Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe: A Homestyle Italian Classic

Creamy, luxurious pasta dishes have a special way of winning hearts, and this best chicken carbonara recipe delivers pure culinary magic.

Rich parmesan and crispy pancetta dance together in a silky sauce that hugs every strand of pasta.

Tender chicken pieces elevate this classic Italian favorite to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Authentic flavors blend seamlessly with simple, high-quality ingredients you likely have in your kitchen.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of savory chicken, smoky bacon, and velvety eggs whisked into a heavenly cream.

This recipe transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into a restaurant-worthy experience.

One bite, and you’ll understand why this chicken carbonara has become a beloved comfort food for so many.

Cooking This Carbonara Like a Pro

Step 1: Boil Perfect Pasta

Grab your spaghetti and cook it in salted boiling water until it reaches that ideal al dente texture.

Before draining, scoop out a cup of the starchy pasta water – this liquid gold will be your secret weapon for creating a silky sauce later.

Step 2: Transform Bacon Into Crispy Magic

Toss bacon into a hot skillet and let it sizzle until it turns deliciously crisp and golden.

Once done, transfer the bacon to a plate, keeping all those flavorful drippings in the pan.

Step 3: Sear Succulent Chicken

• Chicken strips
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper

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

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Sauce Base

• Egg yolks
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese
• Heavy cream (optional but recommended)

Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and inviting.

Step 5: Marry Pasta and Protein

Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the chicken.

Remove from heat to prevent scrambling the eggs.

Step 6: Create Luxurious Sauce

Gradually pour the egg mixture over the pasta, gently tossing to coat every strand.

If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to achieve a dreamy, creamy consistency.

Step 7: Final Flourish

Sprinkle crispy bacon pieces over the pasta.

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve immediately while hot and gloriously creamy.

Chicken Carbonara Tips for Home Cooks

• Reserve pasta water before draining to create silky, creamy sauce that helps ingredients blend smoothly.
• Cook bacon until perfectly crispy, keeping the rendered fat for extra flavor infusion into chicken and pasta.
• Remove skillet from heat before adding egg mixture to prevent accidentally scrambling the delicate sauce.
• Toss pasta gently with egg mixture off direct heat to ensure a smooth, luxurious carbonara texture.
• Serve immediately after mixing to maintain optimal temperature and sauce consistency for the most delicious experience.

Fresh Twists for Carbonara Pasta

• Vegetarian Carbonara: Replace chicken and bacon with sautéed mushrooms and smoked tofu, using vegetable broth instead of bacon grease for flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap spaghetti with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta, maintaining the same creamy sauce technique.
• Lighter Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, turkey bacon instead of regular bacon, and add more herbs like basil and thyme for extra flavor.
• Spicy Mediterranean Spin: Add red pepper flakes, swap parmesan with pecorino romano, and include sun-dried tomatoes for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired carbonara.

Ways to Plate the Best Chicken Carbonara

• Pasta Party Platter: Create a stunning centerpiece by arranging the carbonara on a large wooden board with extra parmesan, fresh parsley sprigs, and crispy bacon bits scattered around for guests to customize their plates.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the rich, creamy carbonara with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay that cuts through the dish's heaviness and enhances its delicate flavors.
• Fresh Side Salad: Balance the indulgent pasta with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, adding a zesty contrast to the creamy carbonara and providing a refreshing palate cleanser.

Storing the Best Carbonara for Later

• Store leftover carbonara in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer carbonara to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks. Pasta might slightly change texture upon thawing.
• Warm carbonara in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of pasta water or cream to restore creaminess. Stir continuously to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add a little milk or cream to maintain sauce consistency and prevent drying out.

FAQs

• Is carbonara traditionally made with chicken?

Traditional carbonara is made with pancetta or guanciale, not chicken. This recipe is a modern adaptation that adds chicken for extra protein and flavor.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

While spaghetti is classic, you can use other long pasta like linguine or fettuccine. Just ensure the pasta can hold the creamy sauce well.

• How do I prevent the eggs from scrambling?

Remove the skillet from heat before adding egg mixture and mix quickly. The residual heat will gently cook the eggs without scrambling, creating a smooth, creamy sauce.

• What if my sauce is too thick?

Use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce. Add a little at a time while stirring until you reach the desired creamy consistency.

Chicken Carbonara That’s the Best Yet

• Whip Up Quick Comfort: This chicken carbonara delivers delicious, creamy satisfaction with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
• Master Chef-Level Taste: Transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that impresses family and guests without requiring professional cooking skills.
• Customize Your Cuisine: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping chicken for other proteins, adjusting spice levels, or adding extra vegetables to suit personal preferences.
• Budget-Friendly Gourmet: Create a luxurious-tasting pasta dish using affordable, accessible ingredients that won't break the bank but still taste incredibly rich.

What’s in the Best Chicken Carbonara

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

• Chicken Strips: Tender pieces of chicken that add lean protein and hearty flavor to the recipe.
• Bacon: Crispy pork bacon that delivers a rich, smoky taste and crunchy texture.

• Egg Yolks: Rich and silky ingredients that create the signature smooth carbonara sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sharp and salty Italian cheese that adds depth and creaminess to the dish.
• Heavy Cream (Optional): A luxurious ingredient that increases the sauce's richness and smoothness.

• Garlic, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that boost the overall flavor profile of the chicken and sauce.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright green herb that provides a fresh garnish and subtle herbal note.

Best Chicken Carbonara Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

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

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Description

Irresistible chicken carbonara elevates classic Italian comfort with silky pasta and crispy pancetta. Rich parmesan and creamy eggs create a luxurious sauce that transports you straight to Rome’s charming trattorias.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Protein:

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 3 large egg yolks

Pasta and Dairy:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare spaghetti in boiling water until al dente, keeping 1 cup of starchy liquid before straining.
2. Render bacon in a hot skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden, then transfer to a paper towel, preserving the rendered fat.
3. Sauté chicken strips with finely chopped garlic in the bacon drippings, seasoning with salt and cracked black pepper until thoroughly cooked and caramelized.
4. Whisk egg yolks with grated parmesan cheese and optional heavy cream in a separate mixing bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
5. Transfer hot pasta directly into the skillet with chicken, removing from heat to prevent egg scrambling.
6. Gradually incorporate egg mixture into pasta, continuously tossing to create a silky, creamy sauce, adding reserved pasta water incrementally to maintain desired consistency.
7. Crumble crispy bacon over the dish, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley for brightness, and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Timing is crucial when combining egg mixture with hot pasta to prevent scrambling. Remove skillet from heat before adding to ensure smooth, silky sauce.
• For gluten-free version, swap traditional spaghetti with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives.
• Ensure chicken is thoroughly cooked by using a meat thermometer, checking internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Create a lighter version by using turkey bacon and Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, reducing overall calorie content while maintaining rich flavor profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 720 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 630 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 48 g
• Cholesterol: 290 mg