Description
Creamy chicken carbonara elevates classic Italian pasta with smoky pancetta and rich parmesan. Silky noodles and tender chicken create a comforting meal you’ll savor with each delicious forkful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 chicken breasts (cut into cubes)
- 4 ounces (113 grams) pancetta or bacon (diced)
- 3 large eggs
Pasta and Cheese:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil, then generously salt the water and cook the spaghetti until it reaches al dente perfection, carefully extracting and preserving one cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
- Warm a generous splash of olive oil in a spacious skillet, then meticulously sear chicken cubes until they develop a rich golden-brown exterior and are thoroughly cooked through, then transfer to a separate plate.
- Using the same skillet, render pancetta or bacon until achieving a delightful crispness, then introduce minced garlic and sauté briefly, allowing the aromatics to bloom and release their fragrant essence.
- In a separate mixing vessel, vigorously whisk together eggs, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and velvety heavy cream until the mixture achieves a smooth, uniform consistency.
- Consolidate the perfectly cooked spaghetti, golden chicken, and crispy pancetta within the skillet, then immediately remove from heat and swiftly incorporate the egg mixture, strategically utilizing the reserved pasta water to create a luxuriously creamy sauce that clings elegantly to each strand of pasta.
- Delicately season the carbonara with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, then garnish with finely chopped parsley, presenting the dish while it remains deliciously warm and inviting.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth, creamy sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
- Add pasta water gradually while mixing egg mixture to create silky texture and prevent scrambling.
- Consider using gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version or swap chicken with tofu for a vegetarian alternative.
- Toast pancetta or bacon slowly to release maximum flavor and achieve crispy, golden texture without burning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg