Homemade Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe: Silky Italian Comfort

Crafting a delectable chicken carbonara sparks pure culinary magic in my kitchen.

Pasta lovers consistently adore this classic Italian comfort dish with its rich, silky sauce.

Crispy pancetta and tender chicken create a luxurious combination that feels indulgent yet simple.

Authentic ingredients make all the difference when preparing this Roman-inspired masterpiece.

creamy egg yolks and pecorino romano cheese blend seamlessly to produce an irresistible sauce.

Weeknight dinners transform into gourmet experiences with these straightforward techniques.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this incredible meal.

Flavor Variations for Chicken Carbonara Dish

• Vegetarian Carbonara: Replace chicken and bacon with sautéed mushrooms and zucchini, using vegetable broth for added depth of flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta, ensuring all other ingredients remain the same.
• Spicy Mediterranean Spin: Add red pepper flakes, sun-dried tomatoes, and swap Parmesan for pecorino cheese to create a zesty Mediterranean-inspired dish.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use cauliflower rice instead of pasta, and increase protein content by adding extra chicken or pancetta for a keto-friendly meal.

Pairing Suggestions for Chicken Carbonara Pasta

• Pasta Night Perfection: Create a cozy dinner setting with soft lighting and rustic tableware to complement the rich, creamy carbonara.
• Gourmet Side Kick: Pair the dish with a crisp arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the carbonara's richness and add a fresh contrast.
• Wine Companion: Select a medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay to enhance the creamy sauce and cut through the bacon's saltiness.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining carbonara into a delightful next-day lunch by gently reheating and topping with extra Parmesan and fresh cracked black pepper.

Storage Tips for Chicken Carbonara Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled carbonara to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks. Separate chicken and pasta if possible to maintain better texture.
• Warm gently in a skillet over low-medium heat. Add splash of pasta water or cream to restore creamy consistency. Stir constantly to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Reheat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add small amount of milk or cream to prevent drying out. Stop heating once warm to avoid overcooking eggs and separating sauce.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, while spaghetti is traditional, you can use fettuccine, linguine, or penne. Choose pasta that holds sauce well.

• Is it safe to use raw eggs in the sauce?

The hot pasta and skillet heat will gently cook the eggs, creating a creamy sauce. Ensure eggs reach at least 160°F to be food safe.

• What if I don't have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk. The sauce might be slightly less rich but still delicious.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace chicken and bacon with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a meatless version that maintains the creamy texture.

What Makes Creamy Chicken Carbonara Great

• Whip Up a Gourmet Delight: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that will impress family and friends with minimal cooking skills required.
• Maximize Flavor, Minimize Effort: By using the same skillet for multiple ingredients, you'll create layers of delicious flavors while cutting down on dish-washing time.
• Customize Your Comfort Meal: Easily adaptable for different preferences, you can swap chicken types, add vegetables, or adjust spice levels to make this dish your own personal masterpiece.
• Perfect for Gathering Crowds: Whether it's a cozy family dinner or a casual get-together with friends, this creamy carbonara serves multiple people and satisfies diverse taste buds with its rich, comforting profile.

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Carbonara

• Chicken: Tender protein that adds substance and flavor to the carbonara.
• Bacon: Crispy meat that provides a smoky and salty element to the dish.

• Pasta: The foundational ingredient that serves as the main carrier for the creamy sauce.

• Eggs, Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy ingredients that create a rich and smooth sauce base for the carbonara.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and traditional flavor to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste.

• Olive Oil: Cooking fat used to sauté chicken and create a base for the sauce.
• Parsley: Fresh herb used as a garnish to add color and a light, fresh note.
• Pasta Water: Starchy liquid that helps adjust the sauce's consistency and creaminess.

Step-by-Step Creamy Chicken Carbonara Instructions

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook pasta following package directions.

Save one cup of pasta water before draining the noodles.

Step 2: Sear Chicken

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Cook chicken pieces until they turn golden brown and are completely done.

Transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Crisp Bacon

Fry bacon in the same skillet until it becomes crispy and brown.

Drain excess fat, keeping about 1-2 tablespoons of grease in the pan.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatic Garlic

Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for approximately one minute until it releases a fragrant aroma.

Step 5: Prepare Creamy Sauce

• Whole eggs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Heavy cream

Season the mixture with salt and black pepper.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Return cooked chicken and bacon to the skillet with the pasta.

Remove the skillet from heat.

Step 7: Create Silky Sauce

Pour egg mixture over the pasta.

Continuously toss ingredients to create a smooth, creamy coating.

Add reserved pasta water gradually to achieve desired sauce consistency.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top.

Serve the carbonara immediately while hot.

Helpful Tips for Chicken Carbonara Success

• Temper the egg mixture by slowly adding hot pasta water while whisking constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce without curdling.
• Save the starchy pasta water to help bind the sauce and create a silky texture that coats every noodle perfectly.
• Pat bacon dry before cooking to ensure maximum crispiness and even browning in the skillet.
• Remove skillet from heat when adding egg mixture to prevent scrambling and maintain a luxurious, creamy consistency.
• Chop parsley just before serving to maximize its bright, fresh flavor and vibrant green color.

Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

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

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Description

Indulgent chicken carbonara delights pasta enthusiasts with its rich, silky sauce and crispy pancetta. Parmesan cheese and perfectly cooked chicken create a classic Italian-inspired meal that satisfies with each comforting forkful.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 4 slices of bacon, chopped
• 3 large eggs

Pasta and Cheese:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti or fettuccine
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Carefully extract and preserve one cup of starchy cooking liquid before straining.
2. Sear chicken pieces in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil until golden brown and completely cooked through, approximately 6-7 minutes. Transfer to a separate plate.
3. Render bacon in the identical skillet until crisp and mahogany-colored, creating a flavorful fond. Drain excess fat, maintaining a thin layer for sautéing.
4. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, allowing it to become aromatic and translucent for roughly 30-45 seconds.
5. Combine eggs, grated Parmesan, and heavy cream in a mixing bowl. Season with freshly cracked black pepper and a pinch of salt, whisking until thoroughly integrated.
6. Reincorporate cooked chicken and crispy bacon into the skillet with the garlic. Reduce heat to low.
7. Pour egg mixture over the ingredients, continuously tossing to create a silky, emulsified sauce. Gradually introduce reserved pasta water to achieve desired creamy consistency.
8. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the dish and serve while piping hot to maintain optimal texture and temperature.

Notes

• Prevent Egg Scrambling: Temper the egg mixture by slowly adding hot pasta water while whisking continuously to create a smooth, silky sauce without curdling.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap chicken with pancetta, shrimp, or tofu for vegetarian/alternative protein variations that maintain the dish’s rich flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to create a lactose-free version that’s equally creamy and delicious.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Cook extra chicken and bacon to store separately, allowing quick assembly of carbonara during busy weeknights while maintaining optimal texture and freshness.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg