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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare a luxurious mixture by whisking eggs with finely grated Parmesan cheese and optional heavy cream until thoroughly combined and silky.
- Return spaghetti to the skillet, gently incorporating crispy bacon and seared chicken; immediately remove from heat to prevent egg scrambling.
- 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.
- Season generously with freshly cracked black pepper and kosher salt; garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan for enhanced flavor profile.
- 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