Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara is a creamy, savory pasta dish that elevates the classic Italian carbonara with juicy chicken. With tender pasta, crispy bacon, and a rich, velvety sauce made from eggs and Parmesan, this recipe is comfort food at its finest. Quick to prepare and incredibly satisfying, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

*Chicken breasts
*Bacon or pancetta
*Spaghetti or fettuccine
*Eggs
*Heavy cream
*Parmesan cheese
*Garlic
*Olive oil
*Salt and pepper
*Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, reserving a cup of pasta water.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook them in the skillet until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the bacon or pancetta and cook until crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces.
6. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the bacon and chicken. Toss to combine.
7. Pour the egg mixture over the pasta, tossing quickly to coat the pasta and avoid scrambling the eggs. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until creamy and smooth.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and more Parmesan cheese before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Swap the chicken for shrimp or turkey bacon for a lighter version.
• Add vegetables like peas, spinach, or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
• Make it spicy by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Chicken Carbonara in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne or rigatoni.

Can I make Chicken Carbonara without cream?
Traditional carbonara doesn’t use cream, but this version includes it for extra richness. You can skip it and rely solely on the egg mixture for the sauce.

What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this dish, but you can use thighs if you prefer a juicier cut.

Can I freeze Chicken Carbonara?
It’s not recommended to freeze this dish as the sauce can separate when reheated.

Is there a vegetarian version?
You can omit the chicken and bacon and use a combination of vegetables like mushrooms and peas for a vegetarian option.

Conclusion

Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara is a perfect blend of creamy, savory, and satisfying flavors. The crispy bacon, tender chicken, and rich sauce come together in a way that’s sure to please everyone at the table. It’s a dish that brings comfort and luxury in every bite!

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