Chicken Carbonara is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich, cheesy sauce. This recipe is a perfect weeknight dinner because it’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. With just a few ingredients and minimal cooking time, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara recipe will soon become one of your favorites.
Ingredients
Before you get started, make sure to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti or fettuccine pasta
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Tongs or pasta fork
- Cheese grater
- Cutting board and knife
Cooking Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: This recipe serves 4 people.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Be sure to reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining, as you’ll need it later to help create the sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, season the diced chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon
In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until the bacon becomes crispy and golden. The bacon fat will infuse the dish with a rich, savory flavor. Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the pan with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
Step 4: Sauté the Garlic
Drain some of the excess bacon fat from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan. Add the minced garlic and sauté over medium heat for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Step 5: Make the Carbonara Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese until smooth. Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper. This creamy egg mixture will become the base of the sauce, creating a silky, rich coating for the pasta.
Step 6: Combine the Ingredients
Now that everything is prepped, it’s time to bring the dish together! Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic, along with the chicken and bacon. Reduce the heat to low. Slowly pour the egg mixture over the pasta, tossing the pasta with tongs to evenly coat it. The heat from the pasta will gently cook the eggs, creating a velvety sauce. Be sure to stir continuously to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. The starchy pasta water helps to bind the sauce and makes it creamy without being too heavy.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Once the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce, remove the skillet from the heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Transfer the Chicken Carbonara to serving plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and more Parmesan cheese. For an extra touch, you can also add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Carbonara is a hearty dish that pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides. Here are a few ideas:
- Garlic Bread: A side of warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Green Salad: Serve with a crisp salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini can add a healthy and colorful touch to your meal.
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Carbonara
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Since this dish relies on simple ingredients, it’s important to use fresh, high-quality products. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, in particular, provides a much better flavor than the pre-grated variety.
- Don’t Overcook the Eggs: The key to a smooth, creamy Carbonara sauce is to gently cook the eggs without scrambling them. Toss the pasta continuously off the heat to avoid overheating the sauce.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is a secret weapon for achieving the perfect sauce consistency. If your sauce seems too thick, adding small amounts of pasta water will help loosen it up.
- Bacon Substitutes: If you prefer a slightly lighter dish or don’t have bacon on hand, you can substitute with pancetta, guanciale, or even turkey bacon. Each offers a different but equally delicious flavor.
- Preheat Your Plates: To keep the pasta warm for longer, you can preheat your serving plates in the oven or with hot water. This prevents the sauce from cooling too quickly.
FAQs
Can I make Chicken Carbonara without cream?
Yes! Traditional Carbonara recipes don’t use cream, relying solely on eggs and Parmesan for the sauce. If you want to make a more authentic version, skip the cream and just use eggs and cheese to create the creamy texture.
What can I substitute for bacon in this recipe?
If you don’t eat pork or want a lighter option, you can substitute bacon with pancetta, turkey bacon, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Each alternative brings its own unique flavor to the dish.
How do I reheat leftover Chicken Carbonara?
Reheat leftover Chicken Carbonara gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to help revive the sauce. Be sure to stir continuously to prevent the sauce from breaking or the pasta from drying out.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! While spaghetti and fettuccine are the most common choices for Carbonara, you can use any pasta you like. Penne, linguine, or bucatini work great as well.
How can I make a gluten-free version of Chicken Carbonara?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute the regular pasta with gluten-free pasta. All other ingredients in the recipe are naturally gluten-free.
Can I add vegetables to Chicken Carbonara?
Yes, you can customize this recipe by adding vegetables like peas, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms. Just toss them into the pasta during the final step to blend with the sauce.
Conclusion
This Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara recipe is a foolproof way to create a delicious, creamy pasta dish in just 30 minutes. With tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich, cheesy sauce, it’s sure to become a go-to meal for family dinners or special occasions. The simplicity and depth of flavor make it a winner every time. So, gather your ingredients and try this irresistible recipe tonight for a satisfying and comforting dinner.