Description
Indulge in this Creamy Chicken Carbonara, a rich and satisfying pasta dish that combines crispy bacon, tender chicken, and a velvety Parmesan-infused sauce. This quick and easy recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors to your table in just 35 minutes!
Ingredients
The Building Blocks of Flavor:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – sliced into strips
- 8 oz spaghetti (or fettuccine)
- 4 slices of bacon – diced
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic – minced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt – to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley – chopped (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan cheese – for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente, following package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken & Bacon – Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the diced bacon until crispy (5-7 minutes). Remove with a slotted spoon, leaving the grease in the pan. Add olive oil (if needed) and cook the chicken strips, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Create the Carbonara Sauce – In a bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper until smooth.
- Sauté the Garlic – In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine the Pasta & Sauce – Return the cooked pasta to the skillet with garlic. Turn off the heat and pour in the egg mixture, stirring quickly to coat the pasta. The residual heat will gently cook the eggs without scrambling them.
- Finish with Chicken & Bacon – Toss in the cooked chicken and crispy bacon, ensuring everything is well-coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until smooth.
- Garnish & Serve – Top with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Swap Proteins – Try shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
- Veggie Boost – Add peas or spinach for extra freshness.
- Lighter Version – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Storage Tip – Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently over low heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian