Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe: A Comforting Italian Classic

Pasta nights reach new heights with this irresistible chicken carbonara recipe that promises pure culinary magic.

Creamy, rich textures blend seamlessly with tender chicken pieces suspended in a silky sauce.

Every forkful delivers an authentic Italian experience straight from traditional kitchens.

Crispy pancetta adds depth and complexity to this classic comfort dish.

Authentic ingredients and simple techniques come together to create something extraordinary.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike will appreciate the balance of flavors in this remarkable recipe.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this incredible meal that transforms ordinary ingredients into something spectacular.

Chicken Carbonara Ingredients Guide

Main Ingredients:

• Fettuccine: A long, flat pasta that provides the perfect base for the creamy carbonara sauce.

• Chicken: Tender protein that adds substance and flavor to the classic carbonara dish.
• Bacon: Crispy meat that brings a smoky and rich taste to the recipe.

• Eggs: Create a silky, creamy sauce that coats the pasta with rich flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty depth to the carbonara sauce.

Supporting Ingredients:

• Garlic: Provides a pungent and aromatic base that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Parsley: Offers a fresh, herbal note that brightens the dish.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the flavors of all ingredients.

Optional Additions:

• Pasta Water: Starchy water that helps create a smooth and creamy sauce consistency.

Cooking Chicken Carbonara Steps

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook fettuccine in a large pot of salted water until al dente.

Before draining, scoop out and set aside some pasta water.

The starchy liquid will help create a silky sauce later.

Step 2: Crisp Up Bacon

Heat a skillet and cook bacon over medium heat until beautifully crispy.

Add garlic and sauté for a few minutes until fragrant.

Transfer bacon and garlic to a separate bowl, keeping some bacon fat in the pan.

Step 3: Cook Chicken

Place chicken in the same skillet with bacon drippings.

Increase heat and cook until chicken is fully white and no longer pink.

Season with salt and pepper for extra flavor.

Step 4: Prepare Egg Mixture

• Eggs
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley

Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Reduce skillet heat, return bacon to pan with chicken.

Add cooked pasta and quickly toss with egg mixture.

Stir gently to prevent egg scrambling.

Splash in reserved pasta water to create a creamy consistency.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer pasta to serving plates.

Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese and parsley on top.

Serve immediately while hot and fresh.

Tips for Creamy Chicken Carbonara

• Keep the pan on low heat when adding the egg mixture to avoid accidentally creating scrambled eggs instead of a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Use reserved pasta water strategically to adjust sauce consistency, adding a little at a time until you reach the perfect silky texture.
• Cook bacon slowly over medium heat to ensure even crispiness without burning, which can make the dish bitter and unpleasant.
• Ensure chicken is fully cooked through but not overdone by checking for no pink color and maintaining medium-high heat during cooking.
• Grate fresh Parmesan directly onto the dish for maximum flavor and ensure it melts smoothly into the warm pasta mixture.

Best Way to Store Chicken Carbonara

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken and pasta remain fresh and safe to eat.
• Transfer carbonara to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing as the creamy sauce might separate when thawed.
• Warm gently in a skillet over low-medium heat. Add a splash of pasta water or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir continuously to maintain sauce consistency.
• Reheat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Add a tablespoon of milk or cream to prevent sauce from becoming rubbery. Check temperature to ensure even heating.

Chicken Carbonara Pairing Ideas

• Flavor Fusion: Crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio perfectly cuts through the rich, creamy carbonara, balancing its decadent bacon and cheese notes.
• Wine Harmony: Chardonnay with buttery undertones complements the silky egg sauce and enhances the chicken's delicate flavor profile.
• Texture Contrast: Serve with a crisp arugula salad dressed in light lemon vinaigrette to provide a fresh, peppery counterpoint to the heavy pasta dish.
• Bread Pairing: Toasted rustic ciabatta with herb-infused olive oil offers a crunchy textural element that beautifully absorbs the carbonara's luxurious sauce.

