Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe: A Silky Italian Comfort Classic

Crafting an irresistible creamy chicken carbonara recipe promises a delightful culinary adventure that will spark joy in your kitchen.

Pasta lovers appreciate how this classic Italian dish combines rich, velvety textures with bold flavors.

Authentic ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of taste that feels both comforting and luxurious.

Perfectly crisp pancetta adds a salty punch to the silky sauce, while tender chicken brings hearty substance to every bite.

Parmesan cheese melts seamlessly, coating each strand of pasta with incredible depth and warmth.

Home cooks can master this elegant meal with simple techniques that guarantee restaurant-quality results.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this incredible carbonara.

Creamy Chicken Carbonara Richness

• Quick and Simple Meal: Craft a delicious dinner in just a few easy steps, perfect for busy home cooks seeking a satisfying meal without complicated techniques.
• Creamy Comfort Classic: Enjoy a rich, indulgent pasta dish that combines tender chicken with a velvety sauce, bringing restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen table.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family dinners, date nights, or casual gatherings, this recipe appeals to both picky eaters and food enthusiasts with its universal flavors and creamy texture.
• Smart Ingredient Management: Utilize a single skillet to minimize cleanup, and leverage reserved pasta water to create a perfectly balanced sauce that clings beautifully to every pasta strand.

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Carbonara

• Chicken: Tender, golden-brown protein that adds a hearty texture to the carbonara.
• Egg Yolks: Rich, creamy binding agent that helps create a smooth sauce base.

• Pasta: The foundational carbohydrate that carries the creamy sauce and chicken.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that melts into a rich and flavorful sauce component.

• Olive Oil, Garlic: Aromatic base that provides depth of flavor to the dish.
• Heavy Cream: Luxurious dairy product that creates a silky and smooth sauce texture.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb that adds a fresh garnish and subtle herbal note.
• Pasta Water: Starchy liquid that helps adjust the sauce consistency and bind ingredients.

Stepwise Cooking for Chicken Carbonara

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook pasta in a pot of salted water following package directions. After draining, save some pasta water for later use.

Step 2: Sear Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Cook diced chicken until golden and fully done.

Transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Infuse Garlic

In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until its aroma fills the kitchen.

Step 4: Create Creamy Base

• Heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Stir until cheese melts completely.

Step 5: Temper Egg Yolks

Whisk egg yolks with reserved pasta water in a small bowl.

Gradually incorporate into skillet while stirring constantly.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Add cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet.

Toss everything to ensure even sauce coating. If sauce seems thick, splash in pasta water gradually.

Step 7: Season Perfectly

Sprinkle salt and black pepper to enhance flavors.

Step 8: Serve Beautifully

Garnish with fresh parsley.

Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

Tips for Creamy Chicken Carbonara

• Temper egg yolks carefully to prevent scrambling by slowly adding hot pasta water, whisking constantly for a smooth, silky sauce.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for richer flavor and better melting compared to pre-packaged varieties.
• Reserve pasta water before draining, as the starchy liquid helps create a perfect sauce consistency and helps ingredients bind together.
• Cook chicken thoroughly but avoid overcooking to maintain tender, juicy meat that doesn't become tough or dry.
• Allow sauce to thicken on low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning and ensure a creamy, luxurious texture that coats pasta evenly.

Flavor Twists on Chicken Carbonara

• Vegetarian Carbonara: Replace chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Carbonara Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce for a zesty, heat-packed flavor profile.
• Lighter Cream Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories and create a tangier sauce.

Serving Ideas for Chicken Carbonara

• Family Dinner Delight: Serve this carbonara with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread for a complete meal that brings everyone together around the table.
• Elegant Date Night Plate: Pair the creamy chicken carbonara with a chilled glass of white wine and soft candlelight for a romantic, restaurant-quality dining experience at home.
• Lunch Prep Champion: Pack individual portions in meal prep containers for a delicious midweek lunch that will make coworkers jealous of your culinary skills.
• Potluck Showstopper: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to gatherings, transferring it to a large serving dish and garnishing with extra parsley for an impressive presentation that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine work perfectly well with this carbonara recipe. Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce nicely.

• Is it safe to use raw egg yolks?

By tempering the egg yolks with hot pasta water, you’ll gently cook them, reducing risk of foodborne illness. This technique ensures creamy, smooth sauce without scrambling eggs.

• What if I don't have Parmesan cheese?

Pecorino Romano is an excellent substitute with similar sharp, salty flavor. In a pinch, you can also use aged asiago or grana padano cheese.

• How can I make this dish lighter?

Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. Use less cheese and chicken, and add more vegetables like spinach or peas for a nutritional boost.

Indulgent Chicken Carbonara Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Homemade chicken carbonara emerges as a classic Italian pasta dish with rich, silky sauce and crispy pancetta. Savory ingredients blend perfectly, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 chicken breasts, diced

Pasta and Carbohydrates:

• 300 grams (10.5 ounces) spaghetti or fettuccine

Dairy and Seasoning:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in generously salted water until al dente, following package timing. Keep 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
2. Sear chicken pieces in hot olive oil over medium-high heat until golden and thoroughly cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer chicken to separate plate.
3. Reduce skillet temperature and sauté minced garlic until aromatic, releasing its delicate fragrance.
4. Lower heat and incorporate heavy cream with grated Parmesan, stirring until cheese completely dissolves into a silky sauce.
5. Whisk egg yolks with reserved pasta water to prevent curdling, then gradually integrate into skillet sauce while continuously stirring.
6. Combine cooked pasta and seared chicken into the creamy mixture, ensuring every strand gets evenly coated. Adjust sauce consistency by adding reserved pasta water incrementally.
7. Season carbonara with freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt, balancing flavors with gentle precision.
8. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the dish for vibrant color and herbaceous notes. Serve piping hot directly from the skillet.

Notes

• Prevent egg scrambling by tempering yolks with hot pasta water, ensuring a silky smooth sauce without curdling.
• Create a lighter version by substituting heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for reduced calories.
• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick time-saving hack that adds extra flavor and cuts down on cooking time.
• Adjust sauce consistency by gradually adding reserved pasta water, maintaining perfect creamy texture without becoming too runny or thick.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 650 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg