Description
Silky chicken carbonara brings classic Italian comfort to pasta lovers’ tables. Creamy sauce, crispy pancetta, and tender chicken create a luxurious meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and sliced
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
Pasta and Dairy:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
Seasonings and Extras:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente, maintaining a slight firmness. Carefully extract and preserve one cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining pasta completely.
- Create a silky emulsion by whisking eggs, grated Parmesan, and cream until uniformly blended and smooth.
- Warm olive oil in a generously sized skillet over medium flame. Introduce minced garlic, sautéing until aromatic and lightly golden.
- Incorporate pre-cooked, diced chicken and crispy bacon pieces into the fragrant garlic base. Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt to enhance flavors.
- Reduce cooking temperature to low, allowing gentle heat. Add drained pasta directly into the skillet, then meticulously pour egg mixture while continuously tossing to ensure even, creamy coating.
- Gradually introduce reserved pasta water, stirring methodically to develop a luxurious, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to each pasta strand.
- Transfer immediately to serving plates, garnishing with finely chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese shavings for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Prevent egg scrambling by removing the skillet from heat before adding the egg mixture, ensuring a silky smooth sauce.
- Use room temperature eggs to help create a more even, creamy texture without risking curdling.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk to reduce calories while maintaining richness.
- Gluten-free option works perfectly by swapping regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 630 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 190 mg