Best Chicken Carbonara Recipe

There's nothing quite like the creamy decadence of Chicken Carbonara to turn an ordinary dinner into a special occasion. With tender chicken, perfectly al dente pasta, and a rich, silky sauce, this dish brings a touch of elegance to your kitchen while still being quick and simple enough for a busy weeknight.

this Recipe

I first discovered this recipe while trying to replicate a restaurant favorite at home. After a few tweaks and experiments, it became a family staple – one that always leaves everyone scraping their plates for every last bite.

Why You'll Love This Chicken Carbonara Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to comfort food. Chicken Carbonara offers a blend of luxurious flavors and practicality, making it a perfect addition to your recipe collection.

First off, it’s incredibly easy to make, even on the busiest of evenings. You can whip up this indulgent dish in under 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver when time is short but cravings demand something special.

This recipe is also budget-friendly. With a handful of pantry staples like pasta, eggs, and Parmesan, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at a fraction of the cost.

Best of all, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or impressing dinner guests, the creamy sauce and savory chicken never fail to delight.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Chicken Carbonara lies in its simple, yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in achieving the perfect balance of creamy richness and savory depth.

Pasta: Traditional spaghetti works wonderfully for this dish, but fettuccine or linguine are great options too. For a lighter twist, try whole wheat pasta or even gluten-free varieties.

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal here. They cook quickly and soak up the flavors of the sauce beautifully. For extra richness, you can substitute with chicken thighs.

Eggs: The sauce’s creamy texture comes from a combination of eggs and cheese. Use fresh, large eggs for the best results – they emulsify perfectly with the pasta water to create that signature velvety finish.

Parmesan Cheese: Opt for freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded. The fresh version melts seamlessly into the sauce, adding a nutty, salty complexity.

Pancetta or Bacon: Pancetta is the traditional choice, offering a slightly sweeter, more refined flavor. However, bacon works just as well and brings a smoky, savory punch.

You’ll also need garlic, olive oil, and black pepper to round out the flavors. A large skillet and a pot for boiling pasta are all the equipment you’ll need.

How To Make This Chicken Carbonara

Creating this classic Chicken Carbonara is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps for a foolproof dish every time.

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta until it’s just shy of al dente – it will finish cooking in the sauce. Reserve about a cup of the pasta water before draining.

While the pasta cooks, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your chicken with salt and pepper, then cook it until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Set the chicken aside and slice it into bite-sized pieces.

In the same skillet, add diced pancetta or bacon. Cook until crispy and golden, then stir in minced garlic, letting it cook until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.

Whisk together eggs and grated Parmesan in a small bowl. Slowly add a bit of the reserved pasta water to temper the eggs, preventing them from scrambling.

Return the pasta to the skillet and toss with the pancetta and garlic. Turn off the heat and pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, stirring quickly to coat each strand. The residual heat will create a silky, creamy sauce.

Add the sliced chicken back to the skillet and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a bit more of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and freshly ground black pepper.

Storage Options

Leftover Chicken Carbonara stores beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or next-day lunches.

For refrigeration, transfer the pasta to an airtight container and store it for up to three days. To prevent it from drying out, drizzle a little olive oil over the top before sealing.

If freezing, portion the pasta into individual servings and place them in freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat, add the pasta to a skillet with a splash of water or chicken broth. Heat gently over low, stirring frequently, until warmed through.

Variations and Substitutions

Chicken Carbonara is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences and what’s available in your kitchen.

For a veggie-packed twist, add sautéed spinach, peas, or mushrooms to the skillet along with the chicken.

Looking for a healthier version? Swap out traditional pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. You can also use turkey bacon or reduce the cheese to cut back on calories.

If you’re a seafood lover, replace the chicken with shrimp or scallops for an elegant variation. Just sear them quickly before adding to the dish.

For a smoky, bold flavor, try smoked gouda or Pecorino Romano in place of Parmesan. Both add a delightful depth to the sauce.

No pancetta or bacon on hand? Diced ham or even smoked sausage can step in and bring their own unique flavor profile.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with herbs and spices. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or fresh parsley can take this dish to the next level.

Chicken Carbonara is a dish that adapts beautifully to your creativity. Once you’ve mastered the basics, the possibilities are endless. Enjoy crafting your own version of this timeless classic!

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