The Best Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe You’ll Ever Taste

Crafting a delectable chicken carbonara brings pure culinary magic to your kitchen.

Pasta lovers rejoice as this classic Italian dish promises rich, comforting flavors.

Crispy pancetta and silky eggs create a luxurious sauce that clings perfectly to each noodle.

Tender chicken adds a hearty protein punch to the traditional recipe.

Pecorino romano cheese introduces a sharp, salty note that dances across your palate.

Simple ingredients blend into an extraordinary meal you can whip up in under thirty minutes.

Let this recipe transport you straight to the charming streets of rome with every delicious bite.

FAQs

• What makes the carbonara sauce creamy?

The combination of eggs, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich, smooth sauce that coats the pasta perfectly without scrambling the eggs.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, while spaghetti is traditional, you can use other long pasta like fettuccine or linguine to make this dish.

• Is it important to remove the skillet from heat before adding the egg mixture?

Absolutely! Removing the skillet from heat prevents the eggs from scrambling and ensures a silky, creamy sauce that evenly coats the pasta and ingredients.

• How can I prevent the eggs from scrambling?

Quickly toss the pasta with the egg mixture off the direct heat, and keep stirring to distribute the heat evenly and create a smooth sauce.

Reasons To Love Creamy Chicken Carbonara

• Customize with Ease: Jazz up this wrap by adding personal touches like crispy bacon bits, sliced avocado, or extra Parmesan for a unique flavor profile that matches your taste.
• Quick Lunch Champion: Perfect for busy professionals and students needing a nutritious meal that comes together in minutes without sacrificing taste or quality.
• No-Fuss Preparation: Requires minimal cooking skills and basic ingredients, making it an ideal recipe for beginners or anyone wanting a fast, delicious lunch option.
• Portable Meal Sensation: Conveniently packed for work, school lunches, picnics, or on-the-go eating, these wraps maintain their structure and taste without falling apart.

What Goes Into Creamy Chicken Carbonara

• Spaghetti: A classic Italian pasta that serves as the perfect base for this creamy carbonara dish.

• Chicken: Tender meat that adds substance and protein to the carbonara.
• Bacon: Crispy and flavorful ingredient that provides a smoky dimension to the recipe.
• Eggs: Creamy binding agent that creates the signature silky sauce for the carbonara.

• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that adds depth and richness to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Luxurious dairy product that contributes to the smooth and velvety texture.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides a robust and warm flavor to the dish.
• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking oil used for sautéing ingredients and adding a subtle base flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the overall taste of the carbonara.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb that adds a fresh and colorful finishing touch to the dish.

How To Make Creamy Chicken Carbonara

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and let sit while preparing other ingredients.

Step 2: Crisp Bacon

Sizzle bacon in a large skillet until golden and crunchy. Transfer crispy pieces to a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 3: Cook Chicken

• Olive oil
• Chicken slices

Add olive oil to the same skillet and cook chicken until golden brown and completely done. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 4: Prepare Creamy Sauce

• Eggs
• Parmesan cheese
• Heavy cream
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk together eggs, Parmesan, heavy cream, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Build Carbonara

• Minced garlic

Sauté minced garlic in the skillet for 30 seconds.

Return pasta, bacon, and chicken to the pan.

Step 6: Create Silky Sauce

Remove skillet from heat.

Quickly pour egg mixture over pasta, tossing rapidly to coat evenly without scrambling eggs.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top.

Plate immediately and enjoy your creamy chicken carbonara.

Helpful Hints For Creamy Chicken Carbonara

• Whisk eggs rapidly and remove skillet from heat before adding to prevent scrambling, ensuring a silky smooth sauce.
• Select high-quality Parmesan cheese for authentic flavor and grate it fresh for maximum taste and texture.
• Use room temperature eggs to help create a more even and creamy sauce when mixing with hot pasta.
• Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior and lock in moisture.
• Allow bacon to cool slightly before chopping to maintain its crispy texture and prevent soggy pieces in the final dish.

Creative Twists For Creamy Chicken Carbonara

• Spicy Carbonara: Add red pepper flakes and diced jalapeños to the egg mixture for a fiery kick.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Replace bacon with chorizo, add sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkle feta cheese on top.
• Vegetarian Remix: Swap chicken with roasted mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant, using smoked tofu instead of bacon.
• Herb-Infused Version: Mix fresh basil, thyme, and rosemary into the egg sauce, and top with toasted pine nuts for extra crunch.

Best Pairings With Creamy Chicken Carbonara

• Cozy Family Dinner Night: Serve this creamy chicken carbonara as the star of a comforting family meal. Place steaming plates with the pasta, add a crisp green salad on the side, and watch everyone dig in with excitement.
• Romantic Date Plate: Elevate the dish for a romantic dinner by plating on white dishes, garnishing with extra Parmesan shavings, and adding a glass of crisp white wine. Candlelight makes everything taste better.
• Meal Prep Champion: Pack individual portions in glass containers for easy work lunches. The creamy sauce holds up well when reheated, making it a perfect make-ahead meal that saves time during busy weekdays.

Keeping Creamy Chicken Carbonara Fresh

• Store leftover Creamy Chicken Carbonara in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the pasta separate from garnishes to maintain texture.
• Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore creamy consistency. Stir constantly to prevent egg mixture from scrambling.
• Freeze the sauce and meat separately from pasta for best results. Place in freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Consume within 2 months for optimal flavor.
• Prepare sauce and meat components separately during weekly cooking. Store in sealed containers, allowing quick assembly of fresh carbonara within minutes when ready to serve.

Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe

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4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Rich and comforting chicken carbonara delivers classic Italian flavors with tender pasta and crispy pancetta. Parmesan cheese and silky sauce make this dish perfect for home cooks seeking restaurant-quality meals you can easily prepare.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 chicken breasts
• 4 strips bacon
• 300 g spaghetti
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain thoroughly and reserve a small amount of cooking water.
2. Render bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden, about 5-6 minutes, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
3. In the same skillet with bacon drippings, sauté chicken pieces over medium-high heat until they develop a rich golden color and reach an internal temperature of 165°F, approximately 6-7 minutes.
4. Whisk eggs vigorously with grated Parmesan, heavy cream, cracked black pepper, and a delicate pinch of salt until smooth and fully incorporated.
5. Sauté minced garlic in the skillet for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
6. Reintroduce crispy bacon and cooked chicken to the skillet, then add drained pasta.
7. Immediately remove skillet from heat and rapidly pour egg mixture over pasta, continuously tossing to create a silky, luxurious sauce without curdling the eggs.
8. If sauce seems too thick, incorporate a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
9. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan, then serve piping hot directly from the skillet.

Notes

• Prevent egg scrambling by removing the skillet from heat before adding the egg mixture, ensuring a silky smooth sauce.
• Use room temperature eggs to help them blend more evenly and reduce the risk of curdling when mixed with hot ingredients.
• Grate fresh Parmesan cheese for a more robust flavor compared to pre-packaged alternatives, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt, and use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon to reduce calories.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 850 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 50 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 55 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg