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
Ingredients List for Chicken Carbonara
Main Ingredients:Dairy and Cheese:Seasonings and Herbs: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.
Season with:Cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked through.
Set aside with the bacon.
Step 4: Create Silky Carbonara Sauce
In a mixing bowl, blend: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
Fold in: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
Creative Carbonara Pasta Swaps
How to Present Chicken Carbonara
Carbonara Storage Know-How
FAQs
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.
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.
Replace chicken and bacon with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. The creamy parmesan sauce will still provide rich flavor.
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Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
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.
Ingredients
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)
Instructions
- Prepare spaghetti al dente according to package directions, then drain thoroughly and let rest.
- Render bacon in a large skillet until golden and crisp, creating a flavorful fat base; transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Sear chicken pieces in the residual bacon drippings over medium-high heat, seasoning with salt and black pepper until fully cooked and slightly caramelized.
- Whisk eggs, grated parmesan, and heavy cream in a separate mixing bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
- 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.
- Fold in crispy bacon and cooked chicken, gently stirring to distribute ingredients evenly and maintain a luxurious, glossy texture.
- 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
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.