Are you craving that creamy, dreamy pasta dish you’ve only ever experienced at the Cheesecake Factory? Well, get ready to tantalize your taste buds because today, we're recreating their famous Farfalle pasta at home! This recipe delivers the same rich, cheesy goodness, but with the added convenience and satisfaction of homemade cooking. It's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a quick dinner, and impressive enough to serve to guests. Get ready for a flavor explosion! This easy recipe is a delicious addition to your healthy meal repertoire.
Ingredients:
This recipe makes enough for 4 servings.
- 1 pound farfalle pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil for garnish
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
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Sauté Aromatics: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Create the Sauce: Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently.
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Add Cheese and Spinach: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Romano cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Once the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth, gently fold in the spinach.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked farfalle pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the creamy cheese sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil (optional). Enjoy your delicious homemade Cheesecake Factory-inspired farfalle!
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta is key for the best texture in this dish.
- Squeeze out excess water from the spinach: This prevents the sauce from becoming watery.
- Use good quality cheese: The flavor of the cheese really shines in this recipe.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste: Add more salt, pepper, or nutmeg as needed.
Variations:
- Add protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage would be delicious additions to this dish.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it vegetarian: Omit the protein additions and enjoy a hearty vegetarian meal.
- Use different pasta: Other short pasta shapes like penne or rotini would also work well.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 450-500 Fat: 25-30g Saturated Fat: 18-20g Cholesterol: 80-90mg Sodium: 500-600mg Carbohydrates: 40-45g Protein: 15-20g
Please note that nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This Farfalle Cheesecake Factory copycat recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. It's a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Give it a try and let us know what you think!