Cheesecake Factory Pasta Napoletana Recipe

Have you ever visited the Cheesecake Factory and tried their pasta Napoletana? If you are a fan of spicy food, you will definitely love this dish, which offers a combination of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Fortunately, you don’t have to go to the restaurant to enjoy this savory and hearty pasta dish. Here is how you can make your own Cheesecake Factory Pasta Napoletana at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of Penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1/2 pound of mild Italian sausage
• 1/2 pound of chicken breast
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/2 cup of diced yellow onion
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup of white wine
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, chicken breast, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook until the sausage and chicken are browned and fully cooked, then transfer to a plate and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent and soft. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, then add the white wine. Simmer until the wine has reduced by half.
4. Next, add the canned tomatoes to the skillet and stir well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the mixture simmer for a few more minutes until the sauce has thickened some more.
6. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss until it is coated in the sauce. Add the cooked sausage and chicken, then stir to combine.
7. Finally, sprinkle the chopped parsley over the pasta and serve hot.

Serving Suggestions:

This pasta dish goes well with a fresh Caesar salad and some garlic bread.

Tips and Notes:

• You can use spicy Italian sausage if you prefer a spicier dish.
• Feel free to add more red pepper flakes if you like your food extra spicy.
• To make the dish creamier, you can add more heavy cream or some half-and-half.
• If you don’t have white wine, you can use chicken broth instead.
• The grated Parmesan cheese can be substituted with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago.

FAQs:

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer in this dish, but it’s best to use a short-cut pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli that can hold the sauce well.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time, but don’t add the cooked pasta until right before serving so it doesn’t become too mushy.

3. Can I freeze the leftover pasta?

You can, but keep in mind that the pasta may not retain its original texture and the sauce may separate after thawing. It’s best to consume the leftovers within a day or two.

4. How can I make the sauce thicker?

If the sauce is too thin, you can let it simmer for a few more minutes until it has reduced and thickened. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with two tablespoons of water to the sauce and let it cook for an additional minute to thicken it.

5. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the sauce for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.

Wrapping Up:

Now that you know how to make Cheesecake Factory Pasta Napoletana, you can enjoy this mouthwatering dish at home anytime. Don’t be afraid to adjust the spice level, add more vegetables, or experiment with different types of pasta to suit your personal taste. Bon appétit!