Creamy Parmesan Carbonara Chicken recipe

Creamy Parmesan Carbonara Chicken is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy carbonara sauce. This recipe is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, offering a comforting and indulgent meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

To make Creamy Parmesan Carbonara Chicken, you’ll need:

• Main Ingredients:
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup pancetta or bacon, diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Seasonings and Optional Additions:
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (optional)

Preparation

Prepping the Chicken:

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Sear the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides, then remove from the skillet and set aside.

Making the Carbonara Sauce:

1. In the same skillet, cook the pancetta or bacon until crispy.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream, stirring to combine.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and Parmesan cheese.
5. Slowly pour the egg mixture into the skillet, stirring constantly to create a smooth sauce.

Cooking Methods

Stovetop Instructions:

1. Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them.
2. Cover and simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

Oven Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the seared chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the carbonara sauce over them.
3. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling.

Classic Creamy Parmesan Carbonara Chicken

Combining the Ingredients:

1. Once the sauce is ready, return the chicken breasts to the skillet or baking dish.
2. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and cook as directed.

Cooking and Serving:

1. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is creamy and thick.
2. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.

Bacon-Enhanced Variation

Adding Crispy Bacon:

1. Use bacon instead of pancetta for a different flavor.
2. Cook the bacon until crispy and follow the same steps for the sauce.

Enhanced Flavor Profile:

1. The crispy bacon adds a smoky, savory element to the dish.

Mushroom and Spinach Carbonara Chicken

Preparing the Mushrooms and Spinach:

1. Sauté the mushrooms and spinach in the skillet before adding the cream.
2. Ensure they are tender and well incorporated into the sauce.

Incorporating into the Dish:

1. Add the mushrooms and spinach to the carbonara sauce, then return the chicken to the skillet.

Low-Fat Options

Using Low-Fat Dairy:

1. Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a low-fat cream alternative.

Healthy Alternatives:

1. Use olive oil instead of butter and reduce the amount of cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Ideal Side Dishes:

1. Serve with pasta, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad.

Presentation Tips:

1. Garnish with chopped parsley or additional Parmesan cheese for a beautiful presentation.

Storage Tips

Keeping Leftovers Fresh:

1. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:

1. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave for a quicker option.

Variations

Using Different Cheeses:

1. Try using Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese for a different flavor.

Adding Vegetables:

1. Incorporate vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and color.

Tips for Success

Achieving the Perfect Creamy Texture:

1. Stir the sauce constantly when adding the egg mixture to prevent curdling.

Avoiding Overcooking:

1. Cook the chicken just until done to keep it tender and juicy.

FAQs

1. Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
   • Yes, ensure all ingredients, including the cheese and seasonings, are gluten-free.
2. How Do I Store Leftovers?
   • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce separately and combine them just before serving.
4. What Can I Add for Extra Flavor?
   • Add herbs like basil or parsley, or a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra flavor.
5. Can I Freeze Creamy Parmesan Carbonara Chicken?
   • Yes, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container. Thaw before reheating.

Conclusion

Creamy Parmesan Carbonara Chicken is a rich and comforting dish that brings together the flavors of creamy carbonara sauce and tender chicken. Perfect for a special dinner or a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Try out the variations and enjoy a delicious meal that’s easy to make and absolutely satisfying!

Yield: 4

Creamy Parmesan Carbonara Chicken recipe

Print

Creamy Parmesan Carbonara Chicken is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy carbonara sauce. This recipe is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, offering a comforting and indulgent meal that everyone will love.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• For The Chicken:
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts large, halved horizontally to make 4 filets
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or plain, heaped
• 3 tablespoons parmesan cheese finely grated fresh
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 pinch cracked pepper
• For The Sauce:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons butter or sub with oil
• 8 ounces bacon trimmed of fat and cut into strips (I use shortcut bacon in Australia)
• 1 onion small, chopped
• 6 cloves garlic large, minced or finely chopped
• 1-½ cups half and half or use reduced fat cream or evaporated milk
• ½ cup parmesan cheese finely grated fresh
• ½ teaspoon cornstarch cornflour mixed with 2 teaspoons of water

Instructions

• Season the chicken with salt and pepper. In a shallow bowl, combine the flour and parmesan cheese. Dredge seasoned chicken in the flour mixture; shake off excess and set aside.

• Heat the oil and butter in a large non stick pan or well-seasoned cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until butter has melted and pan is hot. Fry the chicken until golden on each side, cooked through and no longer pink (about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of your chicken). Transfer onto a warm plate.

• Add the bacon strips to the pan and fry until crispy. Drain off some excess fat, keeping about 1 teaspoons worth in the pan. Add the onion and garlic and fry until onion is transparent (about 1 minute). Reduce heat to low heat, and add the half and half (or cream). Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer; season with a little salt and pepper to your taste. Add in the parmesan cheese, and allow the sauce to simmer until the parmesan cheese has melted slightly. (If the sauce is too runny for your liking, add the cornstarch/water mixture into the centre of the pan and mix through fast to combine into the sauce. It will begin to thicken immediately).

• Add the chicken back into the pan to serve.

• Serve with steamed vegetables (broccoli and/or cauliflower work best), over zucchini noodles, your favourite pasta, or rice.