Cheesecake Factory Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe

Are you craving a delicious, comforting pasta dish that’s easy to make and reminiscent of a restaurant dining experience?

Look no further, as the Cheesecake Factory’s Tomato Basil Pasta is a flavorful and satisfying meal that can be effortlessly recreated in your kitchen.

In this recipe, fresh basil leaves are sautéed with garlic and diced tomatoes, creating an aromatic base for the sauce.

Simmered with heavy cream and parmesan cheese, the result is a rich and savory concoction that perfectly complements the pasta.

The beauty of making this pasta dish at home is that you can customize it to suit your preferences – whether it’s using gluten-free pasta or swapping the penne for your favorite pasta shape.

As you follow this guide, you’ll quickly discover how easy it is to whip up this delectable dish in under 30 minutes.

How to Make Cheesecake Factory Tomato Basil Pasta

This copycat Cheesecake Factory Tomato Basil Pasta recipe is perfect for pasta lovers who want to recreate the classic dish at home.

With simple ingredients and clear instructions, you’ll have a delicious, herby meal in no time.

Ingredients List

• 4 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb penne pasta (or your preferred type of pasta)
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 4 cloves of fresh garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-step Process

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the fresh basil, and mince the fresh garlic, then set aside each ingredient separately.

Step 2: Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add salt to the boiling water, then add the pasta.

Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use.

Step 3: Cook the chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet.

Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder; cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes or until it’s cooked through and golden brown.

Remove the cooked chicken and set aside on a plate.

Step 4: Sauté the tomatoes and garlic

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil along with the minced fresh garlic and halved cherry tomatoes; cook for 2-3 minutes over medium heat until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.

Step 5: Create the tomato basil sauce

To the skillet, add the reserved pasta water, fresh basil, and cooked chicken.

Stir to combine and cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Finish the dish

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss the pasta with the tomato basil sauce to coat evenly; sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.

Side Dishes for Cheesecake Factory Tomato Basil Pasta

When enjoying a delicious plate of Cheesecake Factory Tomato Basil Pasta, having some delightful side dishes is essential to elevate your meal experience.

Here are some delicious options that pair perfectly with this pasta dish.

Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is a classic and popular choice to serve alongside pasta dishes.

Its buttery, garlicky flavors complement the tomato basil sauce and provide a satisfying crunch.

Grilled Vegetables

Grilled vegetables are a fantastic way to bring some freshness and color to your table.

Zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplants are just a few examples of vegetables that taste great when grilled.

Simple Green Salad

A light and crisp green salad can be just the thing to balance out the flavors of your favorite dish.

Choose a mix of your preferred greens, like lettuce or arugula, and toss them with a light vinaigrette or lemon dressing to create a refreshing side that complements the pasta dish beautifully.

Remember to keep your side dishes simple and let the Cheesecake Factory Tomato Basil Pasta shine as the star of your meal.

With these options, you can create a well-rounded dining experience that you and your guests will enjoy.

Ingredients Substitutes

Tomatoes

If you don’t have access to fresh tomatoes or want to save time, you can use canned diced tomatoes instead.

Make sure to choose a high-quality canned option, and don’t drain the juice, as it will help create the sauce for the pasta.

Fresh Basil Leaves

If fresh basil leaves are unavailable, you can substitute them with dried basil.

However, you’ll need a smaller amount of dried basil as it is more concentrated in flavor.

Use one teaspoon of dried basil for every three teaspoons of fresh basil required in the recipe.

Remember always to consider the flavors and textures of the original ingredients when making substitutions to ensure the dish remains balanced and tasty.

How to Store Cheesecake Factory Tomato Basil Pasta

Properly storing your delicious Cheesecake Factory Tomato Basil Pasta is crucial to maintaining its freshness and quality.

Whether you have prepared a large batch and want to save some for later or simply have leftovers, there are a few effective methods to ensure proper storage.

Airtight container

A dependable and popular option is to store the pasta in an airtight container.

This ensures that your dish remains fresh and protected from airborne contaminants.

Place the cooked pasta and sauce in the container, ensuring it has cooled down before sealing the lid tightly.

Doing this helps retain moisture and prevents your pasta from drying out.

Resealable plastic bags

Another method is to use resealable plastic bags.

This can be especially helpful if you’re short on space in your refrigerator or freezer.

Remove as much air as possible before sealing the bag with your tomato basil pasta inside.

Remember to let the pasta cool down before transferring it into the bag to avoid condensation forming inside.

Storing your Cheesecake Factory Tomato Basil Pasta is crucial in maintaining its freshness and taste.

Follow these storage methods to ensure you can savor your delicious pasta creation whenever you please.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when preparing Cheesecake Factory Tomato Basil Pasta.

Overcooking the pasta

As with any simple pasta dish, avoiding overcooking your pasta is important.

Cook it until al dente, which means it’s tender but firm.

Overcooked pasta can become mushy and unappetizing, negatively impacting the texture of your dish.

Over-saucing the dish

When making the tomato basil sauce, especially the copycat version, you might be tempted to add more sauce to your pasta than needed.

However, drowning your penne in sauce might overpower the dish and ruin the balance of flavors.

Always start with a moderate amount of sauce and add more if necessary.

Using poor-quality ingredients

The ingredients’ quality will directly impact your dish’s final result.

When attempting to replicate the Cheesecake Factory Tomato Basil Pasta at home, be sure to select high-quality ingredients like pasta, tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese.

Choosing inferior ingredients will affect the overall taste and quality of your dish.

You can confidently cook a delicious Cheesecake Factory-inspired Tomato Basil Pasta by avoiding these common mistakes.