If you’ve ever dreamed of a luxurious pasta dish that’s both comforting and impressive, this Chicken Carbonara Recipe is your new best friend. It beautifully balances tender, golden chicken and crisp bacon enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce made from eggs, Parmesan, and a touch of heavy cream. The spaghetti perfectly twirls every bit of that rich sauce, delivering a meal that’s simple enough for weeknights but special enough to serve for guests. Trust me, once you try this Chicken Carbonara Recipe, it’s going to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To prepare this Chicken Carbonara Recipe, you’ll only need a handful of ingredients, each with a purpose that complements the dish’s rich flavors and satisfying textures. These essentials come together in a way that’s straightforward but truly special.
- 12 oz spaghetti: The perfect base to soak up the creamy sauce and carry all the delicious flavors.
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: Adds tender, protein-packed goodness with a mild flavor that shines when combined with bacon and sauce.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps to cook the chicken to a lovely golden brown without overpowering the dish.
- 6 slices bacon, diced: Brings irresistible crispiness and smoky depth that elevates the entire recipe.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses every bite with aromatic warmth and a subtle kick.
- 2 large eggs: The secret to that creamy, dreamy sauce, binding the dish in classic carbonara style.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty tang that brightens and deepens the sauce.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Boosts that silky-smooth texture without weighing the dish down.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors into perfect harmony.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A fresh pop of color and herby brightness to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Chicken Carbonara Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the spaghetti until it’s perfectly al dente—meaning it has just enough bite to it without being mushy. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of that pasta water before draining because it’s going to help you create the creamy sauce later on.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your bite-sized chicken pieces and season them generously with salt and black pepper. Cook until each piece is golden brown on the outside and cooked through inside—this usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. When ready, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside for later.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon
In the same skillet, toss in the diced bacon. The bacon fat left behind is precious, so let the bacon cook until it’s wonderfully crispy but not burnt. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon, leaving the flavorful fat in the skillet to cook your garlic.
Step 4: Sauté the Garlic
Into the bacon fat, add the minced garlic and sauté for a minute until you can smell that lovely garlicky aroma filling your kitchen. Be careful not to burn it because the taste can turn bitter quickly.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream until smooth. This mixture is your creamy, silky sauce—classic carbonara without the heavy reliance on cream but with just enough to keep it luscious and indulgent.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Reduce the heat on your skillet to low. Return both the cooked chicken and crispy bacon to the pan, then add the drained spaghetti. Toss everything gently to mix well. Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta and stir quickly and continuously. This action cooks the eggs gently, turning them into a creamy sauce coating every noodle and piece of chicken. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce feels too thick; this will loosen it perfectly without losing that rich texture.
Step 7: Season and Garnish
Finally, adjust your seasonings with more salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top—it not only adds a burst of color but complements the dish’s rich flavors with a fresh, herbaceous note. Serve right away to enjoy the sauce while it’s at its creamiest.
How to Serve Chicken Carbonara Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the go-to garnish, but you can also sprinkle on some extra Parmesan for that cheesy finish. A little lemon zest grated over the top adds a surprising zing that cuts through the creaminess and keeps the palate refreshed.
Side Dishes
Serve your Chicken Carbonara Recipe alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette works wonders for soaking up any leftover sauce and makes a comforting addition.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try plating the pasta in individual shallow bowls, twirling the spaghetti into elegant nests. Top each serving with a few crispy bacon pieces and a sprig of parsley. You can also add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil to finish it with a subtle fruitiness that ties the flavors together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover Chicken Carbonara in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken in the fridge, so it might require a bit of attention when reheating.
Freezing
While you can freeze Chicken Carbonara in a suitable container, the texture of the creamy sauce and pasta can change, becoming a bit watery upon thawing. If you do freeze it, try to consume it within one month and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and bring back creaminess without drying out the chicken or pasta. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it may cause uneven heating and rubbery chicken.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Chicken Carbonara Recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional and ideal for this recipe, other long pastas like fettuccine, linguine, or even bucatini work beautifully because they hold the creamy sauce well.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream in the sauce?
The heavy cream adds extra richness and helps stabilize the sauce, especially for home cooks who want a foolproof creamy texture. However, traditional carbonara relies just on eggs and cheese, so you can omit it for a lighter version if you prefer.
Can I substitute chicken with another protein?
Yes! If you’re not a fan of chicken, turkey or even thinly sliced pork can be excellent alternatives. Just adjust cooking times to ensure your protein stays tender and juicy.
How do I avoid scrambled eggs when making the sauce?
To prevent scrambling, make sure to add the egg mixture off direct high heat and stir quickly and constantly. Using a bit of reserved pasta water also helps temper the heat and creates a smooth sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
This Chicken Carbonara Recipe can be prepped ahead by cooking the chicken and bacon separately and storing the sauce ingredients ready to mix. However, assembling and tossing with pasta is best done right before serving for the creamiest results.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Carbonara Recipe is a heartwarming, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together simple ingredients in the most delicious way. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s guaranteed to deliver comforting flavors and creamy indulgence that everyone will rave about. I truly encourage you to try it soon—it might just become your go-to pasta dish!
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Chicken Carbonara Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Chicken Carbonara recipe is a delicious twist on the classic Italian pasta dish, combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy Parmesan sauce made with eggs and heavy cream. Ready in just 35 minutes, this hearty and comforting meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner and serves four.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti
Chicken and Bacon
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 6 slices bacon, diced
Sauce and Seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon: In the same skillet, add the diced bacon and cook until crispy, rendering the fat. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the bacon fat and sauté for approximately 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream until smooth and combined.
- Combine Everything: Lower the heat to low. Return the cooked chicken and crispy bacon to the skillet, then add the drained spaghetti. Toss everything together to combine well. Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, stirring quickly to create a creamy sauce without scrambling the eggs. Add reserved pasta water as needed to reach the desired creamy consistency.
- Season and Garnish: Taste and season with additional salt and black pepper if necessary. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve: Serve the Chicken Carbonara immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Be careful when adding the egg mixture to avoid scrambling; stir quickly and keep the heat low.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and smooth sauce.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it may be less creamy.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free spaghetti.
