Cheesecake Factory Chicken Bellagio Recipe

If you’re a fan of The Cheesecake Factory, you’ve likely tried their famous Chicken Bellagio dish. This delectable meal features crispy breaded chicken, a creamy Parmesan sauce, and a bed of tender pasta, all topped with a light pesto sauce. It’s a flavor explosion that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.

But what if you could recreate this dish at home? With the right ingredients and a little bit of know-how, you can make your own version of Chicken Bellagio that’s just as delicious as the restaurant’s. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to make this dish from scratch, including the ingredients you’ll need and the preparation process.

Key Takeaways

• The Chicken Bellagio dish from The Cheesecake Factory is a fan favorite.
• With the right ingredients and preparation methods, you can make this dish at home.
• The dish features crispy breaded chicken, a creamy Parmesan sauce, and a bed of tender pasta, topped with a light pesto sauce.

Recipe Origin

If you’ve ever dined at The Cheesecake Factory, you might have tried their famous Chicken Bellagio. This dish is a delicious combination of crispy chicken, prosciutto, pasta, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. The dish is named after the luxurious Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, where The Cheesecake Factory has a location.

The Chicken Bellagio recipe was created by the restaurant’s founder, David Overton. According to an interview with Overton, he came up with the idea for the dish after visiting the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas. He was inspired by the hotel’s Italian-inspired architecture and wanted to create a dish that reflected that.

Overton spent months perfecting the recipe, trying out different combinations of ingredients until he found the perfect balance of flavors. The dish quickly became a hit with customers and is now one of the restaurant’s most popular menu items.

The Chicken Bellagio recipe has since been shared online and has become a popular dish to recreate at home. While the recipe may seem complex, with multiple components like the basil oil and Parmesan cream sauce, it is definitely doable with a little bit of patience and practice.

Ingredients List

To make the Cheesecake Factory Chicken Bellagio recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• Spaghettini Pasta
• Canola Oil
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
• Kosher Salt
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• All-Purpose Flour
• Egg Wash
• Seasoned Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan Cream Sauce
• Basil Oil
• Chicken Broth
• Butter

You can find most of these ingredients at your local grocery store. The recipe calls for spaghettini pasta, which is a thin spaghetti noodle. If you can’t find spaghettini, you can substitute with regular spaghetti or angel hair pasta. For pasta lovers, understanding the different types of pasta used in Italian cooking can enhance your cooking experience.

1. Pound the chicken breasts to approximately 6″ wide to ensure they cook evenly.
2. Beat one egg to make the egg wash until it is well mixed.
3. Find seasoned breadcrumbs in the bread crumb section of your grocery store, or make your own by mixing plain breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning.

The Parmesan cream sauce is made by melting butter in a pan and then adding flour to make a roux. Once the roux is cooked, you add milk and Parmesan cheese to make a creamy sauce. The basil oil is made by blanching fresh basil leaves in ice water and then pureeing them with olive oil until smooth.

Overall, the ingredients for the Cheesecake Factory Chicken Bellagio recipe are easy to find and should be readily available at your local grocery store.

Preparation of Chicken

To make Chicken Bellagio at home, you will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, flour, egg wash, and seasoned breadcrumbs. Pound the chicken breasts until they are about 6 inches wide. Season the chicken with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Next, prepare the breading station. Place flour in one shallow dish. In a separate dish, whisk together the egg wash. In a third dish, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs. Dip each chicken breast in flour, then egg wash, and finally in seasoned breadcrumbs. Make sure the chicken is coated well on all sides.

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add canola oil. Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.

By following these simple steps, you can make delicious Chicken Bellagio at home that tastes just like the one served at Cheesecake Factory.

Preparation of Pasta

To prepare the pasta for the Chicken Bellagio dish, you will need a pot of boiling salted water and angel hair pasta. Drop the pasta into the pot and cook until it is “al dente” which takes approximately 8 minutes.

Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and toss it in a mixture of basil oil, extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and ground black pepper. To make the basil oil, blanch 1 cup of fresh basil leaves in ice water after boiling for one minute. Squeeze out the water and puree with ½ cup olive oil until smooth. Use within one week.

To plate the dish, place the pesto pasta on the bottom of the plate and drizzle some Parmesan cream sauce on top. Add your crispy coated chicken breast on top, drizzle on some more Parmesan cream sauce, lay your prosciutto on top, and top with a small arugula salad.

You can also sprinkle some chopped parsley and Parmesan/Romano cheese blend on top of the pasta for added flavor and texture.

Overall, preparing the pasta for the Chicken Bellagio dish is a simple process that requires a few key ingredients and some basic cooking skills. With the right technique, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to impress your guests.

Related:

• Cheesecake Factory Pasta Calories
• Cheesecake Factory Chipotle Chicken Pasta

Preparation of Pesto Sauce

Ingredients

To make the pesto sauce for the Cheesecake Factory Chicken Bellagio recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan-Reggiano cheese
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup pine nuts
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Cooking Process

1. Begin by washing and drying 2 cups of fresh basil leaves.
2. In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan-Reggiano cheese, 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, 1/3 cup pine nuts, and 3 minced garlic cloves.
3. Pulse the ingredients together until they are well combined and form a smooth paste.
4. Taste the pesto sauce and add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5. If the sauce is too thick, you can add more olive oil to thin it out.
6. Cover the pesto sauce and refrigerate until you are ready to use it.

That’s it! Making the pesto sauce for the Cheesecake Factory Chicken Bellagio recipe is easy and takes just a few minutes. The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it.

Preparation of Parmesan Cream Sauce

Ingredients

To prepare the Parmesan Cream Sauce for the Cheesecake Factory Chicken Bellagio recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

Ingredient	Quantity
Butter	1/4 cup
Flour	1/4 cup
Milk	2 cups
Parmesan Cheese	1/2 cup
Salt	1/4 teaspoon
Black Pepper	1/4 teaspoon

Cooking Process

1. Melt 1/4 cup of butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add 1/4 cup of flour to the melted butter and whisk until smooth.
3. Gradually add 2 cups of milk to the butter-flour mixture, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce and whisk until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Season the sauce with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper and stir to combine.
6. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a creamy consistency.

Congratulations! You have now prepared the delicious Parmesan Cream Sauce for the Cheesecake Factory Chicken Bellagio recipe. This creamy sauce is perfect for coating the spaghetti and chicken in the recipe, adding a rich and savory flavor to the dish.

Assembling the Dish

Now that you have prepared all the components of the Chicken Bellagio dish, it’s time to assemble it. Here are the steps to follow:

1. First, cook the spaghettini pasta according to the instructions on the package. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Next, heat up a skillet over medium heat and add the basil oil, chicken broth, and butter. Once heated, add the pasta to the skillet and toss it in the mixture until it is evenly coated.
3. Place the pesto pasta on the bottom of the plate. Drizzle some parmesan cream sauce on top of the pasta.
4. Now, take the crispy coated chicken breast and place it on top of the pasta. Make sure to evenly distribute the chicken over the pasta.
5. Finally, drizzle some more parmesan cream sauce on top of the chicken breast. You can also sprinkle some shaved parmesan cheese on top of the dish.
6. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Chicken Bellagio dish!

By following these steps, you should have a perfectly assembled Chicken Bellagio dish that looks and tastes just like the one served at The Cheesecake Factory. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

Once you have prepared the Chicken Bellagio recipe, you may be wondering what to serve it with. Here are some suggestions that will complement the dish and make your meal complete.

Side Dishes

A side dish can make all the difference in a meal, and there are many options that pair well with Chicken Bellagio. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Pasta: Since the Chicken Bellagio recipe already includes pasta, you can serve it with a simple side of spaghetti or fettuccine with butter and grated Parmesan cheese. Alternatively, you can serve it with a side of garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Vegetables: A side of roasted or steamed vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or green beans can add some color and nutrition to your meal. You can season them with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil or butter.
• Salad: A fresh salad can balance out the richness of the Chicken Bellagio. You can serve it with a simple Caesar salad or a mixed green salad with your favorite dressing.

Beverages

A refreshing beverage can enhance the flavors of the Chicken Bellagio and complement your meal. Here are some ideas:

• Wine: A glass of white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with the Chicken Bellagio. If you prefer red wine, Pinot Noir or Merlot are great options.
• Iced Tea: A cold glass of iced tea can be a great thirst quencher and complement the flavors of the dish.
• Soda: If you prefer something sweet, a glass of soda such as Coke or Sprite can be a good choice.

By following these serving suggestions, you can create a well-rounded meal that is sure to impress your guests.

Nutritional Information

If you’re watching your calorie intake, you might want to take a closer look at the nutritional information of Cheesecake Factory’s Chicken Bellagio. According to the official nutritional guide, a single serving of Chicken Bellagio contains 1790 calories, 100 grams of fat, and 135 grams of carbohydrates.

The high calorie and fat content of this dish can be attributed to its ingredients. The dish is made with spaghettini pasta, breaded chicken, parmesan cream sauce, and prosciutto, all of which are high in calories and fat. However, it also contains some beneficial nutrients like protein, calcium, and iron.

If you’re looking to make the dish a bit healthier, you can try to modify the recipe or make some substitutions. For example, you can use whole wheat pasta instead of spaghettini to add more fiber to the dish. You can also use skinless chicken breast instead of breaded chicken to reduce the fat content.

Overall, while Chicken Bellagio is a delicious dish, it should be consumed in moderation due to its high calorie and fat content. If you’re looking for a healthier option at Cheesecake Factory, you might want to consider some of their salads or grilled dishes.

Common Variations

If you’re looking to switch things up with the Cheesecake Factory’s Chicken Bellagio recipe, there are a few common variations you can try. Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Substitute the chicken

While the original recipe calls for chicken breast, you can use other cuts of chicken for a different flavor. Chicken thighs or drumsticks can work well and provide a juicier texture. If you prefer a lighter option, you can use chicken tenders or strips instead.

2. Add vegetables

To add more nutrition and flavor to the dish, consider adding some vegetables. Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans can all work well. Simply steam or sauté them and add them to the dish before serving.

3. Change up the sauce

While the Parmesan cream sauce is a staple of the Chicken Bellagio recipe, you can experiment with different sauces for a new twist. A tomato-based sauce or a lemon-butter sauce can both work well.

4. Use a different type of pasta

While the original recipe calls for spaghetti, you can try using a different type of pasta for a different texture. Linguine or fettuccine can work well and provide a wider surface area for the sauce to cling to.

5. Add more spice

If you like your food with a kick, you can add some spice to the recipe. Crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper can add some heat, while paprika or cumin can add some smokiness.

Overall, there are many ways to customize the Cheesecake Factory’s Chicken Bellagio recipe to suit your tastes. Whether you prefer a lighter option or a spicier dish, you can experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create a dish that’s uniquely yours.

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