Irresistible Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe for Pasta Lovers

Pasta nights reach new heights with this irresistible chicken carbonara that blends classic Italian flavors into a mouthwatering meal.

Rich, silky sauce coats every strand of perfectly cooked pasta, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Crispy pancetta adds a salty crunch that complements the tender chicken pieces nestled throughout the dish.

Authentic ingredients like pecorino romano and freshly cracked black pepper elevate this comfort food to restaurant-quality status.

Each forkful promises a creamy, indulgent experience that transports you straight to the heart of Rome.

The combination of simple ingredients transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

You’ll find this recipe becomes an instant favorite that sparks joy around the dinner table.

Creamy Chicken Carbonara – What Sets It Apart

• Whip Up a Comforting Meal: This chicken carbonara delivers ultimate satisfaction with its rich, creamy texture and hearty ingredients that make every bite pure comfort.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Using just one skillet and minimal ingredients, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an impressive dish that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Combination: Crispy bacon, tender chicken, and silky parmesan cream sauce create a harmonious blend that appeals to everyone from kids to adults, making it perfect for family dinners.
• Master Restaurant-Quality Cooking: Home cooks can easily elevate their culinary skills by creating a restaurant-worthy pasta dish that impresses with minimal cooking techniques and professional-level results.

Ingredients List for Chicken Carbonara

• Spaghetti: A classic pasta that serves as the perfect base for this creamy carbonara dish.
• Chicken: Tender protein cubes that add substance and flavor to the recipe.
• Bacon: Crispy meat that provides a rich, smoky element to the dish.
• Eggs: Essential for creating the signature creamy sauce of carbonara.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the carbonara.
• Heavy Cream: Helps create a smooth and luxurious sauce texture.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and bacon.
• Parsley: Fresh herb used as a garnish to add a pop of color and mild freshness to the final dish.

Cooking Creamy Carbonara Step by Step

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente.

Drain and let it rest while preparing other ingredients.

Step 2: Crisp Up Bacon Bits

Cook bacon in a large skillet until golden and crunchy.

Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, keeping some bacon drippings in the pan for extra flavor.

Step 3: Sear Succulent Chicken

Add chicken pieces to the same skillet with bacon drippings.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

Cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked through.

Set aside with the bacon.

Step 4: Create Silky Carbonara Sauce

• Eggs
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Heavy cream
• Freshly ground black pepper

Whisk until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Return pasta to the skillet over low heat.

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

The residual heat will create a creamy texture without scrambling the eggs.

Step 6: Combine All Delicious Elements

• Crispy bacon
• Cooked chicken

Stir gently to distribute ingredients evenly and create a luxurious, creamy coating.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Transfer to serving plates.

Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and additional parmesan cheese.

Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Helpful Tips for Chicken Carbonara

• Whisk egg mixture off heat and add gradually to prevent curdling, ensuring smooth and silky sauce.
• Lower skillet heat when adding egg mixture, stirring constantly to create creamy texture without scrambling eggs.
• Use fresh parmesan cheese and high-quality heavy cream for rich, authentic carbonara flavor.
• Substitute bacon with pancetta or turkey bacon for different dietary preferences without losing traditional taste.
• Cook pasta al dente and reserve some pasta water to help create perfect sauce consistency if mixture seems dry.

Creative Carbonara Pasta Swaps

• Vegetarian Carbonara: Replace chicken and bacon with sautéed mushrooms and plant-based bacon bits for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free spaghetti or zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Lighter Cream Version: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories and fat content.
• Spicy Mediterranean Spin: Add red pepper flakes, sun-dried tomatoes, and swap parmesan with pecorino romano for a zesty flavor profile.

How to Present Chicken Carbonara

• Pasta Party Platter: Serve this carbonara on a large, rustic wooden board with extra parmesan and fresh parsley scattered on top for a stunning family-style presentation.
• Cozy Comfort Combo: Pair the creamy pasta with a crisp side salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish and add fresh textures.
• Wine Lover's Delight: Complement the carbonara with a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which cuts through the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Bread Basket Bonus: Add warm, crusty garlic bread or toasted ciabatta slices on the side to soak up the delicious sauce and complete the meal.

Carbonara Storage Know-How

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, keeping the carbonara separate from garnishes.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, add small splash of cream or milk to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying.
• Warm carbonara in skillet over low heat, adding tablespoon of cream or chicken broth to restore creamy texture. Gently stir to prevent sauce from separating or scrambling.
• Not recommended due to cream-based sauce, which can separate and lose original texture when thawed. Fresh preparation is better than freezing this delicate pasta dish.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other long pasta like fettuccine or linguine. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente for the best texture.

• Is it safe to use raw eggs in this recipe?

The eggs will be slightly cooked by the residual heat of the pasta, but if you’re concerned, use pasteurized eggs or gently cook the egg mixture while stirring to ensure food safety.

• How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace chicken and bacon with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. The creamy parmesan sauce will still provide rich flavor.

Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

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

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Description

Culinary magic happens when classic Italian Creamy Chicken Carbonara meets modern kitchen creativity. Rich parmesan, crispy pancetta, and tender chicken unite in a silky sauce that will entice dinner companions and leave plates sparkling clean.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
• 4 slices bacon (diced)
• 2 large eggs

Pasta and Dairy:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Herbs:

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

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Instructions

1. Prepare spaghetti al dente according to package directions, then drain thoroughly and let rest.
2. Render bacon in a large skillet until golden and crisp, creating a flavorful fat base; transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
3. Sear chicken pieces in the residual bacon drippings over medium-high heat, seasoning with salt and black pepper until fully cooked and slightly caramelized.
4. Whisk eggs, grated parmesan, and heavy cream in a separate mixing bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
5. Reduce skillet heat to low, return pasta to the pan, and carefully pour the creamy egg mixture, continuously tossing to prevent scrambling and create a silky sauce.
6. Fold in crispy bacon and cooked chicken, gently stirring to distribute ingredients evenly and maintain a luxurious, glossy texture.
7. Immediately plate the carbonara, allowing residual heat to slightly thicken the sauce, and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Save some pasta water before draining, which helps create a smoother, silkier sauce by adding starch to help emulsify ingredients.
• Temper eggs carefully when adding to hot pasta to prevent scrambling by slowly introducing hot pasta while continuously whisking.
• Consider using pancetta instead of bacon for a more traditional Italian carbonara flavor profile with less smoky intensity.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, reducing overall calorie content while maintaining creamy texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 580 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 165 mg