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
In the same skillet with bacon drippings, add:Cook until the chicken develops a beautiful golden-brown exterior and is completely cooked through.
Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Sauce Base
In a mixing bowl, blend together: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
Fresh Twists for Carbonara Pasta
Ways to Plate the Best Chicken Carbonara
Storing the Best Carbonara for Later
FAQs
Traditional carbonara is made with pancetta or guanciale, not chicken. This recipe is a modern adaptation that adds chicken for extra protein and flavor.
While spaghetti is classic, you can use other long pasta like linguine or fettuccine. Just ensure the pasta can hold the creamy sauce well.
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.
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
What’s in the Best Chicken Carbonara
Pasta Base:Protein Components:Creamy and Flavor Enhancers:Aromatics and Seasonings: Print
Best Chicken Carbonara Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
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.
Ingredients
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)
Instructions
- Prepare spaghetti in boiling water until al dente, keeping 1 cup of starchy liquid before straining.
- Render bacon in a hot skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden, then transfer to a paper towel, preserving the rendered fat.
- Sauté chicken strips with finely chopped garlic in the bacon drippings, seasoning with salt and cracked black pepper until thoroughly cooked and caramelized.
- Whisk egg yolks with grated parmesan cheese and optional heavy cream in a separate mixing bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
- Transfer hot pasta directly into the skillet with chicken, removing from heat to prevent egg scrambling.
- Gradually incorporate egg mixture into pasta, continuously tossing to create a silky, creamy sauce, adding reserved pasta water incrementally to maintain desired consistency.
- 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
Michael Reyes
Founder & Lead Recipe Developer
Expertise
Education
Santa Fe Community College
Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.