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This is the Cheesecake Factory Tomato Basil Pasta recipe that I ate at the food court in the mall. I had a craving for pasta and liked the flavours that were unique to this particular dish.
What is The Cheesecake Factory?
The Cheesecake Factory is a chain of casual dining restaurants that specializes in pizza and cheesecake. They have over 160 locations in 18 countries, with more on the way. In the US alone, there are two locations in California, one in Texas, three in New York (one of which is inside Grand Central Terminal!), and one each in North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland.
Tomato Basil Pasta Cheesecake Factory Recipe
This simple pasta recipe is great for weeknight dinners or when you’re making a delicious meal and don’t have much time. It’s also perfect for when you want to add some fresh basil and tomatoes to your pasta without having to worry about the messiness of chopping them up.
The best part? This dish is super fast! It only takes about 25 minutes from start to finish, and the whole thing cooks in one pot. Plus, it’s easy to customize depending on what kind of pasta you use—use whatever kind appeals to you!
Ingredients
For exact ingredients measurements, kindly see the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Penne pasta
Penne pasta is used in the recipe because it’s an excellent choice for this dish. Penne pasta is a small, hollow cylinder of pasta that has been hollowed out and then filled with sauce or other ingredients. It’s not very expensive, so you can use a lot of it without spending too much money on the dish.
It also cooks quickly and is easy to eat—which makes it perfect for this recipe!
- Chicken breasts
Chicken breasts are used to make the Cheesecake Factory Tomato Basil Pasta. Chicken breast meat is white meat, which means it contains little fat and is low in calories. It is also very lean and high in protein. The meat is tender, juicy and flavorful.
- Diced tomatoes
A diced tomato is a tomato that has been chopped into small pieces. The process of chopping the tomato makes it easier to use in recipes, especially when cooking with pasta. The tomatoes are usually added to sauces or soups to add flavor.
- Mozzarella
Mozzarella is a kind of cheese that is made by curdling fresh milk into curds and then letting it rest until the whey separates out, leaving behind the curds. Mozzarella can be found in many forms, including fresh and dried, but most often, it’s found as a fresh cheese that’s similar in texture to ricotta.
In fact, mozzarella is sometimes called “the mother of all cheeses” because its name means “to squeeze or press.” The word “mozzarella” comes from the Italian word for “mixed,” which refers to how mozzarella is formed: by mixing parts of different types of milk together (usually cream).
- Basil
Basil is a flavorful herb used to add flavor to many dishes. It can be used in a variety of ways, including making pesto and tomato basil pasta. Basil is a herb with a very strong flavor and makes for a great addition to any dish you want to add some extra flavor.
Basil has been used for centuries as a culinary herb, and its popularity continues today. Cooking with basil is easy, but it can also be used as an ingredient on its own. You can use it in soups or stews, stir fry dishes, and even salads. You can also mix it into salt as a seasoning for meats or fish after cooking them in order to add flavor without adding extra calories or fat!
- Garlic
Garlic is used in this recipe because it adds a really bold, Italian flavor that complements the tomato sauce and basil. It’s one of the key ingredients in this dish.
How To Make Cheesecake Factory Tomato Basil Pasta (instructions)
- Cook the penne in a large pot of salted water until it is al dente. While it cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant but not browned.
- Add the chicken and diced tomatoes, then stir everything together. Cover the skillet, and let it cook until the chicken is cooked through.
- Drain and transfer the pasta to a large serving bowl. Add the chicken mixture and toss well.
- Top it up with mozzarella and basil and serve immediately.
Cooking Tips
If you’re looking to make your Tomato Basil Pasta as delicious as possible, here are some tips that will make a difference:
- Use fresh tomatoes: The best way to get a great flavor is to use fresh tomatoes—you can’t beat their natural sweetness and aroma. It would be best if you also avoided canned tomatoes, which have been pasteurized and cooked in an acid solution, which can take away some of the tomato’s original flavor.
- Use basil instead of oregano: Oregano has a strong flavor, so if you’re going for a more subtle taste, try using basil instead of oregano. If you’re really looking for something more intense, add some chopped garlic into the mix! Just as we did in our recipe.
- Go light on the cheese sauce (or avoid it altogether): A little goes a long way when it comes to cheese sauce—so don’t go overboard! Keep in mind that cheese sauce will add richness and creaminess to your pasta dish, so if you want a lighter option, try using less or no cheese sauce at all!
FAQ
How many calories in cheesecake factory tomato basil pasta?
The Cheesecake Factory Tomato Basil Pasta has only 290 calories, so it’s certainly not going to be a major source of calories for you.
That said, there are still some things you should keep in mind when making this decision:
-This pasta is typically made with fresh basil, which means it will have more nutrients than frozen or canned varieties. If you’re counting calories, then feel free to go with the frozen variety—you’ll save about 50 calories per cup (and still get plenty of flavor!).
-The sauce contains sugar and fat from mayonnaise—both of which add up quickly! If you’re trying to watch your weight or limit your intake of calories, this is probably not the best choice for you.
Conclusion
Are you looking for a delicious and easy pasta recipe that is sure to please the whole family? Cheesecake Factory Tomato Basil Pasta is one of the most comforting, flavorful recipes I’ve ever created. It takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on the amount of time it takes you to boil your pasta.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces dry penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- 8 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 14.5–ounce of diced tomatoes
- 4 ounces mozzarella, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 10 basil leaves, chopped into small pieces
Instructions
- Cook the penne in a large pot of salted water until it is al dente. While it cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant but not browned.
- Add the chicken and diced tomatoes, then stir everything together. Cover the skillet, and let it cook until the chicken is cooked through.
- Drain and transfer the pasta to a large serving bowl. Add the chicken mixture and toss well.
- Top it up with mozzarella and basil and serve immediately.
Notes
Use fresh tomatoes: The best way to get a great flavor is to use fresh tomatoes—you can't beat their natural sweetness and aroma. It would be best if you also avoided canned tomatoes, which have been pasteurized and cooked in an acid solution, which can take away some of the tomato's original flavor. Use basil instead of oregano: Oregano has a strong flavor, so if you're going for a more subtle taste, try using basil instead of oregano. If you're really looking for something more intense, add some chopped garlic into the mix! Just as we did in our recipe. Go light on the cheese sauce (or avoid it altogether): A little goes a long way when it comes to cheese sauce—so don't go overboard! Keep in mind that cheese sauce will add richness and creaminess to your pasta dish, so if you want a lighter option, try using less or no cheese sauce at all!
