Irresistibly Creamy Best Chicken Carbonara Recipe

Crafting the ultimate chicken carbonara requires a delicate balance of creamy, savory ingredients that dance together on your plate.

Pasta lovers understand the magic behind this classic Italian dish.

Authentic carbonara demands precision and quality components to shine bright.

Pecorino romano cheese and crispy pancetta elevate the traditional recipe with robust flavors.

Black pepper adds a subtle kick that complements the rich, silky sauce.

Fresh eggs create a luxurious texture when whisked carefully into the hot pasta.

Start cooking and watch how simple ingredients transform into a restaurant-worthy meal that will impress everyone at your table.

Reasons To Love Best Chicken Carbonara

• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: This recipe transforms classic spaghetti into a delicious, layered casserole that makes cooking easier and more fun for busy families.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combining marinara, Alfredo, and two types of cheese creates a rich, creamy dish that satisfies everyone's taste buds and brings smiles around the dinner table.
• Customize with Ease: Switch between ground beef or sausage, adjust seasonings, or add extra vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours without complicated cooking techniques.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: By using simple ingredients and straightforward layering, this dish delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal kitchen effort and cleanup.

What Goes Into Best Chicken Carbonara

• Spaghetti: A classic Italian pasta that provides the perfect base for this creamy carbonara dish.

• Chicken: Adds lean protein and creates a hearty meal with a golden sear.
• Bacon: Brings a smoky, crispy flavor that is essential to traditional carbonara.
• Eggs: Create a rich, silky sauce that coats the pasta with a luxurious texture.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty depth to the sauce and enhances overall flavor.
• Garlic: Provides a aromatic base that complements the other ingredients.
• Olive Oil: Helps to cook the chicken and bacon while adding a subtle richness.
• Heavy Cream (Optional): Contributes extra creaminess to the sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: Season the dish to enhance the natural flavors.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers a bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a light herb note.

How To Make Best Chicken Carbonara

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to enhance the pasta’s flavor.

Carefully drop the spaghetti into the bubbling water, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta reaches that ideal al dente texture – tender but with a slight bite.

Once done, drain the pasta, but save a cup of the starchy cooking water – this liquid gold will help create a silky sauce later.

Step 2: Sear Chicken to Golden Deliciousness

Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add chicken pieces and cook until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. The goal is to lock in those delicious juices and create a gorgeous color.

Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Crisp Up Bacon and Awaken Garlic

In the same skillet, cook bacon until it becomes wonderfully crispy and releases its smoky flavor.

The pan will be infused with incredible bacon goodness. Toss in minced garlic and let it dance in the pan for about a minute, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce Base

• Eggs
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Heavy cream (optional but recommended)

Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating the foundation for a luxuriously creamy sauce.

Step 5: Combine and Create Magic

Remove the skillet from heat and add the cooked spaghetti.

Toss in the crispy bacon and golden chicken. Pour the egg mixture over the pasta, stirring quickly and continuously.

This rapid mixing prevents the eggs from scrambling and creates a silky, creamy coating. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect consistency.

Step 6: Final Touches and Serve

Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve immediately while the pasta is steaming hot and the sauce is wonderfully creamy.

Helpful Hints For Best Chicken Carbonara

• Choose high-quality Parmesan cheese for richer, more authentic flavor and grate it fresh for best results.
• Temper egg mixture carefully to prevent scrambling by adding hot pasta water slowly while whisking constantly.
• Use room temperature eggs to help create smoother, silkier sauce and ensure even coating on pasta.
• Cook bacon until crispy but not burnt to maintain perfect texture and prevent bitter taste in the dish.
• Let pasta rest for a minute after mixing egg mixture to help sauce thicken and develop deeper flavors.

Creative Twists For Best Chicken Carbonara

• Vegetarian Carbonara: Replace chicken and bacon with sautéed mushrooms and crispy tofu cubes, using smoked paprika for depth of flavor.
• Seafood Carbonara: Swap chicken for succulent shrimp or tender scallops, adding a splash of white wine during cooking for extra richness.
• Spicy Mediterranean Carbonara: Include sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and crumbled feta cheese to give the classic recipe a zesty Mediterranean kick.
• Truffle Carbonara: Drizzle truffle oil over the finished dish and sprinkle with truffle-infused Parmesan for a luxurious and aromatic version of the classic recipe.

Best Pairings With Best Chicken Carbonara

• Classic Italian Family Feast: Serve the chicken carbonara as a hearty main course with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread. The fresh salad cuts through the richness of the creamy pasta, creating a balanced meal everyone will love.
• Elegant Dinner Party Style: Plate the carbonara in shallow white dishes, garnish with extra parmesan shavings and fresh cracked black pepper. Pair with a chilled glass of pinot grigio to elevate the dining experience and impress your guests.
• Picnic Perfect Portion: Pack individual servings in mason jars for a portable lunch. Layer the carbonara carefully, seal tightly, and enjoy cold or gently reheated. Great for outdoor meals, work lunches, or weekend adventures.

Keeping Best Chicken Carbonara Fresh

• Store leftover carbonara in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover tightly to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of pasta water or cream to restore creamy texture. Avoid microwaving, which can make eggs scramble and sauce separate.
• Not recommended due to cream and egg-based sauce, which can break down and become grainy when thawed. Fresh preparation is always best for optimal taste and texture.
• Keep carbonara at room temperature for no more than 2 hours to maintain food safety and prevent sauce from breaking down or becoming watery.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with linguine, fettuccine, or bucatini. Choose a pasta that can hold the creamy sauce well.

• Is it safe to use raw eggs in this recipe?

The hot pasta slightly cooks the eggs, but for extra safety, use pasteurized eggs or temper them by slowly mixing with hot pasta water.

• How can I prevent the eggs from scrambling?

Remove the skillet from heat before adding egg mixture and stir quickly and continuously to create a smooth, creamy sauce.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace chicken and bacon with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for a vegetarian version that still offers rich flavor.

Best Chicken Carbonara Recipe

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4.5 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Authentic Italian chicken carbonara celebrates classic Roman flavors with creamy egg sauce and crispy pancetta. Culinary enthusiasts can enjoy this simple yet elegant pasta dish that brings comfort and traditional taste to dinner tables.

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Ingredients

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• 2 chicken breasts, sliced
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook spaghetti until perfectly al dente, approximately 8-9 minutes; carefully extract and preserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water.
2. In a spacious skillet, warm olive oil over medium-high heat and sear chicken pieces until they develop a golden-brown exterior and reach an internal temperature of 165°F; transfer to a waiting plate.
3. Utilize the same skillet to render bacon until supremely crisp and fragrant, creating a rich flavor foundation; introduce minced garlic and sauté briefly for 30-45 seconds.
4. Prepare a luxurious mixture by whisking eggs with finely grated Parmesan cheese and optional heavy cream until thoroughly combined and silky.
5. Return spaghetti to the skillet, gently incorporating crispy bacon and seared chicken; immediately remove from heat to prevent egg scrambling.
6. Swiftly integrate the egg and cheese mixture, continuously stirring to create a velvety sauce; gradually introduce reserved pasta water to achieve a smooth, glossy consistency.
7. Season generously with freshly cracked black pepper and kosher salt; garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan for enhanced flavor profile.
8. Serve piping hot, ensuring each portion captures the harmonious blend of ingredients and textures.

Notes

• Prevent egg scrambling by removing the skillet from heat before adding the egg mixture, ensuring a silky smooth sauce.
• Enhance protein variety by substituting chicken with pancetta, turkey, or plant-based alternatives for different dietary preferences.
• Control sauce consistency by gradually adding reserved pasta water, creating a perfectly creamy texture without overwhelming the dish.
• Elevate flavor complexity by toasting freshly cracked black pepper before adding to the final dish, releasing deeper aromatic notes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 540 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 170 mg