Best Chicken Carbonara Recipe

There’s something magical about twirling a forkful of creamy, savory carbonara. Add tender chicken to the mix, and you’ve got a dish that feels restaurant-worthy but is perfect for a cozy night at home. This Chicken Carbonara is the ultimate comfort food, packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes.

this Recipe

I remember the first time I made this recipe – it was an attempt to recreate a dish I loved from my favorite Italian restaurant. It’s now a household favorite that even the pickiest eaters can’t resist. Let’s dive in and bring a little Italian magic to your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Carbonara

Get ready to fall head over heels for this delightful dish. With its rich sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and tender chicken, this recipe ticks all the right boxes.

First, it’s incredibly quick and easy. You can whip it up in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.

It’s also budget-friendly. Made with a handful of pantry staples like pasta, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and bacon, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

And let’s not forget its crowd-pleasing appeal. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress. The combination of creamy sauce, salty bacon, and juicy chicken is hard to resist.

Finally, it’s versatile! Swap out the protein, add veggies, or tweak the flavors to suit your preferences – this recipe adapts beautifully to whatever you have on hand.

Now that you’re excited about it, let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to create this masterpiece.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Chicken Carbonara lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient contributes to the perfect balance of flavors, so let’s talk about what makes this dish shine.

• Pasta: Spaghetti is the classic choice, but fettuccine or linguine works just as well. Opt for high-quality pasta to elevate the dish.
• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Eggs: The sauce base relies on fresh, room-temperature eggs for a silky texture. Use large eggs for the best results.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is a must for the sauce. It melts beautifully and adds a nutty, savory depth.
• Bacon: Crispy bacon or pancetta lends a smoky, salty kick to the dish. Dice it finely to ensure even distribution.
• Garlic: A couple of minced garlic cloves bring an aromatic warmth to the dish.
• Black Pepper: Use freshly cracked black pepper to add a bold, slightly spicy touch.

No special equipment is required for this recipe – just a large skillet, a pot for boiling pasta, and a whisk for blending the sauce. Let’s move on to the fun part: making it!

How to Make This Chicken Carbonara

Creating Chicken Carbonara is straightforward, but following the steps carefully will ensure a perfect dish every time.

1. Cook the pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Prepare the chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of olive oil and cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Cook the bacon: In the same skillet, add the diced bacon and cook until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
4. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan, and a generous pinch of black pepper. Gradually whisk in a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water to temper the eggs.
5. Combine everything: Return the chicken and bacon to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss to combine. Remove from heat, then quickly pour the sauce over the pasta, tossing constantly to create a creamy coating. Add more pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
6. Finish and serve: Sprinkle with additional Parmesan and a pinch of parsley for garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of your homemade Chicken Carbonara.

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but let’s talk about how to store leftovers just in case.

Storage Options

While Chicken Carbonara is best eaten fresh, you can save leftovers with proper storage techniques.

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: While not ideal due to the egg-based sauce, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

When reheating, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to revive the sauce’s creamy texture, and toss gently to avoid overcooking the pasta or chicken.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is versatile and easily customizable! Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

• Vegetarian: Swap the chicken and bacon for sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or cook the chicken with a dash of cayenne.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Cheese Lovers: Experiment with Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different flavor profile.
• Protein Swaps: Try shrimp, turkey, or even crispy tofu in place of chicken for a fun twist.

No matter how you tweak it, this recipe is a winner. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

There you have it – the Best Chicken Carbonara recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your home. With its creamy, smoky, and savory flavors, this dish is pure comfort food that’s easy enough for weeknights and special enough for entertaining. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out!

Print