Creamy Dream: The Best Chicken Carbonara Recipe Ever

Crafting the ultimate chicken carbonara demands creativity and a dash of culinary magic.

Pasta lovers understand the subtle art of balancing creamy textures with rich flavors.

My grandmother’s secret techniques transformed this classic Italian dish into something extraordinary.

Authentic ingredients make all the difference when preparing such a beloved recipe.

Parmesan cheese, crispy pancetta, and perfectly cooked chicken create a symphony of taste.

We’ll walk through each step to ensure your carbonara emerges deliciously authentic.

Prepare to impress everyone at your dinner table with this mouthwatering masterpiece.

Chicken Carbonara: Reasons To Make This Tonight

• Speedily Satisfy Cravings: Whip up this restaurant-quality chicken carbonara in minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when hunger strikes.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like bacon for pancetta or add vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours, catering to different taste preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with protein, this dish brings everyone to the table with its irresistible blend of classic Italian flavors and hearty chicken.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize cleanup with a single skillet cooking method that transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious meal without complicated techniques.

All The Ingredients For Chicken Carbonara

• Spaghetti: A classic Italian pasta that serves as the foundation for this creamy carbonara dish.

• Chicken Strips: Tender pieces of chicken that add a hearty protein element to the recipe.
• Bacon: Crispy pork that provides a smoky and rich flavor profile.
• Eggs: The key to creating the signature silky sauce of carbonara.

• Parmesan Cheese: A sharp and salty cheese that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, luxurious sauce texture.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Essential for cooking and seasoning the chicken and creating a base flavor.
• Garlic: Provides a pungent and aromatic depth to the dish.

• Parsley: A fresh herb that adds a bright and colorful finishing touch.

• Pasta Water: Reserved cooking water that helps create a perfect creamy consistency for the sauce.

How To Make Chicken Carbonara Like A Pro

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.

Drop spaghetti into the water and cook until perfectly al dente.

Before draining, carefully scoop out some pasta water and set aside for later magic.

Step 2: Sizzle Chicken

Heat a generous splash of olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat.

Toss chicken strips into the pan, seasoning generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

Cook until the chicken develops a beautiful golden-brown exterior and is fully cooked through.

Transfer the chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Crisp Bacon Bits

Using the same skillet, cook bacon until it transforms into crunchy, irresistible golden pieces.

Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around the pan for about a minute, releasing its aromatic goodness.

Step 4: Whip Creamy Sauce

In a mixing bowl, crack eggs and whisk them together with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and rich, velvety heavy cream.

Blend until the mixture looks smooth and inviting.

Step 5: Combine and Toss

Remove the skillet from heat.

Slide the cooked pasta, seared chicken, and crispy bacon into the pan.

Quickly pour in the creamy egg mixture, stirring rapidly to prevent the eggs from scrambling.

Add reserved pasta water splash by splash to create a silky, luxurious sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Serve the carbonara immediately while it’s steaming hot and gloriously creamy.

Pro Tips For Creamy Chicken Carbonara

• Save and use the reserved pasta water to create a silky, smooth sauce that perfectly coats each strand of spaghetti.
• Temper the egg mixture by removing the skillet from heat before stirring to prevent scrambling and ensure a creamy texture.
• Swap chicken with other proteins like shrimp, turkey, or tofu for a personalized twist on the classic carbonara.
• Cook bacon until extra crispy to add a delightful crunch and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the most authentic and rich flavor compared to pre-packaged options.

Fun Chicken Carbonara Variations To Try

• Vegetarian Carbonara: Replace chicken and bacon with sautéed mushrooms and crispy tofu cubes. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional spaghetti with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta made from rice or chickpea flour. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Use spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash as pasta replacement. Keep chicken for protein and reduce cream quantity for lighter sauce.
• Mediterranean Style: Add sun-dried tomatoes, swap bacon for pancetta, and incorporate fresh basil instead of parsley for a Mediterranean-inspired carbonara experience.

Chicken Carbonara – Ways To Serve

• Fresh Herb Sprinkle: Top your carbonara with finely chopped fresh parsley or basil for a bright, aromatic finish that adds color and a burst of flavor.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Grate extra Parmesan cheese directly over the hot pasta just before serving to create a melty, rich layer that enhances the creamy texture.
• Side Salad Companion: Pair the carbonara with a crisp arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Serve with a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy, savory flavors of the carbonara.

Storing Leftover Chicken Carbonara With Care

• Transfer leftover carbonara to an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality and safety.
• Pack carbonara in freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 weeks, but note that cream-based sauces may slightly separate upon thawing.
• Gently warm carbonara in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of pasta water or cream to restore creamy texture. Stir continuously to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and maintain sauce consistency.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other long pasta like linguine or fettuccine. Choose pasta with a similar shape that can hold the creamy sauce well.

• Is it safe to add raw eggs to the dish?

The hot pasta and skillet will gently cook the eggs, creating a creamy sauce. Just be sure to remove the skillet from heat before mixing to prevent scrambling.

• What can I do if my sauce is too thick?

Add the reserved pasta water gradually while stirring. The starchy water helps create a smooth, silky texture and helps the sauce coat the pasta evenly.

• Can I make this recipe without bacon?

Absolutely! You can replace bacon with pancetta, or skip it entirely for a lighter chicken carbonara. The dish will still be delicious with the creamy egg and cheese sauce.

Best Chicken Carbonara Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy Italian classic Chicken Carbonara invites passionate home cooks into a world of silky pasta and rich flavors. Parmesan-dusted noodles with crispy pancetta create a comforting meal you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts (sliced into strips)
• 8 ounces (226 grams) spaghetti
• 4 slices bacon (chopped)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Flavor Enhancers:

• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente at 8-9 minutes, carefully extracting 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature around 375°F, searing chicken strips with salt and black pepper until they develop a golden-brown exterior and reach 165°F internal temperature.
3. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate, then use the same skillet to crisp bacon until edges turn deep mahogany and texture becomes crunchy.
4. Reduce skillet heat to medium-low, quickly sautéing minced garlic for 30-45 seconds to release aromatic flavors without burning.
5. Whisk eggs, grated Parmesan, and heavy cream in a separate bowl until smooth and fully integrated, creating a silky sauce base.
6. Combine hot pasta, seared chicken, and crispy bacon in the skillet, immediately removing from heat to prevent egg scrambling.
7. Pour egg mixture over hot ingredients, rapidly stirring and incorporating reserved pasta water to create a luxurious, glossy coating that clings to each strand.
8. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the dish for vibrant color and herbaceous brightness, serving immediately to maintain optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

• Save that starchy liquid gold to help create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to every strand of spaghetti.
• Remove the skillet from heat before adding egg mixture to prevent scrambling, ensuring a luxurious, creamy texture.
• Swap chicken with turkey, shrimp, or tofu for different dietary preferences without compromising the dish’s rich flavor profile.
• Use dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast and coconut cream to make the carbonara suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 650 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 190 mg