Cheesecake Factory Tomato Basil Pasta
Cheesecake Factory Tomato Basil Pasta is a delicious and simple dish that can be served as an appetizer, side or even main course. This classic Italian-inspired dish is made with the freshest ingredients – tomatoes, basil, garlic, olive oil, and parmesan cheese.
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Servings: 4 people
Calories: 423kcal
Ingredients
- 200 g penne pasta
- ½ cup fresh basil pesto
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 boneless chicken breast skinless
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese freshly grated
- 4 vine-ripened tomatoes diced
- Olive oil for cooking
- 2 garlic cloves finely minced
- Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 1/2 cup basil leaves chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Boil Water: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Cook Penne: Add the 200g penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 10-12 minutes).
- Drain and Set Aside: Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Prepare the Chicken
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the finely minced garlic (2 cloves) and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Cook Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken cubes with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Cook the Sauce
- Add Tomatoes and Basil: In the same skillet, add the diced tomatoes, chopped basil leaves, and 1 tsp garlic powder. Stir and cook for about 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.
- Incorporate Basil Pesto: Add the ½ cup of fresh basil pesto to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
Combine Pasta and Chicken
- Add Cooked Pasta: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the tomato basil sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Add Chicken: Add the cooked chicken cubes back into the skillet and mix well with the pasta and sauce.
Add the Cheese
- Stir in Mozzarella: Sprinkle the freshly grated mozzarella cheese over the pasta and chicken mixture. Stir until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated.
- Garnish with Parmesan: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top as a finishing touch.
Serve
- Plate the Pasta: Serve the pasta hot, garnishing with additional basil leaves or Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Enjoy: Enjoy your delicious Cheesecake Factory-inspired Tomato Basil Pasta with Chicken!
Notes
- Choosing the Pasta: Penne is ideal, but feel free to use what you have on hand—rigatoni and fusilli work well too.
- Cooking the Chicken: Make sure it’s cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s safe to eat.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest tomatoes and basil for maximum flavor.
- Pesto Variations: Store-bought pesto works in a pinch, but homemade is always best.
- Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like goat cheese or even a mix of Italian cheeses.