Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Cheesecake Factory Copycat Recipe

Are you tired of spending your life savings on dining out at fancy restaurants? Do you find yourself salivating at the thought of indulging in your favorite pasta dish from the Cheesecake Factory (Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Cheesecake Factory).

But can’t bear to part with your hard-earned cash? Well, my friend, have no fear! I have a copycat recipe that will have you feeling like a gourmet chef in no time.

Get ready to impress your taste buds (and your friends) with this delicious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Cheesecake Factory Copycat Recipe.

With tender chicken, perfectly cooked broccoli, and a rich and creamy sauce that will make you forget all about the original, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

So, tie on your apron, sharpen your knives, and get ready to channel your inner master chef.

Trust me, once you taste this dish, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered going out to eat in the first place.

What’s in Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Cheesecake Factory?

The Cheesecake Factory Chicken Broccoli Pasta typically includes penne pasta, chicken, broccoli, and a creamy Parmesan cheese sauce.

The chicken is usually cooked in a wok or skillet with garlic and olive oil and then combined with blanched broccoli florets and cooked pasta.

The sauce is made by combining heavy cream, chicken broth, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, which is then simmered until thickened and creamy.

The pasta is then tossed with the chicken and broccoli mixture and the sauce, and typically garnished with additional Parmesan cheese before serving.

How to Cook Tender and Juicy Chicken for Your Pasta Dish

To cook tender and juicy chicken for your Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Cheesecake Factory Copycat Recipe, follow these simple steps:

1. Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
2. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
3. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
4. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and stir until melted.
5. Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
6. Remove the chicken mixture from the heat and set aside until ready to combine with the pasta and sauce.

By following these steps, you’ll end up with perfectly cooked, tender, and juicy chicken that will be the star of your Chicken and Broccoli Pasta dish.

Step-by-Step Guide to Prepare the Perfect Broccoli for Your Pasta

To prepare the perfect broccoli for your Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Cheesecake Factory Copycat Recipe, follow these simple steps:

1. Wash the broccoli florets thoroughly and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
3. Once the water is boiling, add the broccoli florets and blanch for 2-3 minutes, or until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
4. Using a slotted spoon or spider strainer, remove the broccoli from the boiling water and immediately transfer it to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve the color and texture.
5. Drain the broccoli from the ice water and pat dry with paper towels.

By following these steps, you’ll end up with perfectly cooked, tender-crisp broccoli that will add a fresh and delicious flavor to your Chicken and Broccoli Pasta dish.

Tips and Tricks for Cooking the Pasta to Perfection

To cook the pasta to perfection for your Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Cheesecake Factory Copycat Recipe, follow these tips and tricks:

1. Choose a high-quality pasta, such as penne, and make sure to use a large pot of salted water to cook it.
2. Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding the pasta and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, usually for about 8-10 minutes, or until it’s al dente (cooked but still firm to the bite).
4. Once the pasta is cooked, immediately drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent overcooking.
5. Shake the colander to remove excess water and transfer the pasta to the skillet with the chicken and broccoli mixture.

By following these tips and tricks, you’ll end up with perfectly cooked pasta that’s not too soft or too hard, but just right and ready to be tossed with the chicken and broccoli mixture and the creamy Parmesan cheese sauce.

How to Make Chicken and broccoli pasta cheesecake factory

To make Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Cheesecake Factory Copycat Recipe, follow these simple steps:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 lb broccoli florets
• 1 lb penne pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment:

• Large pot for cooking pasta
• Large skillet or wok for cooking chicken and broccoli
• Colander for draining pasta
• Mixing bowls for the sauce ingredients
• Whisk for combining the sauce ingredients
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring the chicken and broccoli mixture
• Grater for grating the Parmesan cheese

Instructions for Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Cheesecake Factory:

1. Cook the pasta according to the instructions above, until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Add 1 cup of chicken broth to the skillet, and bring it to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and let the broth simmer until it’s reduced by half.
6. Add 1 cup of heavy cream to the skillet and whisk until combined.
7. Add 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet and whisk until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
8. Add the blanched broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the broccoli is heated through.
9. Add the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine.
10. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce and chicken broccoli mixture.
11. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
12. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and serve hot.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to make a delicious and creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Cheesecake Factory Copycat Recipe that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to make the perfect Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Cheesecake Factory Copycat Recipe:

• To make sure your chicken is tender and juicy, cut it into small, bite-sized pieces and cook it on medium-high heat until it’s golden brown on the outside and cooked through on the inside.
• Blanch the broccoli in boiling salted water for just a few minutes, until it’s bright green and tender-crisp. Then, shock it in ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve the color and texture.
• Use high-quality pasta, such as penne, and make sure to cook it in a large pot of salted water until it’s al dente.
• To make the sauce extra creamy and flavorful, use a combination of heavy cream, chicken broth, minced garlic, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
• Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese before serving.
• If you want to make this recipe ahead of time, you can cook the chicken, broccoli, and pasta separately, and then assemble the dish and reheat it in the skillet with the sauce before serving.
• For a healthier version, you can use whole wheat pasta, low-fat chicken broth, and skim milk instead of heavy cream. You can also add more vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms, to the dish for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices, such as basil, thyme, or red pepper flakes, to customize the recipe to your liking. Have fun and enjoy the process of cooking!

The Secret to Making a Rich and Creamy Sauce for Your Pasta Dish

To make the creamy sauce for your Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Cheesecake Factory Copycat Recipe, follow these simple steps:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet or wok, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Pour 1 cup of chicken broth into the skillet and bring it to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer until it’s reduced by half.
4. Add 1 cup of heavy cream to the skillet and whisk it together with the broth.
5. Slowly add 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, whisking constantly until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Continue to whisk the sauce for 1-2 minutes until it thickens slightly.
7. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to make a rich and creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with the chicken, broccoli, and pasta. Enjoy!

