The Creamiest Chicken Carbonara Recipe You’ll Ever Taste

Mastering the art of chicken carbonara brings pure culinary magic to your kitchen.

Authentic italian traditions blend seamlessly with modern cooking techniques.

Creamy sauce and tender chicken create an irresistible combination that whispers comfort.

Pasta lovers will adore this simple yet sophisticated dish that feels like a warm embrace.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike can nail this classic recipe with confidence.

Rich parmesan and crispy pancetta add depth to every delectable bite.

Each forkful promises a delicious adventure that will make you the star of dinner.

Come explore this mouthwatering journey and impress everyone at your table.

Chicken Carbonara Must-Have Ingredients

• Spaghetti, Fettuccine: Classic pasta shapes perfect for holding creamy sauce and catching all the delicious flavors.
• Chicken Breasts, Bacon: Hearty protein sources that add rich, savory depth to the carbonara.

• Eggs, Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy base that creates the signature silky carbonara sauce with tangy cheese notes.
• Garlic, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that build a robust and aromatic flavor profile.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb that adds a pop of color and light herbal freshness to the dish.

Chicken Carbonara Best-Ever Steps

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook pasta according to package directions.

Set aside some pasta water before draining, keeping it warm and ready for later use.

Step 2: Crisp Up Bacon Bits

Fry chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until wonderfully crispy.

Transfer bacon to a plate, leaving behind the delicious bacon grease.

Step 3: Sear Succulent Chicken

In the same skillet with bacon drippings, add a splash of olive oil.

Cook chicken cubes seasoned with salt and pepper until they turn golden brown and cook completely through.

Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 4: Awaken Garlic Flavors

Reduce skillet heat and quickly sauté minced garlic for just a brief moment, releasing its aromatic essence.

Step 5: Create Silky Carbonara Sauce

• Eggs
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese

Gradually incorporate reserved pasta water, whisking constantly to prevent egg scrambling.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Return cooked pasta to the skillet.

Pour egg mixture over pasta, stirring rapidly to ensure smooth, creamy coating.

Step 7: Bring Everything Together

Add cooked chicken and crispy bacon to the pasta.

Gently mix and warm for 1-2 minutes.

Step 8: Serve with Finesse

Sprinkle fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese on top.

Serve immediately and enjoy your restaurant-quality carbonara.

Chicken Carbonara Tips That Make It a Weeknight Win

• Slowly add hot pasta water to the egg mixture while whisking constantly to prevent scrambling and create a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Keep the heat low and stir rapidly when adding the egg mixture to ensure a silky texture without lumpy bits.
• Cook bacon until it's perfectly crisp for maximum flavor and a satisfying crunch in every bite.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and most authentic taste compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Swap chicken with pancetta, turkey, or tofu to accommodate different dietary preferences and protein needs.

Chill Chicken Carbonara And Warm Up Easily

• Store leftover carbonara in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• Cover surface with plastic wrap directly touching the pasta to prevent drying and maintain moisture.
• Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of pasta water or cream to restore creamy texture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Toss carbonara if it develops an off smell, unusual color, or sits in the refrigerator longer than 3 days to avoid potential foodborne illness.

What to Serve with Best-ever Chicken Carbonara

• Savor Silky Sangiovese: A medium-bodied Italian red wine perfectly complements the rich, creamy texture of chicken carbonara, cutting through its heaviness while enhancing the dish's savory notes.
• Pair with Crisp Pinot Grigio: The light, refreshing white wine balances the carbonara's richness, offering a zesty counterpoint to the creamy sauce and salty bacon.
• Elevate with Arugula Salad: A simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette provides a bright, peppery contrast to the dish's dense flavors, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Toast with Italian Craft Beer: A crisp, hoppy pilsner or golden ale from Italy matches the carbonara's robust profile, adding a refreshing layer to the creamy, bacon-studded pasta.

Chicken Carbonara Served Best with New Twists

• Vegetarian Carbonara: Replace chicken and bacon with sautéed mushrooms and smoked tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of pasta water for added flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Use spiralized vegetables like spaghetti squash instead of pasta. Reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining rich, creamy texture.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for similar umami flavor profile.

FAQs

• Why do I need to reserve pasta water?

Pasta water is starchy and helps create a smooth, creamy sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta, preventing it from becoming dry or clumpy.

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

Tempering the eggs by slowly adding warm pasta water while whisking continuously helps bring the eggs to a similar temperature, reducing the risk of curdling and creating a silky sauce.

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, while spaghetti or linguine work best, you can also use other long pasta like fettuccine or bucatini that can hold the creamy sauce well.

• Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

You can reduce the amount of cream and use half-and-half instead, or substitute some of the heavy cream with milk to cut down on calories while maintaining a creamy texture.

Chicken Carbonara You’ll Keep On Rotation

• Whip Up a Weeknight Wonder: Speedy cooking lets you transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal in just 30 minutes.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily swap bacon for pancetta or add vegetables like spinach or peas to create a personalized pasta experience that suits your taste buds.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults alike will devour this creamy, cheesy chicken carbonara packed with crispy bacon and tender chicken, making dinnertime a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• One-Skillet Magic: Minimal cleanup and straightforward preparation mean you'll spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying a delicious homemade meal with your loved ones.

Best-ever Chicken Carbonara Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy, classic chicken carbonara delivers Italian comfort straight to dinner tables with irresistible charm. Rich parmesan, smoky pancetta, and silky eggs blend perfectly, inviting home cooks to savor Rome’s most beloved pasta tradition.

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Ingredients

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Protein Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 large eggs

Carbohydrate and Pasta Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti or fettuccine

Seasoning and Flavor Ingredients:

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente, maintaining a tender yet firm texture. Carefully extract and preserve half a cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining the remaining pasta.
2. Render bacon pieces in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, allowing them to transform into crispy, golden fragments. Transfer the bacon to a separate plate, intentionally preserving the rendered fat within the cooking vessel.
3. Introduce olive oil to the skillet and sear chicken cubes seasoned with kosher salt and cracked black pepper. Cook until each piece develops a rich, caramelized exterior and reaches complete internal doneness.
4. Reduce skillet temperature and gently toast minced garlic, releasing its aromatic essence without allowing it to brown or burn.
5. Create a silky sauce base by whisking eggs, velvety heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese in a separate mixing bowl. Gradually incorporate the reserved pasta water while continuously stirring to prevent egg scrambling.
6. Reintroduce pasta to the skillet, coating each strand with the residual bacon fat and chicken drippings. Immediately pour the tempered egg mixture, swiftly stirring to ensure a smooth, creamy coating.
7. Fold in the crispy bacon and perfectly cooked chicken, allowing the ingredients to harmonize and warm through gently.
8. Finish the dish with a vibrant sprinkle of chopped parsley and an additional dusting of Parmesan cheese, creating a visually appealing and flavor-packed presentation.

Notes

• Tempering eggs carefully prevents curdling, so slowly add hot pasta water while whisking constantly to create smooth, silky sauce.
• Using room temperature eggs helps achieve better sauce consistency and reduces risk of scrambling when mixing with hot ingredients.
• Crispy bacon provides essential texture contrast, so cook until golden brown and drain excess grease for maximum crunchiness.
• Gluten-free option works perfectly by substituting regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta without compromising flavor profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg