Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe

Short Description

This Creamy Chicken Carbonara is a rich and indulgent pasta dish made with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a luscious Parmesan-egg sauce. Perfect for an easy yet impressive dinner!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and creamy – A decadent sauce made with eggs, Parmesan, and cream
• Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes
• Comfort food classic – A satisfying and flavorful pasta dish
• Customizable – Adjust ingredients to your preference
• Great for special occasions – A restaurant-quality meal at home

this Recipe

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Carbonara:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
• Spaghetti or fettuccine
• Bacon, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Egg yolks
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Black pepper
• Salt
• Olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta – Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Cook the bacon – In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving some bacon fat in the pan.
3. Cook the chicken – In the same pan, heat olive oil and cook diced chicken until golden brown. Remove from heat.
4. Sauté garlic – Add minced garlic to the pan and cook until fragrant.
5. Make the sauce – In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and a bit of reserved pasta water.
6. Combine everything – Add cooked pasta, bacon, and chicken back into the pan. Pour in the sauce and toss quickly to coat. Use more reserved pasta water if needed.
7. Garnish and serve – Top with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy kick – Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
• Lighter version – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Extra cheesy – Mix in some Pecorino Romano with the Parmesan.
• Vegetarian option – Replace chicken with mushrooms or zucchini.
• Gluten-free option – Use gluten-free pasta.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the sauce may separate when reheated.
• Reheating: Warm in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to refresh the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes! Pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken works well in this recipe.

How do I prevent the eggs from scrambling?

Toss the pasta off heat with the sauce and add reserved pasta water gradually to create a creamy texture.

What pasta works best for carbonara?

Spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine are traditional choices.

Can I make this without bacon?

Yes, but the bacon adds a smoky flavor. You can use pancetta or turkey bacon instead.

How can I make it even creamier?

Increase the amount of heavy cream or add a bit of cream cheese.

What can I serve with Chicken Carbonara?

A side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair well with this dish.

Can I substitute Parmesan cheese?

Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano can be used instead.

How do I keep leftovers from drying out?

Reheat with a bit of extra cream or milk to keep the sauce smooth.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the components and assemble them just before serving.

How do I add more flavor?

Try adding sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or a splash of white wine.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken Carbonara is a comforting and indulgent pasta dish that’s easy to make yet tastes gourmet. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish will quickly become a favorite. Try it today and enjoy a rich, creamy, and satisfying meal!

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