Variations for Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Cheesecake Factory

Here are some variations you can try to customize your Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Cheesecake Factory Copycat Recipe:

• Add more vegetables – You can add more vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms, to increase the nutrition and flavor profile.
• Use different pasta shapes – Instead of penne, you can use other pasta shapes, such as spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine, to switch up the texture and appearance of the dish.
• Use different proteins – Instead of chicken, you can use other proteins, such as shrimp, tofu, or sausage, to give the dish a different taste and texture.
• Add more spices – You can add different herbs and spices, such as basil, thyme, or red pepper flakes, to customize the flavor to your liking.
• Use different cheeses – Instead of Parmesan cheese, you can use other types of cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or goat cheese, to give the dish a different flavor and texture.
• Make it healthier – To make the dish healthier, you can use whole wheat pasta, low-fat chicken broth, and skim milk instead of heavy cream. You can also add more vegetables and reduce the amount of cheese to cut down on calories.

By experimenting with these variations, you can create a unique and delicious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta dish that’s tailored to your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Storage

If you have leftovers of your Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Cheesecake Factory Copycat Recipe, here are some storage tips:

• Refrigeration – You can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let the dish cool down to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator.
• Freezing – You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 2-3 months. To do so, place the cooled pasta dish in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible. Label the container with the date and contents and place it in the freezer.
• Reheating – To reheat the pasta dish, you can either microwave it in a microwave-safe dish or reheat it on the stovetop in a skillet or saucepan. If the dish is frozen, you can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it.
• Freshness tip – To keep the dish fresh for longer, avoid mixing the sauce with the pasta and vegetables until you’re ready to eat. Instead, store the sauce separately in a container and reheat it on the stovetop before tossing it with the pasta and vegetables.

By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your delicious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta dish for multiple meals and keep it fresh and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Cheesecake Factory

Here are some serving suggestions for your Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Cheesecake Factory Copycat Recipe:

• Garnish with fresh herbs – Before serving, sprinkle some fresh parsley, basil, or oregano on top of the pasta to add some freshness and color.
• Serve with garlic bread – Garlic bread is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with pasta. You can make your garlic bread by toasting bread in the oven with butter and garlic or buying a pre-made loaf.
• Pair with a side salad – A simple side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light dressing can balance out the richness of the pasta dish and add some extra nutrition.
• Add some crunch – For some extra texture, you can top the pasta dish with some toasted breadcrumbs or chopped nuts, such as almonds or pine nuts.
• Serve with a glass of wine – A glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, can complement the flavors of the creamy sauce and chicken.

Simple and Creative Ways to Garnish Your Pasta Dish

Garnishing your pasta can elevate the presentation of your Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Cheesecake Factory Copycat Recipe and make it look even more appetizing. Here are some simple and creative ways to garnish your pasta dish:

• Fresh Herbs – Adding fresh herbs, such as parsley, basil, or cilantro, can add a pop of color and freshness to your pasta dish. Simply chop the herbs finely and sprinkle them on top of the pasta.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese – Grated Parmesan cheese is a classic garnish for pasta dishes. You can sprinkle it on top of the pasta for some extra flavor and texture.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – If you like your pasta dish spicy, you can sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top of the pasta to add some heat and flavor.
• Lemon Zest – Lemon zest can add a bright and refreshing flavor to your pasta dish. Simply grate the zest of a lemon and sprinkle it on top of the pasta.
• Toasted Breadcrumbs – Toasted breadcrumbs can add a crunchy texture to your pasta dish. Simply toast some breadcrumbs in a skillet with some olive oil until golden brown, and then sprinkle them on top of the pasta.
• Cherry Tomatoes – Cherry tomatoes can add a burst of sweetness to your pasta dish. Cut them in half and scatter them on top of the pasta.

By using these simple garnishing ideas, you can make your Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Cheesecake Factory Copycat Recipe look and taste even more delicious.

FAQs about the Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Cheesecake Factory Copycat Recipe

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh broccoli?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli instead of fresh broccoli. Just make sure to thaw the broccoli before adding it to the pasta.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use a different type of pasta if you prefer. Penne or fusilli pasta would work well with this dish.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use a different type of cheese if you prefer. Parmesan or Romano cheese would work well with this dish.

Can I use leftover cooked chicken?

Yes, you can use leftover cooked chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken for this recipe. Just make sure to chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the pasta.

Can I make this cheesecake factory chicken and broccoli pasta vegetarian?

Yes, you can make this dish vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add some sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.

Can I make this cheesecake factory chicken and broccoli pasta ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Just make sure to follow the storage tips mentioned above and reheat it before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Here are the estimated nutrition facts for a serving of the Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Cheesecake Factory Copycat Recipe (based on a recipe that serves 4):

• Calories: 650
• Total Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Cholesterol: 131mg
• Sodium: 830mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 51g
• Dietary Fiber: 5g
• Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 34g

Please note that these are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the serving size. Additionally, the recipe can be modified to reduce calories, fat, and sodium by using low-fat cheese, reducing the amount of oil or butter used, and using low-sodium broth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Cheesecake Factory Copycat Recipe is a delicious and creamy pasta dish that can be easily made at home.

With tender chicken, broccoli florets, and a rich and creamy sauce made with Parmesan cheese, this dish is sure to please everyone at the dinner table.

By following the tips and tricks, variations, and garnishing suggestions mentioned in this recipe, you can make this dish even more flavorful and visually appealing.

Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or an impressive meal to serve to guests, this Chicken and Broccoli Pasta recipe is a winner.