Description
Enjoy a comforting and quick Creamy Chicken Carbonara featuring tender chicken, silky pasta, and a rich, luscious egg and Parmesan sauce. This recipe elevates traditional carbonara with a creamy twist, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or entertaining family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 4 slices bacon or pancetta, chopped
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
Sauce
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes and Add-Ins
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (for spicy kick)
- Peas, spinach, or asparagus (for extra veggies)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining to adjust the sauce consistency later.
- Cook the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken breast, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Crisp the Bacon: In the same pan, add the chopped bacon or pancetta and cook until crispy. Remove excess fat if needed, leaving just enough to enhance flavor.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. Slowly drizzle in some hot reserved pasta water while whisking to temper the eggs and create a silky sauce without scrambling.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked pasta to the pan with the bacon and chicken. Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta and quickly stir to coat everything evenly. Add more reserved pasta water as needed until the sauce reaches a creamy, luscious consistency.
- Final Seasoning: Taste the carbonara and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra Parmesan cheese as desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce at its creamiest and most flavorful.
Notes
- Use fresh eggs and freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and sauce texture.
- Cook pasta al dente to help it hold the sauce better and avoid mushiness.
- Temper the egg mixture by slowly adding hot pasta water to avoid scrambling the eggs.
- Combine the sauce and pasta quickly while the pasta is hot for a smooth and creamy finish.
- Reserve pasta water as it is essential for adjusting sauce consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 250 mg