By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on July 17, 2023 | Last Updated on August 19, 2023
Cheesecake Factory’s Pasta Napoletana is an indulgent dish. It is made with Spaghetti Pasta simmered in a flavorful Napoletana Sauce and topped with fresh Parmesan Cheese.
If you are looking for something special to serve at your next dinner party, or just want a delicious Italian meal, this recipe is sure to please!
In this blog post, I’ll share with you the step-by-step instructions to make Cheesecake Factory’s Pasta Napoletana, as well as some useful tips and nutrition information.
Plus, I’ll also answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this scrumptious dish. So, keep reading!
When did I first become acquainted with Cheesecake Factory’s Pasta Napoletana?
I was first introduced to the dish while dining at The Cheesecake Factory in the late 1990s. Since then, it has become one of my favorite dishes that they offer. The combination of creamy tomato sauce, parmesan and cheddar cheese, and the al dente pasta is simply divine.
How to make cheesecake factory pasta napoletana?
Making Cheesecake Factory’s Pasta Napoletana is not difficult at all. Here are the step-by-step instructions:
Ingredients
For The Pasta
- 750g Barilla Spaghetti Pasta
- 1.5 Cups Italian Sausage
- 3/4 Cup Mushrooms
- 300g Ground Beef
- 1200g Barilla Napoletana Sauce
- 1 large Onion (diced)
- 1.5 Cups Pepperoni
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1/3 Cup Beef Bacon Bits
For The White Buttery Parmesan Cream Sauce
- 270g cream cheese
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 1/4 cups fresh milk
- 1 1/2 tablespoons McCormick Italian seasoning mix
- 1 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups Happy Belly cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Directions
Step 1
Begin by preparing the pasta according to the package instructions. Set aside when done.
Step 2
Preheat your oven to 375°F/ 190°C/ Gas mark 5 and lightly grease an oven-safe baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Step 3
In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage until golden brown and set aside on a plate lined with a paper towel for excess fat absorption.
Step 4
In the same skillet, add ground beef and pepperoni until softened, about 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pan before adding mushrooms, onion and garlic to sauté in the remaining oil until fragrant, about 4 minutes more.
Step 5
Add Barilla Napoletana sauce to the beef mixture and keep it over low heat, stirring occasionally while preparing the white buttery Parmesan cream sauce.
Step 6
To make the white buttery Parmesan cream sauce, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk in cream cheese until smooth, then slowly add milk; whisk continuously as you pour.
Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy whipping cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, cheddar cheese and season with garlic powder, onion powder and salt & pepper to taste.
Cook for about 8 minutes or until slightly thickened, constantly stirring so that it doesn’t stick or burn to the bottom of the pan.
Step 7
Pour the prepared pasta into the baking dish, followed by the cooked beef mixture, before pouring the white buttery Parmesan cream sauce over the top and mixing lightly.
Step 8
Bake uncovered in preheated oven for 30 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Step 9
Let cool for 10 minutes before serving with a side salad, garlic bread or your favorite Italian accompaniments!
Tips
– Be sure to drain the fat from the beef, sausage and pepperoni before adding mushrooms, onion and garlic.
– If you don’t have Barilla Napoletana sauce on hand, feel free to substitute it with your favorite marinara or spaghetti sauce.
– To cut down on prep time, reduce the cooking time of white buttery Parmesan cream sauce and use pre-shredded cheese instead of grating it yourself.
– The dish can be served hot or cold, making it a great option for summer picnics as well!
Cheesecake Factory Pasta Napoletana Recipe
Ingredients
- 750 g Barilla Spaghetti Pasta
- 1.5 cups Italian Sausage
- 3/4 cup Mushrooms
- 300 g Ground Beef
- 1200 g Barilla Napoletana Sauce
- 1 large Onion (diced)
- 1.5 cups Pepperoni
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1/3 cup Beef Bacon Bits
- 270 g cream cheese
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 1/4 cups fresh milk
- 1 1/2 tbsp McCormick Italian seasoning mix
- 1 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups Happy Belly cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the pasta according to the package instructions. Set aside when done.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F/ 190°C/ Gas mark 5 and lightly grease an oven-safe baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage until golden brown and set aside on a plate lined with a paper towel for excess fat absorption.
- In the same skillet, add ground beef and pepperoni until softened, about 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pan before adding mushrooms, onion and garlic to sauté in the remaining oil until fragrant, about 4 minutes more.
