.
  6. Slowly pour the egg and cream mixture over the warm pasta, tossing quickly and continuously. Use tongs to mix thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water in small amounts (start with 1/4 cup or 60 ml) to loosen the sauce if it feels too thick.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and more black pepper if desired. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs to prevent curdling. Remove pan from heat before adding egg mixture to avoid scrambling. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Freshly grated Parmesan is key for smooth sauce. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and check bacon label. Reheat leftovers gently with added liquid to restore creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta carbonara, creamy pasta, Cheesecake Factory pasta, bacon pasta, easy pasta recipe, comfort food, quick dinner