Cozy Italian Magic: Best Chicken Carbonara Recipe Tonight

Crafting the perfect chicken carbonara requires skill and a dash of culinary magic that turns simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Authentic italian traditions meet modern kitchen creativity in this delightful pasta dish.

Creamy eggs, crisp pancetta, and tender chicken dance together in a symphony of flavors.

Parmesan cheese adds a salty punch that makes every bite memorable.

Rich, silky sauce coats each strand of pasta with incredible depth and warmth.

Cheese and black pepper create a subtle heat that lingers on your palate.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this classic comfort meal that brings joy to the table.

FAQs

• Why is it important to reserve pasta water?

Pasta water contains starch that helps create a smooth, silky sauce and helps the sauce cling better to the noodles.

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

Reduce the heat to low and stir the egg mixture quickly and constantly while adding it to the hot pasta to create a creamy sauce without scrambling.

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken and bacon?

Yes, you can substitute with pancetta, guanciale, or even ham for a similar flavor profile in carbonara.

• What's the key to achieving a creamy carbonara sauce?

Whisking eggs with Parmesan cheese and cream, then carefully incorporating it into the hot pasta while stirring constantly ensures a smooth, creamy texture.

Best Chicken Carbonara Details and Highlights

• Savor Quick Comfort: Whip up this delightful chicken carbonara in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Master One-Skillet Magic: Minimize cleanup by using a single skillet to create a restaurant-quality dish that combines crispy bacon, tender chicken, and creamy sauce in one seamless cooking process.
• Customize Your Culinary Delight: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ingredients or adjusting seasonings to match your family's taste preferences, making it a versatile meal that pleases everyone at the table.
• Impress Without Stress: Elevate your home cooking game with a dish that looks and tastes sophisticated, yet requires minimal cooking skills and basic ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

Ingredients for Best Chicken Carbonara

• Spaghetti: Classic Italian pasta that serves as the hearty base of the carbonara dish.
• Chicken: Protein that adds a satisfying and substantial element to the traditional carbonara recipe.
• Bacon: Provides rich, smoky flavor and crispy texture to the pasta dish.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty flavor and helps create the creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Enriches the sauce and helps prevent egg scrambling.
• Eggs: Creates the signature silky and creamy carbonara sauce.

• Garlic, Salt, Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh garnish to finish the carbonara.

How to Make Best Chicken Carbonara

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Drop spaghetti into a pot of salted boiling water.

Cook until al dente following package guidelines.

Before draining, scoop out a cup of starchy pasta water and set aside.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Sauce Base

Crack eggs into a mixing bowl.

Grate fresh Parmesan cheese directly into the eggs.

Pour in velvety heavy cream.

Whisk until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Transform Bacon into Crispy Goodness

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Lay bacon strips into the pan.

Cook until edges curl and become golden brown and crispy.

Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.

Step 4: Sear Chicken with Flavor

In the same skillet with bacon drippings, add chicken pieces.

Cook until exterior turns golden and interior reaches safe temperature.

Mince fresh garlic and sprinkle over chicken.

Sauté for one minute to release aromatic flavors.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients Delicately

Lower skillet heat to gentle simmer.

Tumble cooked pasta into the pan.

Crumble crispy bacon over pasta.

Add seared chicken pieces.

Pour egg mixture slowly, stirring continuously to prevent egg scrambling.

Step 6: Create Silky Sauce

Gradually incorporate reserved pasta water to achieve desired sauce consistency.

Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Stir gently to blend flavors.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Finely chop fresh parsley.

Sprinkle over the carbonara.

Transfer to warm serving plates immediately.

Enjoy while hot and creamy.

Tips for Best Chicken Carbonara Dish

• Stir the egg mixture quickly and continuously while adding it to the hot pasta to create a smooth, creamy sauce without curdling.
• Save and use reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce and help the egg mixture coat the pasta evenly without becoming dry.
• Cook bacon until perfectly crispy, then chop into small pieces for a delightful crunch and smoky flavor throughout the dish.
• Keep the heat low when adding the egg mixture to ensure a silky, luxurious sauce that doesn't turn into scrambled eggs.
• Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley just before serving to add a bright, fresh flavor and beautiful green color to the carbonara.

Flavor Options for Best Chicken Carbonara

• Vegetarian Carbonara: Replace chicken and bacon with sautéed mushrooms and vegetarian bacon bits for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Lighter Cream Alternative: Use Greek yogurt or half-and-half instead of heavy cream to reduce calories and fat content while maintaining creamy texture.
• Spicy Herb Carbonara: Add red pepper flakes and fresh basil for a zesty flavor profile that enhances the traditional recipe's taste.

Pairings for Best Chicken Carbonara Pasta

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty carbonara with a crisp green salad tossed in light vinaigrette for refreshing contrast.
• Rustic Italian Feast: Pair with warm garlic bread or crusty ciabatta to soak up the creamy sauce, creating a complete meal experience.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the rich flavors with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, enhancing the dish's delicate notes.
• Quick Leftover Magic: Transform remaining carbonara into a delicious cold pasta salad by adding fresh cherry tomatoes and extra herbs the next day.

Storage Guidelines for Best Chicken Carbonara

• Store leftover carbonara in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer carbonara to freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Note that cream-based sauces may slightly separate upon thawing.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add 1-2 tablespoons of pasta water or milk to restore sauce consistency. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm carbonara in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of pasta water or cream to revive sauce texture. Stir constantly to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

Best Chicken Carbonara Recipe

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 32 reviews

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

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Description

Authentic Italian chicken carbonara delivers creamy pasta perfection with crispy pancetta and a silky egg sauce. Culinary magic happens when simple ingredients combine for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast, diced
• 6 slices bacon, diced

Pasta and Dairy:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• 2 large eggs

Seasonings and Garnish:

• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Boil spaghetti in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, carefully preserving 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
2. Whisk eggs, grated Parmesan, and cream in a separate bowl until smooth and well-integrated, creating a silky base for the sauce.
3. Render bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
4. In the same skillet with residual bacon drippings, sear chicken pieces until they develop a rich golden-brown exterior and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Introduce minced garlic to the chicken, sautéing for 30-45 seconds to release its aromatic essence without burning.
6. Lower the skillet’s heat and add cooked spaghetti, crispy bacon, and seared chicken, gently tossing to combine ingredients.
7. Pour the egg mixture gradually while continuously stirring, ensuring even coating and preventing egg scrambling through constant movement.
8. Adjust sauce consistency by incrementally adding reserved pasta water, creating a creamy, glossy texture that clings to the pasta.
9. Season with freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste, mixing thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
10. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Prevent egg scrambling by removing the skillet from heat and stirring quickly when adding the egg mixture, ensuring a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Enhance flavor depth by using pancetta instead of bacon for a more authentic Italian carbonara experience.
• Accommodate dietary needs by substituting chicken with grilled tofu or using gluten-free pasta for a vegetarian or gluten-sensitive version.
• Achieve optimal texture by using freshly grated Parmesan cheese and allowing the residual heat to gently cook the egg mixture without direct high heat.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 650 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg