Pasta Carbonara Cheesecake Factory

This Cheesecake Factory pasta carbonara recipe is loaded with flavor and has the best creaminess texture. This easy pasta recipe is always on the menu as it is a family favorite with my kids.

Pasta Carbonara is a popular dish at the Cheesecake Factory that you can effortlessly make at home. This simple recipe makes it quick and easy to enjoy any time you want. You may also love this Pepperoni Chicken Pasta Recipe.

What is Carbonara?

Carbonara is a rich and creamy egg based sauce. The garlic and Parmesan cheese blend together for a fabulous sauce everyone will enjoy.

This type of dish is different from other pasta dishes because of the combination of eggs, cheese and seasoning. The technique is combined into an amazing sauce that is blended to perfection.

Ingredients

• Spaghetti Noodles – Feel free to use pasta of choice
• Frozen Peas – We prefer frozen but you can use canned peas
• Cooked Bacon – Chop thick-cut bacon or use bacon bits. You can also use smoked bacon
• Butter – We like to use unsalted butter
• Minced Garlic – Learn How to Mince Garlic Cloves
• Eggs – We used room temperature eggs

Scroll to the bottom of the post for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

Variations Ideas

• Pasta. You can use other types of pasta. While spaghetti is the traditional type to use, anything would taste great. You can use angel hair, fettuccini, penne and more.
• Cheese. You can substitute any type of hard cheese for the Parmesan cheese. Romano cheese would be tasty in this yummy recipe.
• Pancetta. This can be substituted for the bacon in this recipe. Just note that the substitution of this ingredient will result in a more salty flavor in the recipe.
• Add Vegetables – Feel free to add in other types of veggies. Add in tomato, small onions, asparagus, spinach, and cloves garlic.
• Add Meats – You can easily add in meats if you prefer to the garlic-parmesan cream sauce. Shrimp and chicken breast is a delicious option.
• Heavy Cream – You can substitute the evaporated milk with heavy cream.
• Spice – Feel free to add in your favorite fresh herbs for added flavor.

How to Make Pasta Carbonara

Step 1 – Prepare the pasta. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta to al dente based on the package directions. Add the frozen green peas to the pot, 5 minutes before draining the pasta.  You will need to reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.

Step 2 – Sauté the butter and garlic. Use a small saucepan or skillet and add the tablespoons butter and garlic.  Sauté for a few minutes using medium heat to melt the butter and until the garlic is aromatic.  

Step 3 – Whisk the eggs. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, Parmesan Cheese, 2 tablespoon flour, salt and pepper.  

Step 4 – Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the evaporated milk and ½ of the pasta water.  Then slowly whisk the egg mixture into the pan. Return the pan to the heat and simmer on low until the sauce has thickened for 2 to 3 minutes.

• Step 5 – Combine the pasta and peas. In a large bowl, toss together the pasta and peas. Stir in crispy bacon. 
• Step 6 – Pour Egg Mixture – Then pour the egg mixture over the pasta and with the remaining pasta water.  Toss together until well combined and coated in carbonara sauce.
• Step 7 – Serve and Enjoy – Serve topped with the Italian parsley, fresh lemon juice and more Parmesan Cheese if desired and enjoy.

Recipe Tips

• Fresh Parmesan Cheese is best. Please do not use the type of Parmesan Cheese in a bottle. It will not taste the same. Also, fresh Parmesan melts the best to make the rich sauce and will be creamier. You definitely want to use high quality cheese in this recipe.
• Enjoy this dish fresh. Try to serve this pasta right away after preparing for the best outcome. .
• Pasta water. Make sure to use the required amount of pasta water in this dish. Otherwise, it can result in the dish turning out dry.

Serving Suggestions

This copycat recipe is delicious served with many easy side dish recipes. These are some of our favorite options.

• Serve topped with the Italian parsley and more Parmesan Cheese if desired.
• Garlic bread cheese sticks recipe
• Steamed Broccoli
• Caesar Salad