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
Scale
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