Fun Takes on Chicken Carbonara

• Gluten-Free Carbonara: Swap traditional fettuccine with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour. Ensure all ingredients like bacon and seasonings are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Carbonara: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon to reduce fat content while maintaining flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Protein Carbonara: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, crumbled and seasoned similarly. Replace bacon with smoked mushrooms or tempeh bacon for that smoky element.
• Mediterranean-Style Carbonara: Add sun-dried tomatoes, swap parsley for fresh basil, and sprinkle some pine nuts on top. Use pancetta instead of bacon for an authentic Italian touch and incorporate a small amount of roasted red peppers for extra depth.

FAQs

• Why do I need to reserve pasta water?

Pasta water is starchy and helps create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles. It also helps bind the ingredients together and prevents the sauce from becoming too dry.

• How can I prevent the eggs from scrambling when making the sauce?

Keep the pan on low heat and work quickly when mixing the egg mixture with the hot pasta. The residual heat will gently cook the eggs without turning them into scrambled eggs, creating a creamy sauce.

• Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for fettuccine, you can easily substitute with spaghetti, linguine, or penne. Just ensure you cook the pasta al dente to maintain the right texture.

• Is it necessary to use Parmesan cheese, or can I substitute it?

Parmesan is traditional in carbonara and provides a distinctive flavor. However, if you don’t have it, you can use Pecorino Romano or another hard, salty cheese as a replacement.

Why Chicken Carbonara Is a Favorite

• Crispy bacon, tender chicken, and creamy egg sauce combine to create an irresistible dish that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
• Equally impressive for a casual family dinner or a weekend gathering with friends, this recipe adapts to any occasion with ease.
• Simple techniques and straightforward ingredients make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, boosting confidence in the kitchen.

Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Pasta perfection meets Italian tradition in this irresistible chicken carbonara that brings Roman culinary magic right to your kitchen. Creamy eggs, crispy pancetta, and tender chicken create a luxurious harmony of flavors you’ll savor with every delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound (0.45 kilograms) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 4 slices bacon
• 4 large eggs, beaten

Pasta and Cheese Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) fettuccine
• 3/4 cup (75 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish

Seasoning and Herb Ingredients:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup (20 grams) freshly chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot of salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook fettuccine until perfectly al dente, maintaining a slight firmness. Carefully extract ½ cup of starchy pasta water before draining, which will be crucial for achieving a silky sauce texture.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, render bacon until achieving a golden, crisp texture without burning. Once bacon reaches desired crispness, introduce minced garlic and sauté briefly to release aromatic flavors, approximately 2 minutes.
3. Remove bacon and garlic, preserving a thin layer of rendered fat in the pan. Increase heat and add chicken pieces, cooking thoroughly until no pink remains, approximately 8-10 minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper during cooking.
4. Meanwhile, create sauce mixture by whisking eggs, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley in a separate bowl. Season the egg blend with subtle salt and pepper for enhanced depth.
5. Reduce skillet heat, reintroduce crispy bacon to the pan with cooked chicken. Add drained pasta and immediately pour egg mixture, rapidly tossing to coat evenly. Maintain moderate temperature to prevent egg scrambling. Incorporate reserved pasta water gradually to develop a luxurious, creamy consistency.
6. Transfer carbonara to serving plates, generously garnish with additional Parmesan and fresh parsley. Serve immediately while hot to preserve optimal texture and temperature.

Notes

• Always use room temperature eggs to prevent scrambling and ensure a smooth, creamy sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
• Reserve extra pasta water as a secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency, adding silkiness and helping ingredients bind together perfectly.
• Cook bacon slowly to render fat and achieve optimal crispiness, which adds incredible depth of flavor and textural contrast to the carbonara.
• Consider using pancetta instead of bacon for a more traditional Italian approach, delivering a subtler, less smoky meat profile that complements the creamy sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg