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Creamy Cheesecake Factory Pasta Carbonara Copycat Recipe Easy and Perfect

Creamy Cheesecake Factory Pasta Carbonara Copycat - featured image

A creamy, dreamy pasta carbonara copycat inspired by Cheesecake Factory, featuring smoky bacon, rich Parmesan, and silky sauce that clings perfectly to fettuccine. Quick and easy to make, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) fettuccine pasta
  • 68 thick-cut bacon strips
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 1 cup (100 grams) finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter
  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 grams) of fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 6-8 thick-cut bacon strips and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, flipping occasionally. Remove bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and chop into bite-sized pieces. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 3 large egg yolks, 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, and 1 cup (100 grams) finely grated Parmesan cheese. Add a pinch of salt and 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper. Set aside.
  4. In the skillet with the bacon fat, add 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté over medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Add 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter and let it melt, stirring to combine flavors.
  5. Add drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the garlic butter and bacon fat. Remove the pan from heat to avoid scrambling the eggs. Slowly pour the egg and cream mixture over the pasta, tossing rapidly to create a creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time (about 1/4 cup or 60 ml per addition) until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
  6. Stir in the crispy bacon pieces. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or black pepper if needed. If the sauce feels too thick, add another splash of pasta water.
  7. Plate the pasta, sprinkle with extra Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately warm.

Notes

Remove the pan from heat before adding the egg mixture to avoid scrambling. Use fresh eggs for best texture. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Crisp bacon well for texture contrast. Freshly grate Parmesan cheese for smooth sauce. Toss pasta off heat and add pasta water gradually to achieve silky sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta carbonara, creamy pasta, Cheesecake Factory copycat, bacon pasta, easy dinner, fettuccine carbonara, creamy sauce, quick pasta recipe