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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Mince garlic and finely chop fresh parsley, setting aside for final garnish.
- 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.
- Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, seasoning chicken pieces with kosher salt and cracked black pepper.
- 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.
- 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.
- Gradually introduce reserved pasta water into cream mixture, stirring continuously to achieve desired velvety consistency.
- 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.
- 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