Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe

Creamy, rich, and absolutely delicious, Chicken Carbonara is a delightful twist on the classic Italian pasta dish. This recipe adds succulent chicken to the creamy bacon and egg sauce, giving you a heartier meal while still maintaining the silky texture of a traditional carbonara. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal. Whether you’re a pasta lover or just looking for a comforting, filling dish, this Creamy Chicken Carbonara will become a staple in your kitchen.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Drain the Pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set aside, but do not rinse it. The starchy water clinging to the pasta will help the sauce cling better.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Bacon

1. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pan.
2. Cook the Chicken: In the same skillet, add olive oil (if necessary) and cook the cubed chicken breast over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes or until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside with the bacon.

Step 3: Make the Carbonara Sauce

1. Whisk the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, and freshly ground black pepper until smooth. Set aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet used for the bacon and chicken, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet with the garlic. Turn off the heat, but leave the skillet on the stove.
2. Add the Sauce: Slowly pour the egg and cream mixture over the hot pasta, stirring constantly to coat the noodles. The residual heat will cook the eggs and create a silky sauce without scrambling the eggs.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Bacon

1. Combine the Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken and crispy bacon back into the skillet. Toss everything together, making sure the chicken, bacon, and pasta are all coated evenly in the creamy sauce.
2. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Carbonara

• Rich and Creamy: The combination of eggs, cream, and cheese creates an irresistibly creamy sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.
• Hearty and Satisfying: With the addition of chicken and bacon, this dish becomes more substantial and filling, perfect for a main course.
• Quick and Easy: Despite its rich flavors, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for a busy weeknight or a last-minute dinner.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your preferences. Swap chicken for shrimp or add some veggies like peas or spinach for extra color and flavor.

Tips for the Best Chicken Carbonara

Use Freshly Grated Cheese

• Freshly grated Parmesan and Pecorino Romano are key to getting a smooth, rich sauce. Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as well and can result in a grainy texture.

Don’t Overcook the Chicken

• To keep the chicken tender and juicy, avoid overcooking it. Once it’s golden brown on the outside and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, remove it from the pan.

Control the Heat When Making the Sauce

• The key to a smooth carbonara sauce is to avoid high heat when adding the egg mixture. Make sure the skillet is off the heat when you pour in the sauce to prevent the eggs from scrambling.

Serving Suggestions

With a Side Salad:

• Pair this creamy chicken carbonara with a light side salad, such as arugula with lemon vinaigrette, to balance out the richness of the dish.

With Garlic Bread:

• Serve with warm garlic bread for a comforting, complete meal. The crispy bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.

With a Glass of White Wine:

• A crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay, complements the richness of the carbonara perfectly.

Storing and Reheating

Storing Leftovers:

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb some of the sauce as it sits, but it will still taste delicious.

Reheating:

• Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to loosen up the sauce as it heats.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken Carbonara recipe is a fantastic twist on a classic pasta dish. With its rich, velvety sauce, crispy bacon, and tender chicken, it’s a meal that will quickly become a favorite in your household. Best of all, it’s simple enough to whip up on a weeknight but fancy enough to serve for special occasions.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish without cream?
   Yes, traditional carbonara doesn’t use cream, and you can simply omit it if you prefer a more classic version. The eggs and cheese will still create a silky sauce.
2. What other meats can I use?
   You can substitute chicken with shrimp, pancetta, or even sausage for a different twist. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the protein.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. Be sure to check that your other ingredients, such as bacon, are gluten-free as well.
4. Can I use milk instead of cream?
   Yes, you can substitute milk for cream if you want a lighter sauce. However, the sauce may be thinner and less rich.
5. Can I freeze Chicken Carbonara?
   It’s not recommended to freeze carbonara, as the creamy sauce can separate when thawed. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh or within a few days of making it.

Yield: 4

Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe

Print

Creamy, rich, and absolutely delicious, Chicken Carbonara is a delightful twist on the classic Italian pasta dish. This recipe adds succulent chicken to the creamy bacon and egg sauce, giving you a heartier meal while still maintaining the silky texture of a traditional carbonara. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal. Whether you’re a pasta lover or just looking for a comforting, filling dish, this Creamy Chicken Carbonara will become a staple in your kitchen.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• 8 oz spaghetti (or fettuccine)
• 4 slices of bacon, diced
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Extra Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
2. Cook the Bacon:
   In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Keep the bacon grease in the pan.
3. Cook the Chicken:
   In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the sliced chicken. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
4. Sauté the Garlic:
   In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
5. Prepare the Carbonara Sauce:
   In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper until smooth.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic. Remove the skillet from the heat, and immediately pour in the egg and cream mixture. Stir quickly to coat the pasta, allowing the residual heat to cook the eggs without scrambling them.
7. Add Chicken and Bacon:
   Toss the cooked chicken and crispy bacon back into the skillet with the pasta. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to thin it out until you reach your desired consistency.
8. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water helps to thin out the sauce while keeping it creamy. Start by adding a little at a time.

Chicken: You can use grilled, baked, or even leftover chicken for this recipe.

Eggs: The key to carbonara is the creamy egg-based sauce. Make sure the skillet is off the heat when adding the eggs to prevent them from scrambling.

Vegetarian Option: To make this dish vegetarian, you can omit the chicken and bacon and add vegetables like mushrooms or spinach instead.