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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Boil spaghetti in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, carefully preserving 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
- Whisk eggs, grated Parmesan, and cream in a separate bowl until smooth and well-integrated, creating a silky base for the sauce.
- 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.
- 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.
- Introduce minced garlic to the chicken, sautéing for 30-45 seconds to release its aromatic essence without burning.
- Lower the skillet’s heat and add cooked spaghetti, crispy bacon, and seared chicken, gently tossing to combine ingredients.
- Pour the egg mixture gradually while continuously stirring, ensuring even coating and preventing egg scrambling through constant movement.
- Adjust sauce consistency by incrementally adding reserved pasta water, creating a creamy, glossy texture that clings to the pasta.
- Season with freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste, mixing thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
- 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