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
Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe 10 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!

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.
Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe
Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe 11 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!

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!

Print
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Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe

Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe

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  • Author: Maria B. Evans
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

This Creamy Chicken Carbonara is a delicious twist on the classic Italian dish. It features tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy, cheesy sauce tossed with spaghetti. It’s a comforting meal that comes together in 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 12 oz spaghetti (or fettuccine)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (or butter)
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large eggs + 1 egg yolk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter option)
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
  • Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken

  • Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  • Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Cook the Bacon & Garlic

  • In the same skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy (about 4-5 minutes).
  • Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Make the Carbonara Sauce

  • In a bowl, whisk together eggs, egg yolk, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.
  • Slowly whisk in ¼ cup of reserved pasta water to temper the eggs and prevent scrambling.

5. Combine Everything

  • Reduce the heat to low.
  • Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the pan with bacon.
  • Pour in the carbonara sauce, tossing quickly to coat the pasta.
  • If needed, add more reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

6. Serve & Garnish

  • Sprinkle with red pepper flakes (if using) and fresh parsley.
  • Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese!

Notes

  • Avoid scrambling the eggs: Mix the sauce off the heat and toss the pasta quickly.
  • Make it lighter: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta.
  • Storage: Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 210mg

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