Quick & Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe: Family Dinner Joy

Whipping up a delectable chicken carbonara surprises even seasoned home cooks with its elegant simplicity.

Pasta lovers appreciate how quickly this classic Italian dish comes together in a single skillet.

Creamy eggs and sharp pecorino romano cheese create a luxurious sauce that clings perfectly to each noodle strand.

Home kitchens buzz with excitement when this comforting meal appears on the dinner table.

Rich pancetta adds a smoky depth that makes every bite memorable.

Crisp bacon could work as a delicious alternative if traditional ingredients aren’t available.

Invite friends over and watch their faces light up when you serve this irresistible comfort food that feels like a restaurant-quality experience.

Why Chicken Carbonara Is a Classic Dish

• Craft a Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this chicken carbonara brings everyone together with its rich, creamy flavors and hearty ingredients.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Beginners can confidently create this restaurant-style dish using basic sautéing and whisking skills, making it an excellent recipe for building culinary confidence.
• Customize Your Comfort Food: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping chicken for bacon, adjusting cheese quantities, or adding extra herbs to suit personal taste preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Minimal prep work and straightforward cooking steps transform this recipe into a go-to solution for busy home cooks craving a delicious, satisfying meal in minimal time.

Ingredients for Chicken Carbonara

• Chicken: Tender protein that provides a hearty base for the carbonara.
• Egg Yolks: Rich ingredient that helps create a smooth and creamy sauce.

• Pasta: Classic base for carbonara that absorbs the delicious sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp and salty flavor to enhance the overall dish.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and silky texture for the sauce.

• Garlic, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that provide depth and balance to the chicken carbonara.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté the chicken and adds a subtle richness to the dish.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a bright and colorful garnish to the final presentation.

How to Cook Chicken Carbonara

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water until it reaches that ideal al dente texture. Before draining, carefully scoop out a cup of the starchy cooking water and set aside.

This liquid gold will help create a silky smooth sauce later.

Step 2: Sizzle Chicken with Flavor

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat.

Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until it develops a beautiful golden-brown exterior. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Egg yolks
• Parmesan cheese
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk everything together until smooth.

Slowly add the reserved pasta water, stirring continuously to create a luxurious, velvety consistency.

Step 4: Marry the Ingredients

Return the skillet to low heat.

Add the drained pasta and cooked chicken. Gently pour the creamy sauce over the top, tossing everything together for about 3 minutes.

This allows the sauce to coat every morsel perfectly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the carbonara to serving plates.

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and an extra dusting of parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while the dish is warm and inviting.

Tips for Chicken Carbonara Success

• Temper egg yolks by slowly adding hot pasta water while whisking constantly to prevent scrambling and ensure silky smooth texture.
• Save starchy pasta water to thin and enrich sauce, helping it coat noodles perfectly without becoming too thick or dry.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve golden-brown sear and prevent steaming instead of browning in the skillet.
• Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor and melting quality, avoiding pre-packaged shredded cheese which can contain anti-caking agents.
• Serve carbonara immediately after combining ingredients to maintain creamy consistency and prevent sauce from becoming too heavy or congealed.

Variations for Chicken Carbonara

• Vegetarian Carbonara: Replace chicken with roasted portobello mushrooms or crispy tofu cubes for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Lighter Cream Sauce: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or low-fat milk for a healthier alternative.
• Spicy Mediterranean Spin: Add red pepper flakes and swap parmesan for feta cheese to create a zesty Mediterranean-inspired carbonara.

Best Pairings for Chicken Carbonara

Select a chardonnay or pinot grigio to complement the creamy, rich carbonara sauce and cut through its heaviness.

Create a light, peppery side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta’s richness and add a refreshing contrast.

Serve warm, crusty bread rubbed with fresh garlic to soak up extra sauce and provide a delightful textural crunch alongside the creamy chicken carbonara.

Add a citrus-infused sparkling water to cleanse the palate between bites and provide a light, effervescent counterpoint to the dish’s dense flavors.

Storage Tips for Chicken Carbonara

• Store leftover chicken carbonara in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled carbonara to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 2 months to maintain best quality and prevent freezer burn.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons of pasta water or cream to restore moisture. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm carbonara in a skillet over low heat, adding splash of pasta water or cream. Stir gently and continuously to prevent sauce from separating and pasta from sticking, until heated thoroughly.

FAQs

• Is chicken carbonara healthy?

While delicious, this dish is high in calories and fat due to cream, egg yolks, and cheese. It’s best enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat.

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! Spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine work perfectly. Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well and complements the creamy texture.

• How do I prevent the egg from scrambling in the sauce?

Temper the egg mixture by slowly adding hot pasta water while whisking constantly. This gradual process helps create a smooth, creamy sauce without curdling.

• What if I want a lighter version of this recipe?

Consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, using less cheese, or adding more vegetables to increase nutritional value while reducing overall calories.

Chicken Carbonara Recipe For All Occasions

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Rich Italian “Chicken Carbonara” delivers creamy pasta perfection with crisp pancetta and parmesan. Comforting classic combines silky sauce, tender chicken, and authentic Roman flavors you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 3 to 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 egg yolks

Pasta and Cheese:

• 1 pound (454 grams) spaghetti or fettuccine
• 1 cup (100 grams) freshly grated parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• Salt to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Mince garlic and finely chop fresh parsley, setting aside for final garnish.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to rolling boil and cook pasta until perfectly al dente, reserving one cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
3. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, seasoning chicken pieces with kosher salt and cracked black pepper.
4. Sauté chicken until exterior develops a rich golden-brown crust and internal temperature reaches 165°F, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer protein to a separate plate.
5. Create silky sauce by whisking heavy cream, egg yolks, grated parmesan, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until smooth and well-incorporated.
6. Gradually introduce reserved pasta water into cream mixture, stirring continuously to achieve desired velvety consistency.
7. Return skillet to low heat, combining drained pasta and sautéed chicken, then gently fold in creamy sauce, allowing ingredients to meld for 2-3 minutes.
8. Plate immediately, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and additional parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

• Use room temperature eggs to prevent scrambling when mixing with hot pasta and create a silky smooth sauce.
• Grate fresh parmesan cheese for richer flavor compared to pre-packaged options.
• Control heat carefully when combining sauce with pasta to avoid curdling egg yolks and maintain creamy texture.
• Substitute chicken with pancetta or bacon for traditional carbonara experience, or use plant-based protein for vegetarian version.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 425 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 215 mg