Cheesecake Factory’s Farfalle with Chicken and Roasted Garlic

If you’re a fan of the Cheesecake Factory, you’ve likely indulged in their famous Farfalle with Chicken and Roasted Garlic. This dish combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta with the rich flavor of roasted garlic. Let’s dive into how you can recreate this delicious dish at home.

Why This Dish is a Favorite

Farfalle with Chicken and Roasted Garlic is a favorite for many reasons:

• Flavor Profile: The combination of roasted garlic, tender chicken, and creamy sauce creates a harmonious blend of flavors.
• Creamy Texture: The sauce is luxuriously creamy, coating each piece of pasta perfectly.
• Versatile Ingredients: This dish can be easily modified with different ingredients to suit your taste.

Choosing Quality Ingredients

Quality ingredients make all the difference:

• Chicken: Opt for fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
• Pasta: Choose a good-quality farfalle pasta.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic will provide the best flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Farfalle with Chicken and Roasted Garlic

Preparing the Chicken

1. Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
2. Season with salt and pepper.

Roasting the Garlic

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the top off the head of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in foil.
3. Roast for 30-40 minutes until the cloves are soft and golden.

Cooking the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the farfalle pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and set aside.

Making the Sauce

Ingredients for the Sauce

1. 1 cup heavy cream
2. 1/2 cup chicken broth
3. 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4. Roasted garlic, squeezed from the cloves

Steps to Achieve the Perfect Creamy Consistency

1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the roasted garlic and mash it with a fork.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
5. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
6. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Combining Everything Together

1. Add the cooked farfalle pasta and chicken to the sauce.
2. Toss to coat everything evenly.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Final Touches and Seasoning

1. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Farfalle with Chicken and Roasted Garlic pairs well with:

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
• Caesar Salad: A crisp, refreshing side.
• White Wine: A Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

Variations and Tips

Making it Spicy

• Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick of heat.

Adding Vegetables

• Stir in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.

Using Different Types of Pasta

• Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli can be used as alternatives to farfalle.

Storing Leftovers

Proper Storage Methods

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions

• Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

Health Benefits of the Recipe

Nutritional Benefits of Chicken

• High in protein and low in fat, chicken is a great lean meat option.

Benefits of Roasted Garlic

• Roasted garlic provides antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different cuts of chicken?

• Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier option.

How long can I store leftovers?

• Up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

• Yes, prepare the components separately and combine them when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Cheesecake Factory’s Farfalle with Chicken and Roasted Garlic is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your home. With this step-by-step guide, you can recreate this restaurant classic and impress your family and friends. Enjoy the delicious combination of tender chicken, roasted garlic, and creamy sauce over perfectly cooked farfalle pasta.

FAQs

Can I substitute the cream in the sauce?

• Yes, you can use half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative.

What can I use instead of farfalle pasta?

• Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work well.

How do I make the dish gluten-free?

• Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I add other proteins?

• Shrimp or Italian sausage would be delicious additions.

How can I reduce the calorie content?

• Use light cream and reduce the amount of cheese.
  Yield: 4

  Cheesecake Factory's Farfalle with Chicken and Roasted Garlic

  

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  If you're a fan of the Cheesecake Factory, you've likely indulged in their famous Farfalle with Chicken and Roasted Garlic. This dish combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta with the rich flavor of roasted garlic. Let’s dive into how you can recreate this delicious dish at home.

  Prep Time 15 minutes

  Cook Time 35 minutes

  Ingredients

  • 1 pound bow-tie pasta aka farfalle
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 12 ounces center-cut bacon, cut into strips
  • 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, quartered
  • ½ yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
  • ½ cup vinegar or white wine
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half and half
  • ½ cup peas
  • 1 head roasted garlic, cloves removed (instructions above)
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • Fresh basil leaves for serving

  Instructions

  1. Cook the farfalle pasta according to the package directions.
  2. Dice the chicken into 1-inch cubes and season them with the salt and ground black pepper.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet set over high heat.
  4. Add the chicken breast and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until browned.
  5. Once the chicken breasts are cooked through, remove them from the heat and set them aside.
  6. Reduce the heat to medium, return the skillet to the stove, and add the bacon.
  7. Cook the bacon and brown and crispy, about 5 to 6 minutes. Leave the fat in the skillet.
  8. Return the skillet to the heat and add the mushrooms and onions; cook for 5-7 minutes until brown.
  9. Transfer the mushrooms and onions to a large bowl with chicken and bacon.
  10. Return the skillet to the heat. Cook the sundried tomatoes with the vinegar (or white wine) until reduced by half, stirring often, about 10 minutes.
  11. Stir in the heavy cream, peas, roasted garlic, chicken, bacon, mushrooms, and onions.
  12. Add about ¾ cup of the Parmesan cheese, leaving some for garnish.
  13. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring often.
  14. Add the cooked farfalle pasta and stir until everything is combined.
  15. Remove from the heat and serve hot with the remaining Parmesan on top and fresh basil leaves.