- Add Barilla Napoletana sauce to the beef mixture and keep it over low heat, stirring occasionally while preparing the white buttery Parmesan cream sauce.
- To make the white buttery Parmesan cream sauce, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk in cream cheese until smooth, then slowly add milk; whisk continuously as you pour. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy whipping cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, cheddar cheese and season with garlic powder, onion powder and salt & pepper to taste. Cook for about 8 minutes or until slightly thickened, constantly stirring so that it doesn’t stick or burn to the bottom of the pan.
- Pour the prepared pasta into the baking dish, followed by the cooked beef mixture, before pouring the white buttery Parmesan cream sauce over the top and mixing lightly.
- Bake uncovered in preheated oven for 30 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving with a side salad, garlic bread or your favorite Italian accompaniments!
Notes
- Be sure to drain the fat from the beef, sausage and pepperoni before adding mushrooms, onion and garlic.
- If you don’t have Barilla Napoletana sauce on hand, feel free to substitute it with your favorite marinara or spaghetti sauce.
- To cut down on prep time, reduce the cooking time of white buttery Parmesan cream sauce and use pre-shredded cheese instead of grating it yourself.
- The dish can be served hot or cold, making it a great option for summer picnics as well!
Nutrition Information
1 serving: 427 calories, 28g fat (9g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 1591mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein.
How to store leftover cheesecake factory pasta napoletana?
You can store leftover Cheesecake Factory Pasta Napoletana in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven when ready to serve. You can freeze the pasta for up to 2 months. Make sure it’s covered tightly before freezing.
What dish goes well with cheesecake factory pasta napoletana?
Cheesecake Factory Pasta Napoletana pairs well with a variety of dishes. Some great options include:
– Grilled vegetables
– A side salad
– Roasted potatoes
– Garlic bread.
You could also serve this hearty pasta as part of an Italian-inspired meal, including your favorite antipasto and classic Italian desserts like cannoli, biscotti or tiramisu!
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can safely eat Cheesecake Factory Pasta Napoletana. However, it is important to note that this dish does contain Parmesan cheese which is unpasteurized, so make sure you are comfortable consuming unpasteurized dairy before enjoying this delicious pasta dish.
Pregnant women should always consult their doctor or healthcare provider before making any dietary changes.
FAQ
Is Cheesecake Factory Pasta Napoletana healthy?
Yes, this dish is a healthier alternative to traditional Italian pasta dishes. It contains lean protein from ground beef, sausage and pepperoni and is full of colorful vegetables like mushrooms, onion and garlic. This dish also features a creamy Parmesan cheese sauce that adds flavor without adding too much fat or calories.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the Cheesecake Factory Pasta Napoletana up to two days in advance. Just assemble all ingredients in an oven-safe baking dish and store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake in preheated oven as instructed.
Is this a gluten-free dish?
A: No, this is not gluten-free, as it contains wheat pasta. If you are following a gluten-free diet, there are plenty of substitutions available; just be sure to check the ingredients list carefully and choose certified gluten-free options.
How many servings does this dish yield?
The Cheesecake Factory Pasta Napoletana yields 12 servings. If you are serving a larger crowd, consider doubling the recipe and baking it in two separate dishes.
Can I substitute ground beef for turkey or chicken?
Yes! You can certainly use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef in the Cheesecake Factory Pasta Napoletana. However, adjust the cooking time accordingly, as ground poultry cooks much faster than beef.
Can I omit the pepperoni to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! You can absolutely omit the pepperoni from the Cheesecake Factory Pasta Napoletana to make it vegetarian-friendly. Add additional vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers or eggplant for a delicious meatless meal!
Do I need to pre-cook the pasta?
No! You do not need to pre-cook the pasta for the Cheesecake Factory Pasta Napoletana. The Barilla Napoletana sauce and Parmesan cream sauce will help cook and soften the pasta as it bakes in the oven.
Wrapping Up
Thanks for reading this guide on Cheesecake Factory Pasta Napoletana! This flavorful Italian-style dish is sure to become a favorite in your home.
With its lean protein, vibrant vegetables and creamy Parmesan cheese sauce, this healthier alternative to traditional pasta dishes is sure to satisfy any appetite.
Be sure to follow the recipe as instructed for the best results, and don’t forget to enjoy every bite!
Try it out, and let us know how it goes! We’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment below, and share your experience with Cheesecake Factory Pasta Napoletana.
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
