The Silkiest Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe You’ll Adore

Whipping up this luscious chicken carbonara sparks culinary magic in your kitchen.

Authentic Italian flavors dance across your plate with minimal effort.

Bacon and parmesan cheese create a rich, comforting symphony of taste.

Crisp ingredients blend seamlessly into a luxurious pasta experience.

Weeknight dinners never looked so elegant and sophisticated.

Professional chefs would definitely applaud this simple yet impressive dish.

Rush home and start cooking – deliciousness awaits you!

FAQs

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

Yes, you can use spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine. Just ensure the pasta is al dente for the best texture.

• Is it safe to use raw egg yolks in the sauce?

The heat from the pasta and skillet will gently cook the egg yolks, making them safe to eat. Just be sure to mix quickly to prevent scrambling.

• What if I don't have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce might be slightly less rich and creamy.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace chicken and bacon with mushrooms or roasted vegetables. Use vegetarian parmesan or nutritional yeast for a similar flavor profile.

Creamy Chicken Carbonara Taste Appeal

• Quick Weeknight Winner: Whips up a restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving delicious comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Protein-Packed Perfection: Combines succulent chicken and crispy bacon for a satisfying protein boost that keeps hunger at bay and delivers incredible flavor in every bite.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable for different preferences by adjusting seasonings, adding extra vegetables, or swapping proteins to match individual tastes and dietary needs.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Requires only a handful of pantry staples, making this recipe budget-friendly and accessible for home cooks of all skill levels without compromising on taste.

Chicken Carbonara Ingredient Details

• Spaghetti, Fettuccine: Classic pasta shapes that hold the creamy sauce perfectly, choose a high-quality brand for best texture.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that adds substance to the dish, look for fresh, tender cuts.
• Bacon: Adds smoky flavor and crispy texture, opt for thick-cut for more robust taste.

• Egg Yolks, Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Rich base for the classic carbonara sauce, creates a silky and luxurious coating for the pasta.
• Garlic: Provides deep, aromatic flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
• Olive Oil: Helps in sautéing chicken and bacon, adds subtle richness.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall flavor of the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb that adds color and light, herbal note to the finished dish.

How to Fix Creamy Chicken Carbonara

Step 1: Boil Perfect Pasta

Cook pasta in generously salted water until al dente.

After cooking, carefully collect and save some pasta water before draining.

Set cooked pasta aside in a warm spot.

Step 2: Transform Bacon Into Crispy Magic

Warm a large skillet and cook bacon pieces until they become deliciously golden and crisp.

Transfer the crunchy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, keeping the flavorful bacon grease in the pan.

Step 3: Sear Succulent Chicken

Drizzle a touch of olive oil into the bacon pan.

• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook chicken until it develops a beautiful golden exterior and becomes completely cooked through.

Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Cream Base

• Egg yolks
• Heavy cream
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese

Whisk until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Infuse Garlic Essence

Lower skillet heat and add minced garlic.

Sauté for a quick moment until the kitchen fills with an aromatic fragrance.

Step 6: Combine Carbonara Components

Introduce cooked pasta, seared chicken, and crispy bacon into the skillet.

Pour cream mixture over ingredients and gently toss to coat evenly.

Add reserved pasta water gradually to achieve a silky, luxurious sauce.

Step 7: Final Flavor Flourish

Season with additional salt and pepper.

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top.

Serve immediately while piping hot and enjoy this restaurant-quality meal.

Creamy Chicken Carbonara Tips for a Smooth Sauce

• Temper egg mixture by slowly adding hot pasta water while whisking constantly to create smooth, silky sauce without curdling.
• Save and use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency, helping bind ingredients and create perfectly creamy texture.
• Cook bacon until extra crispy before removing from pan to ensure maximum flavor and crunchy texture in final dish.
• Keep skillet on low heat when adding cream mixture to prevent eggs from scrambling and maintain velvety sauce quality.
• Add fresh chopped parsley just before serving to enhance visual appeal and provide bright, fresh herb notes to rich carbonara.

Reheat Chicken Carbonara With Sauce Intact

• Store leftover carbonara in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of pasta water or cream to restore creamy texture and prevent drying out.
• Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and maintain sauce consistency.
• Skip freezing this dish, as cream-based sauces and pasta tend to separate and lose their smooth, silky texture when thawed.

Taste Bud Buddies for Chicken Carbonara

• Crisp White Wine Pairing: Select a bright, acidic Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the creamy carbonara's richness and complement the chicken's delicate flavor.
• Fresh Green Salad Sidekick: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's heaviness and provide a refreshing contrast with crisp, tangy notes.
• Crusty Garlic Bread Delight: Toast rustic Italian bread with garlic and olive oil to soak up the creamy sauce and add a crunchy texture that enhances the meal's overall experience.
• Roasted Vegetable Medley: Grill zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus with herbs to introduce a colorful, nutritious side that adds brightness and lightness to the rich carbonara.

Chicken Carbonara with Comforting Creamy Options

• Vegetarian Carbonara: Replace chicken and bacon with sautéed mushrooms and roasted zucchini for a plant-based version. Use vegetarian parmesan or nutritional yeast for cheese flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta. Choose grilled chicken and turkey bacon to maintain protein content while reducing carbohydrates.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk. Use dairy-free parmesan alternatives like nutritional yeast or cashew-based cheese.

Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

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

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Description

Indulgent Creamy Chicken Carbonara brings Italian culinary magic to your dinner table with silky pasta and rich, smoky flavors. Perfectly balanced ingredients create a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Primary Proteins:

• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 3 egg yolks

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Pasta and Seasonings:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti or fettuccine
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta according to package guidelines, carefully preserving a portion of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
2. Render bacon pieces in a skillet until achieving a crisp, golden texture, then extract and reserve while maintaining rendered fat.
3. Introduce additional olive oil to the skillet and sear chicken cubes seasoned with salt and pepper, cooking until achieving a rich caramel-colored exterior and ensuring complete internal doneness.
4. Craft a luxurious emulsion by whisking egg yolks with rich cream and finely grated parmesan cheese until smoothly integrated.
5. Reduce skillet temperature and gently toast minced garlic, releasing its aromatic essence without burning.
6. Consolidate cooked pasta, seared chicken, and crispy bacon within the skillet, then delicately cascade the cream mixture, rapidly tossing to envelop ingredients while modulating sauce consistency using reserved pasta liquid.
7. Fine-tune seasoning with salt and pepper, scatter fresh parsley as a vibrant garnish, and present immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and creamy texture.

Notes

• Whisk egg mixture rapidly and continuously to prevent scrambling, creating a silky smooth sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
• Use room temperature eggs to help blend seamlessly with cream and cheese, reducing risk of curdling.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use leaner chicken breast cuts.
• Gluten-free adaptation works perfectly by replacing regular pasta with chickpea or zucchini noodles without compromising texture or flavor.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 700
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 250 mg