Chicken Carbonara is a dish that has a special place in many hearts—and kitchens! Picture this: strands of spaghetti coated in a velvety sauce made from eggs and cheese, brightened by crispy bacon and tender chicken. It’s love at first bite! Whether you’re gathering friends for dinner or just treating yourself to a cozy night in, Chicken Carbonara is comforting and satisfying. This dish brings together simple ingredients, yet the flavors sing beautifully together.
What I love most about Chicken Carbonara is how quickly it comes together, making it perfect for those weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t appreciate that creamy, dreamy sauce? Plus, it gives off a wonderful aroma that fills your home and makes everyone’s mouth water. So, grab your apron, and let’s whip up this delightful Chicken Carbonara that will surely impress!
Why This Recipe Works
Chicken Carbonara is a classic Italian dish that combines simplicity with richness, making it a beloved favorite for many. The technique of tossing hot pasta with eggs and cheese creates a luxurious sauce without the need for cream. This recipe ensures that each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures, resulting in a savory, satisfying meal that is easy to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Carbonara
Imagine the aroma of bacon sizzling in the pan, combined with tender pieces of chicken enveloped in a silky sauce. This Chicken Carbonara is not just a recipe; it’s a comforting experience that brings warmth to the table. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, this dish is sure to impress. It’s quick to whip up on a weeknight, yet elegant enough for entertaining guests, making it a versatile go-to in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces dry spaghetti
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1 ½ teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 thick-cut bacon strips, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into ½-inch pieces
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley, optional, for garnish
Cooking Instructions
Bring Water to a Boil
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, following package instructions. Remember to reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the noodles. This water is like liquid gold for your sauce!
Whisk Egg Mixture
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, grated Parmesan, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Set this mixture aside to prepare for the sauce. It should be silky and rich, perfect for coating that lovely pasta.
Cook the Bacon
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook, stirring often, until crispy. This will infuse the oil with a smoky flavor that enhances the whole dish. Once crisp, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. The smell? Absolutely mouthwatering!
Transfer Bacon and Garlic
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the crispy bacon and garlic to a medium bowl, leaving about 2 tablespoons of the rendered bacon fat in the skillet. This fat will help flavor the chicken and add another layer of deliciousness.
Cook the Chicken
Season the chicken pieces with the remaining ½ teaspoon of black pepper and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. This step makes sure your chicken is juicy and packed with flavor.
Combine Ingredients
Transfer the cooked chicken back into the bowl with the bacon and garlic. Reduce the heat to medium-low, then add the reserved pasta water along with the drained spaghetti. Toss everything together until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the pasta perfectly.
Finish with Eggs
Lower the heat to the lowest setting. Pour the egg mixture over the hot pasta, and quickly toss everything until the sauce thickens, being careful not to scramble the eggs. This should take about 4 minutes. Add the bacon and chicken back to the skillet and combine thoroughly for that ultimate creamy bite!
Serve and Garnish
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve warm, garnished with additional freshly grated Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley if desired. The green parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh flavor that brightens the whole dish.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Chicken Carbonara with a fresh side salad or garlic bread to balance the richness of the dish. For a more robust meal, consider serving with roasted vegetables or a classic Italian Caprese salad. These sides complement the flavors beautifully, making your meal even more satisfying.
Tips for Success
- Ensure your eggs are at room temperature to help them incorporate smoothly into the pasta. Warm eggs make a creamier sauce!
- Toss the pasta quickly with the egg mixture to create a creamy sauce without cooking the eggs too much. Timing is everything here.
- If you want a little extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the pan after cooking the chicken before mixing in the pasta. It elevates the dish to a whole new level!
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for a meat-free version.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the bacon for an added layer of heat. Spice always livens up a dish!
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan for a sharper taste that can add excitement to your dish.
FAQs
1. Can I make Chicken Carbonara ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the bacon and chicken in advance. Cook pasta just before serving to keep everything fresh and warm.
2. How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water to keep the sauce creamy.
3. Can I use different pasta?
Yes! While spaghetti is classic, fettuccine or penne also work well for this recipe, giving it a fun twist!
4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. It’s all about enjoying delicious food that fits your needs.
5. What can I serve with Chicken Carbonara?
It pairs beautifully with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that satisfies every craving.
Chicken Carbonara is a delightful dish that combines rich flavors and creamy textures, making it perfect for any occasion. With easy-to-follow steps and options to customize, it invites you to explore your culinary creativity while creating a comforting plate of pasta. Whether shared among family or savored solo, this recipe captures the essence of hearty Italian cooking to enjoy at home. So, grab your favorite plate, and enjoy every indulgent bite of this wonderful Chicken Carbonara!
Print
Chicken Carbonara
Chicken Carbonara is a comforting dish that combines spaghetti with a rich egg and cheese sauce, crispy bacon, and tender chicken. It’s quick to make and perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 12 ounces dry spaghetti
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1 ½ teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 thick-cut bacon strips, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into ½-inch pieces
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley, optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil, then cook spaghetti until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
- Whisk together eggs, egg yolks, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook bacon until crispy, then add garlic and sauté.
- Transfer bacon and garlic to a bowl, leaving some fat in the skillet.
- Cook chicken in the same skillet until golden and cooked through, then return bacon and garlic.
- Add reserved pasta water and drained spaghetti, toss until sauce thickens.
- Lower heat, add egg mixture, and quickly toss until creamy. Return chicken and bacon to combine.
- Serve warm, garnished with additional Parmesan and parsley.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Use room temperature eggs for a creamier sauce.
Toss pasta quickly with the egg mixture to avoid scrambling.
Consider adding a splash of white wine for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 15
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 67
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 28
- Cholesterol: 220
