Sizzling Chicken Carbonara Recipe: Creamy Comfort In Every Bite

Crafting an authentic chicken carbonara brings pure culinary magic to your kitchen.

Italian pasta traditions inspire this creamy, decadent dish that feels like a warm embrace.

Crispy pancetta and tender chicken create a luxurious protein combination.

Rich egg yolks and pecorino romano cheese blend into a silky sauce that coats every pasta strand.

Perfectly balanced flavors dance across your palate with each delightful bite.

Minimal ingredients, maximum satisfaction – this recipe promises restaurant-quality results right at home.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this classic Italian comfort food.

Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara Quick Guide

• Create Creamy Comfort: Dive into a one-skillet wonder that transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious meal bursting with rich Dijon cream sauce and perfectly golden chicken.
• Master Easy Gourmet Cooking: No complicated techniques needed – just sear, simmer, and bake for a restaurant-quality dish that looks impressive but requires minimal culinary skills.
• Enjoy Versatile Weeknight Magic: Perfect for busy families wanting a satisfying dinner that combines protein and potatoes in one pan, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor.
• Impress with Minimal Effort: Elegant enough for dinner parties yet simple enough for everyday meals, this recipe bridges gourmet cooking with home kitchen convenience.

Ingredients for Chicken Carbonara Dish

• Pasta: The foundation of this creamy and hearty carbonara dish.

• Chicken Slices: Tender and golden-brown protein that adds substantial flavor to the carbonara.
• Pancetta or Bacon: Crispy meat that provides a rich, salty element to the dish.
• Eggs: Create a silky, luxurious sauce that coats the pasta.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.

• Olive Oil: Helps cook the meats and provides a smooth base for the sauce.
• Garlic: Brings a aromatic and pungent taste to the carbonara.
• Heavy Cream: Optional ingredient that makes the sauce extra creamy and rich.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavor.
• Parsley: Fresh herb used for garnishing and adding a bright, green note.

Cooking Instructions for Chicken Carbonara

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook pasta in generously salted water until it reaches al dente texture. Carefully set aside one cup of starchy pasta water before draining completely.

Step 2: Crisp Up Pancetta

Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add pancetta or bacon pieces and cook until they become wonderfully crispy and golden brown.

Transfer the crisp meat to a separate plate.

Step 3: Cook Chicken To Golden Perfection

In the same skillet with pancetta drippings, cook chicken slices until they turn beautiful golden brown and are thoroughly cooked through.

Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 4: Create Silky Egg Mixture

• Eggs
• Parmesan cheese
• Heavy cream

Blend until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Infuse Garlic Flavor

Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for approximately one minute, releasing its aromatic essence.

Step 6: Combine Pasta With Creamy Sauce

Remove skillet from heat.

Quickly toss pasta into the skillet, then swiftly incorporate the egg mixture, stirring constantly to prevent scrambling.

Step 7: Reunite Proteins

Gently fold cooked chicken and crispy pancetta back into the pasta.

Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.

Step 8: Season And Serve

Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste.

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately while wonderfully warm.

Expert Tips for Chicken Carbonara

• Swap pancetta with turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon bits for a healthier or meat-free version of the dish.
• Prevent egg mixture from scrambling by removing the skillet from heat and stirring quickly when adding the eggs.
• Use room temperature eggs to help create a smoother, creamier sauce without curdling.
• Add a splash of white wine while cooking chicken for extra depth of flavor and complexity.
• Keep pasta water handy to rescue the sauce if it becomes too thick, ensuring a silky smooth consistency.

Flavor Twists for Chicken Carbonara

• Veggie Carbonara: Replace chicken with roasted zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers for a plant-based version. Sauté vegetables with garlic and mix into creamy sauce.
• Seafood Carbonara: Swap chicken for sautéed shrimp or scallops. Add a splash of white wine for extra flavor depth and marine richness.
• Mediterranean Carbonara: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Sprinkle with fresh oregano for a Greek-inspired taste profile.
• Spicy Southwest Carbonara: Add diced jalapeños, use chorizo instead of pancetta, and mix in smoked paprika. Top with fresh cilantro for a bold, zesty version.

Serving Ideas for Chicken Carbonara

• Rustic Family Dinner Night
• Serve this chicken carbonara on a large wooden board with extra Parmesan wedges. Complement the dish with warm crusty bread and a simple green salad. Create a cozy family-style setting where everyone can serve themselves directly from the central platter.
• Romantic Italian Date Plate
• Plate the carbonara elegantly on white dishes with a delicate swirl. Garnish with fresh cracked black pepper and finely chopped parsley. Add a glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio to enhance the meal's romantic atmosphere. Use soft candlelight to create an intimate dining experience.
• Weekend Lunch Gathering
• Present the carbonara in individual pasta bowls with a side of roasted vegetables. Sprinkle extra crispy pancetta bits on top for added crunch. Set up a casual buffet-style spread where guests can help themselves.

Storage Recommendations for Chicken Carbonara

• Store leftover chicken carbonara in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers, keeping them sealed tightly. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of pasta water or cream to restore sauce's creamy texture. Stir continuously to prevent egg mixture from scrambling.
• When reheating, use low temperature and mix frequently. Avoid microwave if possible, as it can break down the delicate sauce and make eggs rubbery.

FAQs

• Is this recipe authentic Italian carbonara?

The traditional carbonara doesn’t include chicken, so this is an Americanized version that adds protein and creates a heartier meal.

• Can I substitute pancetta with another meat?

Bacon works perfectly as a substitute and provides a similar salty, crispy texture to pancetta in the recipe.

• How do 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 without scrambling.

• What type of pasta works best for carbonara?

Spaghetti or linguine are classic choices, but any long pasta like fettuccine will work well in this recipe.

Best-ever Chicken Carbonara Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Silky homemade chicken carbonara delivers authentic Italian comfort straight from Rome’s classic kitchens. Crispy pancetta, creamy eggs, and perfectly cooked pasta combine for a delicious meal you’ll want to savor slowly.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced
• 100 g (3.5 oz) pancetta or bacon, diced
• 400 g (14 oz) spaghetti or fettuccine
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream (optional)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in generously salted water until perfectly tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Carefully extract 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining completely.
2. Sizzle pancetta or bacon in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat until achieving a crisp, golden texture. Transfer the browned bits to a separate plate.
3. In the identical skillet, sear chicken slices, cooking until they develop a rich golden exterior and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Set aside with the pancetta.
4. Whisk eggs, grated Parmesan, and cream in a separate mixing bowl until smoothly combined.
5. Infuse the skillet with minced garlic, allowing it to release its aromatic essence for roughly 30-45 seconds.
6. Immediately introduce drained pasta to the garlic-infused skillet, then swiftly incorporate the egg mixture off direct heat to prevent scrambling.
7. Reintroduce the crispy pancetta and cooked chicken into the creamy pasta. Gradually splash reserved pasta water to create a silky, luxurious sauce consistency.
8. Delicately season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Sprinkle chopped parsley as a vibrant finishing touch and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Choose pancetta or bacon with a good fat-to-meat ratio for maximum flavor depth and crispy texture.
• Temper egg mixture carefully by slowly adding hot pasta water to prevent scrambling, creating silky smooth sauce.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts and slice thinly for quick, even cooking and better sauce absorption.
• For gluten-free version, substitute regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 526 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 470 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 165 mg