Best-ever Chicken Carbonara Recipe: Creamy Italian Comfort

Creamy, decadent chicken carbonara has been tantalizing taste buds with its rich Italian flavors.

Silky pasta coated in a luxurious sauce speaks directly to comfort food lovers everywhere.

The traditional recipe gets a hearty upgrade when succulent chicken joins the party.

Crispy pancetta and perfectly cooked pasta create a symphony of textures that dance on your plate.

Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, salty note that elevates every single bite.

Authentic techniques combined with simple ingredients make this dish a weeknight winner.

Chicken Carbonara That’s Always a Hit

• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt this chicken carbonara by swapping chicken for pancetta or adding extra veggies for a personalized touch that suits your taste buds.
• Impress Without Stress: Master this restaurant-quality dish with simple steps that make you look like a pro chef without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family Dinner Champion: Packed with protein, creamy texture, and familiar flavors that kids and adults will love, this recipe transforms an ordinary meal into a delightful family feast.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare a delicious, satisfying dinner in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy professionals and hungry families craving a hearty, homemade meal.

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Carbonara

• Chicken: Tender meat that adds protein and substance to the pasta dish.
• Bacon: Crispy and flavorful ingredient that provides a smoky depth to the carbonara.

• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that creates a rich, creamy texture.
• Eggs: Crucial for creating the silky sauce base for the carbonara.
• Heavy Cream: Adds extra richness and smoothness to the sauce.

• Spaghetti: Classic pasta that perfectly captures the creamy sauce.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides a warm, pungent flavor to the dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing the overall flavor.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a bright, green garnish to the finished dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing chicken and bacon with a smooth, light flavor.
• Pasta Water: Starchy liquid that helps create a smooth and creamy sauce consistency.

Making Chicken Carbonara at Home

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt.

Bring the water to a rolling boil and cook spaghetti until it reaches al dente texture.

Carefully scoop out a cup of pasta water before draining the noodles in a colander.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Egg Mixture

In a mixing bowl, crack fresh eggs and whisk them together with grated parmesan cheese and rich heavy cream.

Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and well-combined.

Step 3: Sizzle Garlic and Chicken

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium flame.

Mince fresh garlic and sauté until it releases its aromatic fragrance.

Add diced chicken pieces and cook until they turn golden brown and develop a delicious crispy exterior.

Step 4: Crisp Up Bacon Bits

Toss chopped bacon into the skillet and cook until the pieces become wonderfully crisp and release their smoky flavor.

The bacon should have a delightful crunch and deep golden color.

Step 5: Create Silky Carbonara Sauce

Reduce the skillet’s heat to low.

Gently add the cooked spaghetti to the pan.

Slowly pour the egg mixture over the pasta, stirring rapidly to prevent the eggs from scrambling.

If the sauce seems too thick, gradually incorporate the reserved pasta water to achieve a luxuriously creamy consistency.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Chop fresh parsley and scatter it over the top for a burst of color and freshness.

Transfer to warm plates and serve immediately while the carbonara is hot and steaming.

Chicken Carbonara Cooking Tips

• Continuously stir the pasta and lower the heat when adding egg mixture to create a silky, smooth sauce without curdling.
• Save and use reserved pasta water to help emulsify the sauce, ensuring a perfectly creamy texture without dryness.
• Cook bacon until golden and crispy for maximum flavor and satisfying crunch in every bite of the carbonara.
• Sauté chicken at medium heat to achieve a beautiful golden color and lock in moisture for tender meat.
• Freshly grated parmesan provides richer flavor compared to pre-packaged cheese, elevating the overall taste of the dish.

Creative Twists for Carbonara Lovers

• Vegetarian Carbonara: Replace chicken and bacon with sautéed mushrooms and crispy tofu bacon for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use zucchini noodles or gluten-free spaghetti instead of traditional pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Lighter Cream Alternative: Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or low-fat milk to reduce calories and create a lighter sauce.
• Spicy Mediterranean Spin: Add red pepper flakes, sun-dried tomatoes, and swap parmesan with pecorino romano for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired carbonara.

Ways to Serve Chicken Carbonara

• Rustic Italian Feast Night: Pair this creamy carbonara with a crisp arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for a balanced meal that brings Italian countryside vibes to your dinner table.
• Cheese Lover’s Dream: Sprinkle extra parmesan and crispy pancetta bits on top to enhance the rich flavors and add delightful texture to each delectable bite.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the dish’s creamy profile with a chilled glass of crisp Pinot Grigio or a light Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the richness and elevates the entire dining experience.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining carbonara into a delicious next-day lunch by reheating gently with a splash of cream and topping with fresh herbs for renewed freshness.

Storage Tips for Chicken Carbonara

• Transfer leftover carbonara to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss.
• Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of pasta water or cream to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out.
• Warm the carbonara in a skillet over low heat, adding a little extra cream or pasta water to revive the sauce’s creamy texture. Stir gently to prevent breaking the sauce and maintain its smooth consistency.
• Skip freezing this dish, as eggs and cream can separate, causing the sauce to break and lose its original rich, silky texture when thawed.

FAQs

• How do I prevent the eggs from scrambling when making carbonara?

Continuously stir the pasta quickly and lower the heat when adding the egg mixture. This technique helps create a smooth, creamy sauce without curdling the eggs.

• Can I substitute ingredients in this carbonara recipe?

Yes, you can use pancetta instead of bacon, and swap heavy cream with milk or half-and-half. Different cheeses like pecorino romano can also work well in place of parmesan.

• Why is it important to reserve pasta water?

Pasta water contains starch that helps create a silky, smooth sauce. It allows you to adjust the sauce’s consistency and helps the egg mixture bind with the pasta more effectively.

• What’s the key to cooking the chicken perfectly?

Cook the chicken over medium heat until it turns golden brown. This ensures the meat is fully cooked and develops a nice flavor without becoming dry or tough.

Best-ever Chicken Carbonara Recipe

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4.9 from 32 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy Italian classic Chicken Carbonara brings Roman culinary magic to your kitchen with silky pasta and crispy pancetta. Rich parmesan and golden eggs blend perfectly, delivering comfort in each luxurious forkful you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti

Dairy and Egg Components:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook spaghetti until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Carefully reserve one cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
2. Craft a silky sauce by whisking eggs, finely grated parmesan, and rich cream in a separate mixing bowl until thoroughly combined and smooth.
3. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, then introduce minced garlic and sauté until aromatic, releasing its fragrant essence.
4. Add diced chicken to the skillet, cooking until each piece develops a golden-brown exterior and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Incorporate crispy bacon pieces into the skillet, allowing them to render their smoky flavor and create a robust base for the carbonara.
6. Reduce heat to low and introduce cooked spaghetti to the skillet, gently tossing to distribute chicken and bacon evenly.
7. Stream the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, rapidly stirring to create a luxurious, creamy coating without allowing eggs to scramble.
8. Gradually introduce reserved pasta water to achieve a velvety, glossy texture, adjusting consistency as needed.
9. Season generously with freshly cracked black pepper and kosher salt, ensuring balanced flavors throughout the dish.
10. Finish by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley across the top and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Prevent egg scrambling by tempering the mixture gradually with hot pasta, stirring continuously to create smooth, silky sauce.
• Use room temperature eggs for better sauce integration and smoother texture when combining with hot ingredients.
• Opt for pancetta instead of bacon for a more authentic Italian carbonara flavor profile, enhancing the traditional recipe’s richness.
• Consider gluten-free pasta options for those with dietary restrictions, ensuring the dish remains accessible and delicious for everyone.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 665 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 39 g
• Cholesterol: 195 mg