Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe: A Dreamy Italian Classic

Crafting a mouthwatering chicken carbonara sparks culinary magic in your kitchen.

Creamy textures and rich flavors dance together on a perfectly twirled fork.

Classic italian traditions merge with contemporary cooking techniques in this delightful dish.

Pasta lovers appreciate the delicate balance of crisp pancetta and tender chicken pieces.

Silky egg-based sauce coats each strand with luxurious complexity.

Home cooks can easily master this elegant meal with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.

You’ll fall in love with every delectable bite of this irresistible comfort food.

Chicken Carbonara Leftovers: Keep Them Just Right

• Refrigerate: Store chicken carbonara in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Transfer to freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing if pasta is already mixed with sauce to prevent texture changes.
• Microwave Reheating: Place portion in microwave-safe dish, add splash of chicken broth or milk to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when steaming hot.
• Stovetop Reheating: Warm pasta in skillet over medium-low heat. Add extra chicken broth or cream to prevent drying. Stir gently until heated through, about 3-5 minutes.

Chicken Carbonara Questions? Let’s Clear Them Up

• Is chicken carbonara traditionally Italian?

No, classic carbonara is made with pancetta or guanciale, not chicken. This version is an Americanized adaptation that uses chicken for a lighter protein option.

• Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour alternative when thickening the sauce.

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine are ideal. These longer pasta types help the creamy sauce coat each strand evenly.

• How can I add more flavor to the dish?

Consider adding red pepper flakes for heat, using smoked bacon instead of regular bacon, or incorporating fresh herbs like basil or thyme for extra depth.

Why Chicken Carbonara Deserves a Spot on Your Table

• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like bacon for ham or use different pasta shapes to match your taste and pantry availability.
• One-Pan Wonder: Prepare the entire dish in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and making cooking stress-free for busy home chefs.
• Family Comfort Meal: Creamy sauce, tender chicken, and crispy bacon create a universally appealing dish that satisfies both kids and adults.
• Quick Weeknight Solution: Requires minimal preparation steps and uses common ingredients, perfect for a delicious dinner when time is limited.

What You Need for Chicken Carbonara Magic

• Chicken: Tender, golden-brown protein that adds a hearty texture to the carbonara.
• Bacon: Crispy meat that provides a smoky and salty flavor to the dish.

• Parmesan Cheese: Rich, sharp cheese that creates a creamy and tangy sauce.
• Milk: Smooth liquid that helps create a silky sauce base.
• Heavy Cream: Luxurious dairy component that adds richness and thickness to the sauce.

• Pasta: Classic base of the dish that absorbs the creamy sauce.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and flavor to the sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that helps adjust sauce consistency and adds depth.
• Butter: Provides a rich, smooth foundation for cooking and flavor.
• Flour: Thickening agent that helps create a smooth and creamy sauce.

• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a bright, green color and light herbal note to the dish.

How to Cook Creamy Chicken Carbonara Easily

Step 1: Sizzle Chicken Cubes

Heat a skillet and melt butter over medium warmth. Toss in chicken pieces and season generously with salt and pepper.

Cook until the edges turn golden and crispy. Transfer the cooked chicken to a separate plate.

Step 2: Wake Up Garlic

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until it releases its aromatic magic and becomes fragrant.

Step 3: Craft Silky Sauce

• Milk
• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Flour

Whisk everything until perfectly smooth.

Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer, allowing it to thicken into a luxurious sauce.

Step 4: Cheese Magic

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring continuously until it melts into a creamy dream.

If the sauce feels too thick, splash in extra chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Pasta Perfection

Cook pasta following package directions.

Drain completely and introduce the pasta to your dreamy sauce, tossing until every strand is beautifully coated.

Step 6: Final Fusion

• Bacon
• Chicken

Ensure everything gets an even sauce embrace.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and add an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese for a restaurant-worthy finish.

Tips to Nail Chicken Carbonara Every Time

• Swap chicken with tofu or plant-based protein for a vegetarian version that maintains the creamy, comforting texture.
• Control sauce thickness by gradually adding chicken broth, ensuring a silky, not runny consistency.
• Prevent pasta from sticking by stirring frequently and adding a splash of pasta water during cooking.
• Select high-quality Parmesan cheese for richer, more authentic flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve perfect golden-brown caramelization and prevent steaming.

Flavor Swaps for Chicken Carbonara You’ll Love

• Vegetarian Carbonara: Replace chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a plant-based version.
• Seafood Carbonara: Swap chicken for shrimp or scallops, adding a maritime flavor profile to the classic recipe.
• Spicy Carbonara: Incorporate red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to give the dish a kick of heat and extra complexity.
• Mediterranean Carbonara: Mix in sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired culinary experience.

What to Serve with Chicken Carbonara Tonight

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or pinot grigio to complement the creamy sauce and cut through the richness of the chicken carbonara.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Create a perfect side by toasting crusty bread with garlic butter, which echoes the garlic notes in the pasta and provides a crunchy texture contrast.
• Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Toss a light salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy cream sauce and add a bright, peppery element to the meal.
• Enhance with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a colorful side of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes to add nutritional variety and fresh flavor that complements the pasta's richness.

Chicken Carbonara Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken carbonara delivers Italian comfort straight to dinner tables with irresistible charm. Rich parmesan, crispy pancetta, and silky pasta combine in one elegant meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 5 strips bacon, cooked and diced

Starch:

• 1 pound (454 grams) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or bowtie)
• 3 tablespoons flour

Flavoring and Sauce Ingredients:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth (plus extra if needed)
• 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese shavings
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium temperature and gently melt butter until it shimmers.
2. Add chicken pieces, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook until edges turn golden and crisp, approximately 6-7 minutes. Remove and reserve.
3. In the same skillet, introduce minced garlic and sauté until aromatic, releasing its fragrant essence.
4. Whisk together milk, heavy cream, chicken broth, and flour, creating a silky smooth mixture without lumps.
5. Reduce heat to low and allow sauce to simmer, stirring occasionally until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, roughly 5-6 minutes.
6. Incorporate Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until completely melted and sauce achieves a luxurious, creamy consistency.
7. Meanwhile, prepare pasta according to package directions, ensuring it reaches an al dente texture.
8. Drain pasta and immediately transfer into the prepared sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete coating.
9. Fold in crispy bacon pieces and previously cooked chicken, distributing ingredients evenly throughout the dish.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley and an optional sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor and presentation.

Notes

• Enhance flavor by marinating chicken in herbs like rosemary or thyme before cooking for deeper taste profiles.
• Ensure chicken is thoroughly cooked by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F to prevent foodborne illness.
• Create a lighter version by substituting heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for reduced calories.
• Customize for vegetarian diets by replacing chicken with roasted mushrooms or plant-based protein alternatives like tofu cubes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg