Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe to Savor Every Bite

Have you ever dreamed about a rich chicken carbonara that melts in your mouth?

Pasta lovers adore this classic Italian dish with a creamy twist.

We combine silky strands of spaghetti with tender chicken pieces that dance in a luxurious sauce.

Crispy pancetta adds a salty crunch that perfectly balances the smooth texture.

Each bite promises a delightful journey through traditional Roman flavors with a modern spin.

Fresh parmesan cheese sprinkled on top creates an irresistible aroma that will make everyone gather around the table.

Come hungry and leave satisfied with this incredible culinary experience waiting just for you.

Switch It Up With These Proteins or Add-Ins

• Vegetarian Carbonara: Replace chicken and bacon with roasted mushrooms and smoked tofu, providing a plant-based protein alternative that maintains rich umami flavors.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta to accommodate gluten-sensitive diners without compromising texture and taste.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Use spiralized cauliflower or spaghetti squash instead of pasta, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the creamy carbonara essence intact.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and replace eggs with silken tofu for a completely dairy-free preparation that preserves the original recipe's creaminess.

FAQs About This Pasta Classic

• Why do I need to reserve pasta water?

The starchy pasta water helps create a smoother, silkier sauce and can rescue the dish if the sauce becomes too thick by adding moisture and helping ingredients bind together.

• Can I use different types of pasta for carbonara?

While traditional carbonara uses spaghetti, you can use other long pasta like linguine or fettuccine. Just ensure the pasta can hold the creamy sauce well and has enough surface area to catch the sauce.

• How do I prevent the eggs from scrambling when making the sauce?

The key is to add the egg mixture slowly over low heat while constantly tossing the pasta. This technique helps the eggs gently coat the pasta without turning into scrambled eggs, creating a smooth and creamy sauce.

• Is it necessary to use heavy cream in carbonara?

No, traditional Italian carbonara doesn’t include cream. The authentic recipe relies on eggs and cheese to create the creamy texture. Adding cream is optional and can make the sauce richer, but it’s not essential to the classic recipe.

What Stands Out in This Chicken Carbonara

• Perfect for busy weeknights, this chicken carbonara comes together in just 30 minutes, making dinner stress-free and delicious.
• Swap proteins or add vegetables to suit your taste preferences, creating a versatile meal that adapts to your family's cravings.
• Minimal dishes and straightforward cooking technique mean less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal with loved ones.
• Rich, creamy sauce combined with crispy bacon and tender chicken delivers a crowd-pleasing dish that satisfies both kids and adults at the dinner table.

Ingredients That Come Together Seamlessly

• Chicken: Lean protein that adds substance and flavor to the carbonara.
• Bacon: Provides a smoky, salty taste and crispy texture to the dish.
• Eggs: Act as the creamy base for the sauce and help bind ingredients together.

• Pasta: Classic base for carbonara, best when cooked al dente for perfect texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers sharp, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Optional ingredient that makes the sauce extra rich and smooth.

• Olive Oil: Helps cook chicken and prevents sticking in the skillet.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the dish.
• Black Pepper: Adds warmth and slight heat to the carbonara.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides a fresh, bright garnish and color contrast.

Cooking Tips for Sauce Without Curdles

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Grab a large pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in salt generously. Toss pasta into boiling water and cook until tender. Before draining, save some pasta water in a cup.

Step 2: Sizzle Chicken and Bacon

• Olive oil
• Chicken pieces
• Bacon strips

Heat skillet with olive oil. Drop chicken into pan and cook until golden brown. Scoop out chicken and set aside. In same skillet, crisp bacon until edges curl. Remove bacon and keep a splash of bacon fat in pan.

