Chicken Carbonara Recipe

If you love classic comfort food but crave a little extra heartiness, Chicken Carbonara is about to become your new favorite dinner. Silky noodles are tossed in a lusciously creamy sauce, studded with crispy bacon and tender strips of chicken, then sprinkled with parsley for a fresh finish. Every bite is packed with flavor and the perfect balance of rich, salty, and savory notes. This is one of those dishes that feels special enough for date night, but is simple enough for a cozy weeknight family meal.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken Carbonara comes together with everyday ingredients that work culinary magic when combined. Each one plays a key role in building big flavors, mouthwatering textures, or that trademark golden color every true carbonara lover craves.

• Spaghetti (12 ounces): The classic carbonara pasta – its starchy surface holds the dreamy sauce like a pro.
• Chicken Breasts (2, boneless and skinless, sliced): Adds satisfying protein and soaks up all those delicious flavors.
• Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Gives a subtle depth and helps achieve that golden sear on the chicken.
• Bacon (4 slices, chopped): Smoky, salty, and irresistibly crispy – the flavor backbone of this dish.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the sauce with warmth and aromatic punch.
• Large Eggs (3): Essential for that classic rich, glossy carbonara sauce (don’t worry, they’re cooked by the pasta’s heat!).
• Parmesan Cheese (1 cup, grated): Brings savory, salty, and nutty notes that define carbonara.
• Heavy Cream (1/2 cup, optional): For those who adore extra creaminess, this makes the sauce even more luscious (but you can skip for a more traditional result).
• Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Balances and brightens every bite – season generously!
• Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish): Lifts up the whole dish with a pop of color and fresh flavor.

How to Make Chicken Carbonara

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add your spaghetti. Cook until just al dente – you want it with a little bite since it will finish in the sauce. Right before draining, scoop out a cup of the starchy cooking water (this is the secret to that luxurious, silky sauce). Then, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Generously season your chicken strips with salt and black pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, pour in the olive oil and let it shimmer. Add the chicken and cook, flipping the pieces, until they turn golden and are cooked through (about 5 to 6 minutes). Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it handy for later.

Step 3: Crisp the Bacon and Sauté Garlic

Add your chopped bacon to the now-empty skillet. Let it sizzle until it’s gloriously crispy and the fat has rendered, which will give astounding flavor to the whole dish. Lower the heat a bit and toss in the minced garlic, stirring for about a minute, just until fragrant but not browned.

Step 4: Whisk the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream if you’re craving that extra velvety texture. This mixture is about to form the dreamy sauce that will coat every last noodle.

Step 5: Mix It All Together – The Chicken Carbonara Magic

Add the drained spaghetti right back into the skillet with the bacon (remove the pan from the heat to avoid scrambling the eggs!). Pour in your egg and cheese mixture, then use tongs to quickly and gently toss everything together. The sauce will transform into a creamy cloak as it’s gently cooked by the heat of the pasta and pan. Splash in a little reserved pasta water at a time until you hit your preferred level of creaminess. Now, stir in those cooked chicken strips and get ready to dig in!

How to Serve Chicken Carbonara

Garnishes

A generous shower of extra Parmesan is a must for any Chicken Carbonara fan. Finish with chopped fresh parsley not just for color, but also a hint of freshness that cuts through the richness. If you like, a crack of additional black pepper on top makes for the perfect finishing touch.

Side Dishes

To round out your meal, keep sides simple and light. A bright, lemony green salad or some garlicky steamed broccoli helps balance the robustness of chicken carbonara. Add some warm, crusty bread to mop up any extra sauce if you’re feeling indulgent!

Creative Ways to Present

For a striking presentation, twirl the spaghetti into neat nests using a carving fork and tongs. Pile the chicken strips right on top, then sprinkle bacon, parsley, and cheese. Or, serve family style in a big beautiful platter for everyone to help themselves – guaranteed to bring a little Italian trattoria magic to your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Carbonara keeps surprisingly well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld overnight, making for a delicious repeat meal the next day!

Freezing

While you can technically freeze chicken carbonara, the creamy sauce and pasta may change texture once thawed. For best results, store portions in freezer-safe containers and reheat gently, understanding the sauce might separate a bit (a splash of milk or cream stirred in when reheating can help bring it back together).

Reheating

Warm chicken carbonara gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a tablespoon or two of water, milk, or cream to revive the creamy texture. Stir often to ensure even warming and prevent the sauce from scrambling. The microwave works in a pinch – cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic for Chicken Carbonara, you can swap in fettuccine, linguine, or even short shapes like rigatoni if that’s what you have on hand. The sauce will cling beautifully to whichever noodle you choose.

Is heavy cream necessary for carbonara?

Traditional carbonara skips the cream entirely, relying on eggs and cheese for its silkiness. The heavy cream in this recipe is optional, just for added richness and a more forgiving texture. Feel free to omit it for a more authentic experience.

What’s the best way to avoid scrambling the eggs?

Be sure to remove the skillet from the heat before adding the egg and cheese mixture, and toss the pasta quickly and continuously. The carryover heat will create a creamy sauce rather than scrambled bits – just move fast and keep the pasta moving!

Can I make this recipe gluten free?

Definitely! Swap the regular spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your bacon and Parmesan cheese are gluten-free, and you’re all set to enjoy Chicken Carbonara without worry.

What can I add to make it even more flavorful?

Try tossing in a handful of frozen peas for a touch of sweetness and color, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat. Some people love a little lemon zest on top for brightness, too!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for an irresistible, weeknight-friendly meal, give Chicken Carbonara a try. There’s nothing quite like sitting down to a plate of creamy, bacon-studded pasta that you whipped up from scratch, and I promise your family and friends will be asking for seconds!

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