Name: Chicken Carbonara Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 ounces spaghetti or fettuccine; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced; Salt and black pepper to taste; 4 slices bacon, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 large eggs; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Chopped fresh parsley

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There’s something utterly irresistible about Chicken Carbonara — it’s a dish that perfectly balances creamy, savory richness with pops of smoky bacon, golden chicken, and a hint of garlic. Whether you’re cooking for date night or looking to treat your family to a true comfort classic, this pasta makes any meal feel special. You’ll love how the silky Parmesan and cream sauce wraps around every strand of pasta, and the addition of juicy chicken turns this Italian-American favorite into a hearty main course everyone will request again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You might be surprised at how quick and easy it is to bring Chicken Carbonara to life in your own kitchen. Each ingredient plays a star role, from the smoky bacon to the creamy sauce and vibrant garnishes. Trust me, you don’t want to skip any part of this winning combination!

Spaghetti or Fettuccine (12 ounces): The pasta you choose will be the canvas for all that delicious sauce, so use your favorite long noodles.
Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a subtle richness and helps the chicken achieve a beautiful golden sear.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (2, diced): Tender chicken pieces add the protein punch and heartiness that make this version so satisfying.
Salt and Black Pepper to Taste: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the overall dish to brighten all the flavors.
Bacon (4 slices, chopped): Provides classic carbonara smokiness; you can swap for pancetta for a traditional Italian twist.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): A quick sauté brings irresistible depth and that familiar mouthwatering aroma.
Eggs (2 large): Whisked into the sauce, they give the dish its signature creaminess without needing flour or a roux.
Parmesan Cheese (1 cup, grated): Don’t be shy here—real Parmesan brings sharp, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
Heavy Cream (1/2 cup): Makes the sauce even richer and more velvety, creating that unforgettable ‘carbonara’ texture.
Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): A generous fresh-cracked sprinkle elevates every bite with warmth and a touch of spice.
Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish): Adds a pop of color and a fresh finish right before serving.

How to Make Chicken Carbonara

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil — salting the water is the first secret to flavorful pasta. Add your spaghetti or fettuccine and cook until perfectly al dente, which keeps the texture spot-on once it’s tossed with the creamy sauce. Before draining, scoop out a cup of that starchy pasta water; it’s your secret weapon for adjusting the final sauce. Drain the pasta and set it aside for now.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

While your pasta cooks, heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss the diced chicken with a generous sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Add it to the skillet and cook until the pieces turn golden brown and are cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken to a clean plate; those tasty little browned bits left behind will help flavor the rest of the dish.

Step 3: Crisp the Bacon and Sauté Garlic

In the same skillet (no need to wash — those chicken drippings are gold!), add the chopped bacon. Sauté over medium heat until the bacon becomes delectably crispy. Just as it finishes cooking, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute, unlocking its aroma without burning it.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan, heavy cream, and black pepper until smooth. This sauce is the heart of Chicken Carbonara, and it’s what gives the dish an irresistibly creamy yet light feel. Set the bowl by your stove so it’s ready to go.

Step 5: Combine Everything in the Skillet

Reduce your skillet heat to low (or even slide it off the stove for a second), then add the drained pasta right into the bacon and garlic mixture. Quickly pour in your egg-Parmesan mixture, and start tossing immediately—using tongs works wonders here—to coat every strand of pasta. If the sauce seems thick, add the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you have a silky consistency that clings to the noodles. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss just until everything is heated through.

Step 6: Serve with Garnish

Your Chicken Carbonara is best enjoyed straight from the skillet! Plate it up, then shower each serving with extra Parmesan and a sprinkling of fresh parsley. The bright green pop and cheesy snowcap take this cozy classic to new heights.

How to Serve Chicken Carbonara

Garnishes

Elevate every bowl of Chicken Carbonara with a flourish of freshly chopped parsley and an extra snowfall of grated Parmesan. These garnishes not only brighten up the presentation but add a fresh, savory finish that brings balance to the creamy richness.

Side Dishes

This hearty pasta is filling on its own, but you can round out the meal with a crisp green salad, buttery garlic bread, or delicate roasted vegetables. These lighter sides help cut through the decadence of the sauce and make the whole experience even more special.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping dinner, serve Chicken Carbonara in individual bowls swirled high with tongs, or twirl a generous portion onto plates with large serving forks for a restaurant-inspired touch. Add a sprinkle of microgreens or lemon zest for a fresh, modern twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, but a splash of milk or cream while reheating helps restore its original creaminess.

Freezing

Chicken Carbonara doesn’t freeze perfectly due to the egg-based sauce, which can sometimes separate upon thawing. If you do freeze it, use airtight containers and thaw overnight in the fridge for best results, then gently reheat with added cream to help bring it back together.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring constantly and adding a little cream or reserved pasta water until smooth. Avoid high heat to prevent the eggs from scrambling and the sauce from breaking.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie or leftover chicken in Chicken Carbonara?

Absolutely! Simply dice or shred the cooked chicken and add it in step 5 when returning the chicken to the pan. This is a great way to save time and reduce waste while still enjoying all the flavors of Chicken Carbonara.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream if I prefer it lighter?

You can swap in half-and-half or even whole milk for the heavy cream. The sauce will be a bit lighter and slightly less rich, but still absolutely delicious and creamy.

Can I make Chicken Carbonara gluten-free?

Yes, just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that all other ingredients (like bacon and Parmesan) are certified gluten-free. The sauce itself is gluten-free by nature!

Why did my eggs scramble instead of turning creamy?

This usually happens if the skillet is too hot when you add the egg mixture. Always reduce the heat to low (or remove from heat) and toss the pasta quickly to gently cook the eggs into a smooth sauce.

Can I use pancetta instead of bacon?

Absolutely! Pancetta is a traditional Italian cured pork and lends a slightly different, savory flavor to Chicken Carbonara. Just cube it and cook as you would the bacon in the recipe.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving comfort, flavor, and a touch of Italian restaurant romance all in one dish, you cannot go wrong with Chicken Carbonara. It’s surprisingly quick to prepare, endlessly satisfying, and always worthy of sharing. Give it a try — I can’t wait to hear how much you love it!

Chicken Carbonara Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy goodness of Chicken Carbonara, a delightful twist on the classic pasta dish. With tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a luscious Parmesan sauce, this Italian-American favorite is sure to become a regular on your dinner menu.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta:

12 ounces spaghetti or fettuccine

For the Chicken:

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

4 slices bacon, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 large eggs
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For Garnish:

Chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, season chicken with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Add minced garlic and sauté. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan, cream, and black pepper.
Combine: Reduce heat, return pasta to skillet, pour in egg mixture, toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water if needed. Stir in cooked chicken until heated through.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Enjoy!