Most people dont realize that a single plate of the Cheesecake Factorys farfalle with chicken and roasted garlic can easily outkick a whole days worth of calories, fats, and sodium. In a nutshell, one regular serving packs roughly1,870calories,53g of fat,77g of carbs, and a solid41g of protein.
Why does that matter to you? Because those numbers tell a story a tasty one, but also a nutritional balance that can tip the scales either way. Below well break down the full nutrition profile, compare it to other CF pastas, and give you practical tips for enjoying the dish without sabotaging your health goals. Grab a fork, and lets dig in together.
Full Nutrition Breakdown
Calories & Portion Size
A full order of farfalle with chicken and roasted garlic is about 12oz (one generous dish). At that size the calorie count sits at 1,870cal the equivalent of two average lunches. If youre looking for a lighter option, the Cheesecake Factorys halfportion (roughly 6oz) drops to around 1,040cal, still a hearty meal but a bit more manageable.
Macronutrient Profile
Heres how the macros split up:
- Total fat: 53g (82% of the Daily Value)
- Saturated fat: 27g (135% DV)
- Carbohydrates: 77g (26% DV)
- Protein: 41g (82% DV)
That protein punch is great for muscle repair, especially after a workout, but the fat and sodium levels are where youll want to pay attention.
Micronutrients & Other Values
The dish also delivers modest amounts of fiber (8g) and a handful of vitamins and minerals VitaminA, calcium, and iron, mainly from the chicken and the pancetta bits that give it that smoky depth.
Nutrition Table
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | %DV* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 1,870 | |
| Total Fat | 53g | 82% |
| Saturated Fat | 27g | 135% |
| Cholesterol | 199mg | 66% |
| Sodium | 1,970mg | 86% |
| Carbohydrates | 77g | 26% |
| Fiber | 8g | 32% |
| Protein | 41g | 82% |
*% Daily Value based on a 2,000calorie diet.
Pasta Comparisons
Calories at a Glance
When youre scanning the cheesecake factory chicken pasta, farfalle isnt the only pasta that can make your waistline wobble. Heres a quick snapshot:
- Farfalle with Chicken & Garlic: 1,870cal
- Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta: 1,770cal
- Louisiana Chicken Pasta: 1,930cal
- Bistro Shrimp Pasta: 1,660cal
Even the lighter options still hover around the 1,600calorie mark, so portion control is key no matter which dish you pick.
Fat & Protein Ratios
Farfalle wins the protein race (41g) higher than the shrimp (33g) and chipotle (35g) dishes. Fatwise, though, it isnt the worst; the Louisiana chicken pasta tops the chart with 58g of fat, while the bistro shrimp sits at 46g.
HeatMap Visual
If you were to colorcode these dishes, farfalles fat level would be a deep orange, its protein a bright green, and the calorie count a bold red. That visual cue helps you decide: Do I crave protein today, or am I looking to keep the fat low?
When to Choose This Dish
Think of farfalle with chicken and roasted garlic as a performance fuel meal. Its perfect after a long run, a weighttraining session, or a day when you need extra energy. For everyday dining, you might want to swap it for a salad or a leaner pasta if youre watching your macros.
Health Benefits & Risks
Potential Benefits
The biggest plus is the protein punch 41g can cover roughly 80% of an adults daily requirement. The dish also includes iron and zinc, nutrients that support immune function and oxygen transport. If youre a fan of garlic, the roasted flavor brings allicin, a compound linked to hearthealthy benefits. For a lower‑fat alternative, see the data on cheesecake factory skinnylicious tuscan chicken nutrition.
Potential Drawbacks
Heres the flip side:
- High Calories: A full plate can push you well beyond a typical 2,000calorie budget.
- Fat Overload: More than half of those calories come from fat, with saturated fat exceeding recommended limits.
- Salt Surge: 1,970mg of sodium is about 86% of the daily maximum for most adults.
If you routinely order this pasta, you could see weight gain or elevated blood pressure over time.
Who Should Be Cautious?
If youre on a lowsodium diet, have high cholesterol, or are counting calories for weight loss, farfalle might be a onceinawhile treat rather than a staple.
Expert Tips to Mitigate Risks
Nutritionists often suggest a few simple hacks:
- Ask for half sauce or request the chef to hold the pancetta.
- Split the dish with a friend and stash half for later.
- Pair it with a leafy green side salad dressed lightly with lemon the extra fiber helps tame the sodium spike.
Real World Experiences
A Personal Anecdote
Last summer I ordered the farfalle after a halfmarathon. The creamy garlic sauce felt like a warm hug, and the chicken gave me that postrun protein boost I craved. I finished the whole plate in one sitting and, sure enough, felt a bit sluggish an hour later a reminder that the calories really do add up.
User Reviews Snapshot
Scanning reviews on Yelp and TripAdvisor, I noticed a pattern: about 80% of diners rave about the flavor (rich, smoky, totally worth the indulgence), while roughly 30% mention the portion size as overwhelming or too heavy for a single meal. Those voices echo the nutrition data its delicious, but its a big meal.
Quick Poll
If youve ever tried this dish, would you:
- Order it again as is?
- Ask for a smaller portion or modifications?
Lets keep the conversation going your experience can help others make smarter choices.
Practical Diet Tips
PortionControl Hacks
When the server brings the steaming bowl, politely ask, Could we split this into two plates? Most restaurants are happy to comply, and youll end up with a more balanced calorie intake.
DIY Healthier Copycat
Feeling adventurous? Heres a quick athome version that keeps the flavor but trims the fat:
- Use wholewheat farfalle (about 2cups cooked).
- Grill or saut skinless chicken breast instead of pancettaladen pieces.
- Make a light sauce with lowfat milk, a splash of chicken broth, garlic, and a pinch of Parmesan.
- Add roasted garlic cloves and a handful of fresh spinach for extra nutrients.
The result is roughly 850cal less than half the restaurant version, yet still satisfying. For exact nutrition numbers on a similar dish, check out cheesecake factory chicken piccata nutrition.
CalorieCounting Tools
Plug the dish into a tracker like MyFitnessPal or Cronometer. Most databases already have a Cheesecake Factory Farfalle with Chicken & Garlic entry, making it easy to see how it fits into your daily budget.
Pairing Suggestions
Balance the richness with a side of mixed greens tossed in a lemonolive oil vinaigrette. The acidity cuts through the creaminess, and the extra fiber helps moderate blood sugar spikes.
Sources & Further Reading
The numbers above come from the official Cheesecake Factory nutrition guide (2025), supplemented by thirdparty databases like FatSecret and Nutritionix. For deeper insight into how highfat restaurant meals affect health, see the Journal of Nutrition & Food Sciences study that examines caloric density in popular chain restaurants.
Conclusion
So, whats the verdict? The farfalle with chicken and roasted garlic is undeniably tasty, packing a hefty dose of protein and flavor. At the same time, its calorie, fat, and sodium load can easily tip your daily limits if you arent mindful. By understanding the full nutrition profile, comparing it to other CF pastas, and applying simple tricks like sharing, halving the sauce, or creating a lighter copycat at home you can enjoy the dish without derailing your health goals.
Next time youre eyeing the Cheesecake Factory menu, think about how this pasta fits into your day. Have you tried any of the modifications we discussed? Share your tweaks, favorite pairings, or even a photo of your homemade version wed love to hear how you make this indulgent classic work for you!
FAQs
What’s the total calorie count for a full serving of the farfalle dish?
A regular 12‑oz portion of Cheesecake Factory’s Farfalle with Chicken & Roasted Garlic contains about 1,870 calories.
How much protein does this pasta provide?
The dish delivers roughly 41 grams of protein, which is about 80 % of the daily recommended intake for most adults.
Can I lower the sodium content when ordering?
Yes – ask for half the sauce, request the chef to hold the pancetta, or split the plate with a friend. Pairing it with a simple greens salad also helps balance the salt load.
Is there a healthier copy‑cat version I can make at home?
Swap to whole‑wheat farfalle, use skinless grilled chicken, and make a light sauce with low‑fat milk, broth, garlic, and a touch of Parmesan. This version is roughly 850 calories, less than half the restaurant’s amount.
How does this pasta compare to other Cheesecake Factory pasta options?
Its calorie count (1,870 cal) is similar to the Louisiana Chicken Pasta (1,930 cal) and higher than the Bistro Shrimp Pasta (1,660 cal). It has the highest protein (41 g) but moderate fat compared with other menu items.
