Chicken Carbonara is a creamy, comforting Italian-inspired pasta dish loaded with golden chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your table in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti or fettuccine
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more for pasta water)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
- Cook the Chicken: Add olive oil to the skillet if needed. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan, and heavy cream.
- Combine: Return pasta to the skillet with garlic. Add chicken and bacon. Remove from heat. Quickly pour in the egg mixture, tossing constantly to coat the pasta (the heat will cook the eggs and create a creamy sauce). Add reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
- Serve: Top with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Tips
- For extra flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan and high-quality bacon.
- Don’t overheat the pan when adding the egg mixture—residual heat is enough to create a silky sauce.
FAQ
- Can I use other pasta shapes? Yes! Penne or rigatoni work well.
- Can I make it ahead? It’s best served fresh, but leftovers can be reheated gently with a splash of cream.
Looking for more Italian classics? Try our Chicken Kiev or Japanese Chicken Curry for a twist!
