Why You’ll Love Cheesecake Factory Pasta Da Vinci Recipe
This recipe delivers bold, savory flavor with minimal effort. The rich, slightly sweet sauce adds depth that perfectly complements the earthy mushrooms and juicy chicken. It feels elegant enough for entertaining guests, yet simple enough for a cozy weeknight dinner. The combination of tender pasta and velvety sauce makes every bite satisfying and comforting. Plus, it’s easy to customize based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
penne pasta
boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
salt
black pepper
olive oil
butter
red onion, finely chopped
garlic cloves, minced
cremini or baby bella mushrooms, sliced
non-alcoholic cooking wine substitute
chicken broth
heavy cream
grated Parmesan cheese
fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.
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Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add a little more butter or oil if needed. Sauté the chopped onion until softened and translucent.
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Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and become tender. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Pour in the non-alcoholic cooking substitute, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for several minutes to reduce slightly.
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Add the chicken broth and continue simmering for a few minutes.
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Stir in the heavy cream and allow the sauce to gently simmer until it thickens.
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Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
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Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 to 6 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with extra mushrooms or add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or roasted bell peppers.
If you prefer, you can use a blend of chicken broth and a splash of white grape juice for added depth.
For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce may be slightly less rich.
Add a touch of heat by sprinkling in red pepper flakes.
Swap penne for other pasta shapes like rigatoni, ziti, or farfalle.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
You can also reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating.
This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months, though the creamy sauce may slightly change texture upon thawing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
What is Pasta Da Vinci?
Pasta Da Vinci is a creamy chicken and mushroom pasta dish known for its rich, savory sauce and comforting flavor.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components ahead and store them separately, then combine and reheat before serving.
What can I use instead of wine in this recipe?
A non-alcoholic cooking substitute or a mix of chicken broth with a splash of white grape juice works well.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and provide extra juiciness.
How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
Let the sauce simmer longer to reduce, or add a small amount of grated Parmesan cheese to help thicken it.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta alternative.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the creamy sauce and tender chicken make it appealing to many children.
What side dishes go well with Pasta Da Vinci?
Garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or steamed vegetables pair beautifully with this dish.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely. Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or asparagus are excellent additions.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat at a gentle simmer and avoid boiling after adding the cream to maintain a smooth texture.
Conclusion
Cheesecake Factory Pasta Da Vinci is a comforting yet elegant pasta dish that brings restaurant-style flavor right into your kitchen. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and savory mushrooms, it’s a meal that feels indulgent without being complicated. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation.
Cheesecake Factory Pasta Da Vinci
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A creamy and comforting Pasta Da Vinci made with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and penne pasta tossed in a rich, savory non-alcoholic cream sauce. This restaurant-style dish is elegant enough for guests yet simple enough for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 oz cremini or baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup non-alcoholic cooking wine substitute
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add more butter or oil if needed. Sauté the chopped red onion until softened and translucent.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and become tender. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the non-alcoholic cooking substitute, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for several minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add the chicken broth and continue simmering for a few minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and allow the sauce to gently simmer until it thickens.
- Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with extra mushrooms or vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or roasted bell peppers.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter option, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.
- Add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
- This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months, though the sauce texture may slightly change after thawing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 690 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg

