The first time I tried making this Cheesecake Factorys Farfalle With Chicken And Roasted Garlic at home, I couldn’t believe how close it came to the Cheesecake Factory’s iconic dish. The creamy sauce, succulent chicken, and roasted garlic created the perfect harmony of flavors, while the pancetta added a smoky edge that made the dish irresistible.

Not to mention the green peas, which brought brightness both in taste and appearance. It’s a simple recipe, yet it feels so luxurious, I almost felt like a professional chef. You can also enjoy similar dinner recipes like Autumn Chicken Dinner with Roasted Vegetables.

All the Ingredients You’ll Need

To replicate this rich and indulgent dish, gather the following ingredients for the best results.

Farfalle pasta (12 oz): Its bow-tie shape captures the sauce beautifully.
Chicken breasts (2 medium, cubed): Perfectly tender when cooked.
Pancetta (4 oz, diced): Adds a smoky, savory punch. Substitute with bacon if unavailable.
Onion (1 small, sliced thin): For sweetness and depth of flavor.
Garlic (1 head): Roasted for a subtle, nutty flavor.
Green peas (1/2 cup): Brings freshness and a pop of color.
Heavy cream (1 cup): The base of that velvety sauce.
Parmesan cheese (3/4 cup, freshly grated): For creaminess and extra flavor.
Sun-dried tomatoes (1/4 cup, finely chopped): Adds a tangy, slightly sweet touch.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Keeps everything moist and flavorful.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances the garlic flavor in every bite.
Salt (to taste): Balances all the flavors perfectly.
Black pepper (to taste): Adds just the right kick to the dish.

Note: This recipe makes 4 servings. Adjust the quantities as needed for a larger group.

Variations

This pasta dish is incredibly versatile, so don’t be afraid to make it your own! For instance, if you’re looking for a creamy pasta dish with a twist, try this Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach.

Pasta Substitutions: Can’t find farfalle? Try penne, rigatoni, or even fusilli for similar sauce-holding power!
Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and pancetta, and load up on sautéed mushrooms, asparagus, or zucchini for a veggie-packed version.
More Protein: Swap chicken with shrimp for a seafood spin or try turkey breast for a leaner alternative.

Cooking Time Details

This dish comes together beautifully in just a little over an hour.

Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Essential Tools You’ll Need

These tools make preparing this restaurant-quality pasta a breeze.

Large pot: To cook the pasta perfectly.
Large skillet: Ideal for sautéing the pancetta, chicken, and ingredients.
Aluminum foil: To roast the garlic to golden perfection.
Sharp knife and cutting board: For dicing, slicing, and chopping.

How to Make Cheesecake Factory’s Farfalle with Chicken and Roasted Garlic?

Recreating this dish at home might sound complicated, but it’s surprisingly straightforward when you follow these simple steps.

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Slice the top off an entire head of garlic and drizzle olive oil directly onto the exposed cloves. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and wrap the garlic tightly in aluminum foil. Roast for about 1 hour, or until the cloves are golden and soft. Set it aside to cool before squeezing the roasted garlic into a small bowl and mashing it into a paste.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook until al dente, about 10–12 minutes. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside for later.

Step 3: Sauté Pancetta and Onions

Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook until it’s crispy and has released its fat. Stir in the sliced onions and lower the heat slightly. Sauté the onions until soft and caramelized for a rich, sweet flavor base.

Step 4: Brown the Chicken

Season the cubed chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet with the pancetta and onions. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides and fully cooked through, ensuring every piece is juicy and flavorful.

Step 5: Make the Cream Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Mix in the roasted garlic paste, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Allow the sauce to simmer gently, thickening slightly. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Add the cooked pasta, green peas, and a splash of reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss everything together to evenly coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. The pasta water helps keep the sauce silky while lightly loosening it if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with more Parmesan and parsley, for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Tips for Perfect Farfalle

From my kitchen to yours, here are some tips to take this dish to the next level.

Roast Garlic Early: Roasting garlic adds sweetness and nuttiness without the harshness of raw garlic. It’s worth the extra time!
Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly. Freshly grated Parmesan ensures that velvety texture in the sauce.
Caramelize Onions Slowly: Don’t rush the onions; cooking them low and slow allows their natural sweetness to shine.
Save Pasta Water: It’s a magic ingredient for creating emulsified sauce and bringing everything together!

Serving Suggestions for This Luxurious Pasta

Serve this Farfalle in a large bowl to showcase its creamy sauce and colorful ingredients. Sprinkle it with extra Parmesan and freshly cracked pepper for a final flourish. Pair it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a rounded, satisfying meal. Looking for elegance? Add a glass of white wine, and you’ve got the perfect date-night dinner at home!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutrition per serving of this indulgent pasta dish.

Calories: 734
Protein: 40g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 48g

Make Ahead and Storage Guidelines

While best enjoyed fresh, this pasta dish can be stored and reheated for later meals.

Refrigeration

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.

Freezing

It’s best to avoid freezing cream-based pasta, as the sauce may separate when thawed. However, you can freeze the chicken and pancetta mixture separately and toss it with freshly made sauce and pasta when you’re ready to serve.

Why This Recipe Will Win You?

This Farfalle with Chicken and Roasted Garlic is bound to become a household favorite for so many reasons!

Rich and Creamy Flavor: Each bite is loaded with layers of delicious flavor.
Restaurant-Worthy Meal: Impress friends and family with a dish that feels gourmet.
Customizable: Adjust ingredients to suit any dietary need or palate!
Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a celebration, this recipe shines.

With every forkful, you’ll see how easy creating this Cheesecake Factory-inspired pasta can be. Enjoy making it from the comfort of your home, and watch as it quickly becomes one of your most requested recipes! You can also enjoy similar dinner recipes for more inspiration.