The Best Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe Everyone Will Love

Crafting an authentic chicken carbonara requires skill and passion for traditional Italian cuisine.

My love for creamy pasta dishes started during a memorable trip through Rome’s charming neighborhoods.

Classic ingredients merge beautifully in this delectable chicken carbonara recipe that promises restaurant-quality results at home.

Crispy pancetta and tender chicken create a luxurious protein combination rarely found in typical versions.

Silky egg-based sauce coats perfectly al dente pasta, delivering rich flavors in every single bite.

Professional chefs might guard their secrets, but I’m excited to share this straightforward method with you.

Let’s transform simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will impress even the most discerning palates.

Ingredients Needed For Chicken Carbonara Dish

• Spaghetti: A classic Italian pasta that serves as the base for this creamy carbonara dish.
• Chicken: Protein-rich meat that adds hearty flavor and substance to the recipe.
• Bacon: Provides a smoky and salty element that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Egg Yolks: Creates a rich and creamy texture for the carbonara sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese, Heavy Cream: Contribute to the luxurious and smooth consistency of the sauce.

• Garlic, Salt, Black Pepper, Fresh Parsley: Offer depth of flavor, enhance the seasoning, and provide a fresh garnish to the final dish.

• Olive Oil, Pasta Water: Help in cooking the chicken, creating a silky sauce, and ensuring proper pasta consistency.

How To Prepare Chicken Carbonara Perfectly

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente.

Before draining, scoop out a cup of pasta water to help create a silky sauce later.

Step 2: Sear Chicken Chunks

Heat olive oil in a large skillet.

Cook chicken pieces until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked through.

Transfer chicken to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 3: Crisp Bacon Bits

In the same skillet, cook bacon until it becomes wonderfully crispy.

Add minced garlic and saute for one minute to release its aromatic flavors.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Sauce

• Egg yolks
• Parmesan cheese
• Heavy cream

Slowly blend in reserved pasta water to develop a smooth, creamy consistency.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Flavors

Add spaghetti into the skillet with bacon and garlic.

Pour the sauce over the pasta and toss gently to ensure every strand is coated evenly.

Step 6: Reunite Chicken with Pasta

Fold the cooked chicken back into the skillet.

Stir gently over low heat for 1-2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.

Step 7: Final Touches

Season with salt and black pepper.

Sprinkle fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

Enjoy your restaurant-quality meal!

Pro Tips To Elevate Chicken Carbonara Recipe

• Temper egg yolks by slowly adding hot pasta water while whisking constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce without curdling.
• Cook bacon until perfectly crispy but not burnt, removing it from the skillet before adding garlic to prevent bitter flavors.
• Always reserve pasta water before draining – its starchy nature helps bind the sauce and creates a silky texture for the carbonara.
• Gently stir the pasta over low heat to thicken the sauce without overcooking the eggs, ensuring a velvety, restaurant-quality consistency.
• Substitute chicken with pancetta, turkey, or skip meat entirely for a vegetarian version by adding extra garlic and using vegetable broth.

Variations For Creamy Chicken Carbonara Dish

• Vegetarian Carbonara: Replace chicken and bacon with sautéed mushrooms and vegetarian bacon bits for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free spaghetti or zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add red pepper flakes, sun-dried tomatoes, and swap Parmesan for pecorino cheese to create a bolder flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute spaghetti with cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables for a lighter, carbohydrate-reduced meal.

Serving Suggestions For Chicken Carbonara

• Rustic Italian Feast: Serve the carbonara family-style on a large wooden board with crusty bread and a simple green salad for a complete meal.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the rich, creamy pasta with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay to balance the dish's heaviness.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or basil just before serving to add brightness and a pop of color that enhances the carbonara's presentation.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining carbonara into a delicious frittata by mixing with eggs and baking, creating a delightful next-day lunch option.

Storage Guidelines For Chicken Carbonara Dish

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the carbonara will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled carbonara to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Frozen pasta can last up to 2 months, but texture might slightly change upon thawing.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute warmth evenly.
• Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to restore sauce's creamy consistency. Stir continuously to prevent sticking and maintain smooth texture.

FAQs

• Why use egg yolks in carbonara sauce?

Egg yolks create a rich, creamy texture and help thicken the sauce without using heavy cream, giving the dish its signature silky smooth consistency.

• Can I substitute bacon with another meat?

Pancetta is the traditional Italian choice, but you can also use guanciale or prosciutto for authentic flavor. Each meat will slightly alter the dish’s taste profile.

• How do I prevent the eggs from scrambling?

Temper the egg mixture by gradually adding hot pasta water while whisking constantly. This slowly raises the egg temperature and prevents sudden curdling.

• Is this recipe considered authentic Italian carbonara?

Traditional carbonara doesn’t include chicken, but this version is a delicious American-style adaptation that adds protein and enhances the classic recipe.

Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara Made Simple

• Quick Comfort Food Magic: Combine protein-packed chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy sauce for a satisfying meal that delivers maximum flavor in minimal time.
• Family Dinner Champion: Create a crowd-pleasing recipe that appeals to both kids and adults, offering a perfect balance of protein and rich, comforting flavors.
• Versatile Weeknight Winner: Adapt easily with pantry staples, making this dish a go-to solution for unexpected dinner challenges or last-minute meal planning.

Best-ever Chicken Carbonara Recipe

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4.5 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy carbonara brings classic Italian comfort straight to your kitchen with silky pasta and crispy pancetta. Perfectly balanced flavors and simple ingredients make this dish a quick weeknight dinner that satisfies hearty appetites with authentic Roman elegance.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 large chicken breasts, cubed
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 3 large egg yolks

Pasta and Dairy:

• 300 grams (10.5 ounces) spaghetti
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream

Seasonings and Extras:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Boil spaghetti in salted water according to package directions at high heat. Carefully extract 1 cup of pasta water before straining.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Sear chicken cubes until achieving golden-brown exterior and ensuring complete internal cooking. Transfer protein to a separate plate.
3. Utilize the same skillet to render bacon until achieving crisp texture. Introduce minced garlic and quickly sauté for approximately 60 seconds.
4. Prepare sauce by whisking egg yolks, grated Parmesan, and heavy cream in a mixing vessel. Incrementally incorporate reserved pasta water to develop a silky, uniform consistency.
5. Transfer drained spaghetti into skillet containing bacon and garlic. Cascade prepared sauce over pasta, methodically coating each strand through gentle tossing movements.
6. Integrate previously cooked chicken into pasta mixture. Delicately fold ingredients while maintaining low heat for 1-2 minutes, allowing sauce to slightly thicken and harmonize flavors.
7. Enhance dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to personal preference. Complete presentation by sprinkling chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese as elegant garnish.

Notes

• Prevent scrambling eggs by tempering the sauce gradually and stirring constantly while adding hot pasta water.
• Choose high-quality Parmesan cheese for richer, more authentic flavor and smoother sauce consistency.
• use more egg whites and less heavy cream to reduce calories.
• Cook bacon until perfectly crispy but not burnt to maintain a balanced smoky flavor without bitterness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 565 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 210 mg