Step 3: Whip Silky Sauce

Crack eggs into mixing bowl. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese. Pour heavy cream. Whisk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Create Creamy Magic

Lower skillet heat. Slide pasta into pan with bacon fat. Pour egg mixture slowly while stirring constantly. Add saved pasta water bit by bit to make sauce glossy and perfect.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Return chicken and crumbled bacon to skillet. Stir gently to coat everything in luxurious sauce. Warm everything for a quick moment.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Scoop carbonara onto plates. Shower with extra Parmesan. Dust with black pepper. Sprinkle fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tricks for Balanced, Rich Flavor

• Prevent Egg Scrambling: Whisk eggs thoroughly and add them to the pasta off direct heat, stirring quickly to create smooth, silky sauce without curdling.
• Balance Sauce Consistency: Use reserved pasta water gradually to adjust sauce thickness, creating creamy texture without becoming too dry or runny.
• Bacon Fat Flavor Boost: Keep a tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet for extra depth of flavor and rich, authentic carbonara taste.
• Chicken Cooking Technique: Dice chicken uniformly and cook on medium heat to ensure golden exterior and juicy interior without drying out.
• Cheese Selection Matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan for optimal melting and authentic Italian carbonara flavor profile.

Storing Leftovers That Still Taste Great

• Store leftover carbonara in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Cover the pasta surface with plastic wrap directly touching the sauce to prevent a dry film from forming and maintain moisture.
• Warm carbonara slowly in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of pasta water or cream to restore creamy texture and prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent sticking.
• Skip microwave reheating, as it can cause eggs to scramble and sauce to break, resulting in an unappetizing meal with separated ingredients.

Great Sides to Match the Sauce

• Select a chardonnay or pinot grigio to cut through the rich, creamy sauce and complement the savory bacon and chicken flavors.
• Create a light, peppery side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy carbonara and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Serve toasted rustic bread rubbed with garlic to soak up the delicious sauce and add a crunchy texture to the meal.
• Prepare a simple side of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes to add color, nutrition, and a slight caramelized sweetness that elevates the carbonara's richness.

Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sinful Italian classic Creamy Chicken Carbonara delivers rich Roman comfort with silky pasta and tender chicken. Parmesan-kissed sauce and crispy pancetta create a perfect harmony you’ll crave after one delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
• 4 oz (115g) bacon, diced
• 3 large eggs

Pasta and Dairy:

• 12 oz (340g) spaghetti or fettuccine
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
• ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ teaspoon salt (to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Fill a spacious pot with generously salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Submerge pasta and cook until achieving a tender yet firm texture, commonly known as al dente. Before straining, carefully extract and reserve a portion of the starchy cooking liquid.
2. Warm olive oil in a generously sized skillet over moderate heat. Introduce diced chicken pieces and sauté until they acquire a golden-brown exterior and are thoroughly cooked through. Transfer the perfectly prepared chicken to a separate plate.
3. Utilize the same skillet to render bacon until achieving a delightfully crisp texture. Remove the bacon and allow excess grease to drain on absorbent paper towels, preserving approximately one tablespoon of the flavorful rendered fat.
4. In a mixing bowl, vigorously whisk eggs, finely grated Parmesan, and rich cream until smoothly incorporated. Season with a judicious amount of salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
5. Reduce the skillet’s temperature to a gentle low setting. Introduce the cooked pasta to the residual bacon fat, ensuring each strand becomes delicately coated.
6. Gradually cascade the egg mixture over the pasta, continuously agitating to prevent undesirable egg scrambling. Incrementally incorporate the reserved pasta water to achieve a silky, luxurious sauce consistency.
7. Reintroduce the previously cooked chicken and crisp bacon fragments into the skillet. Gently fold ingredients together, allowing them to warm and meld harmoniously.
8. Transfer the steaming carbonara onto awaiting plates. Embellish with additional Parmesan shavings, a liberal grinding of black pepper, and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately for optimal flavor and temperature.

Notes

• Use high-quality Parmesan cheese for a rich, authentic flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Temper eggs carefully by slowly adding hot pasta water to prevent scrambling, creating a silky smooth sauce.
• Pat chicken and bacon dry before cooking to ensure perfect golden-brown crispy texture that adds incredible depth.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories without sacrificing creaminess.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg