Tangy and Savory Best-ever Chicken Carbonara Recipe

Crafting an authentic chicken carbonara sparks pure culinary excitement for passionate home cooks.

Genuine Italian traditions blend seamlessly with modern kitchen techniques.

Creamy eggs, crisp pancetta, and perfectly cooked pasta create magical moments around the dinner table.

Rich parmesan cheese and delicate black pepper dance together in this classic comfort dish.

Complex flavors emerge from simple, high-quality ingredients carefully combined.

Unexpected twists make this recipe stand out from standard versions.

You won’t believe how quickly this delectable meal comes together.

What Makes Chicken Carbonara So Memorable

• Boost Family Dining: Elevate weeknight meals with this crowd-pleasing pasta that combines protein-packed chicken and creamy sauce, making every bite a delightful experience for all ages.
• Master Culinary Skills: Learn a classic Italian technique of creating a silky carbonara sauce without scrambling eggs, developing your cooking confidence with simple yet sophisticated steps.
• Quick Gourmet Solution: Transform basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish in minimal time, perfect for busy home cooks wanting a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping pancetta with bacon or adding vegetables, giving you flexibility to match your taste preferences and pantry ingredients.

Key Components Of Chicken Carbonara

• Spaghetti: A classic Italian pasta that serves as the base of this creamy carbonara dish.
• Chicken: Protein-rich meat that adds substance and flavor to the traditional carbonara recipe.
• Eggs: Essential for creating the signature silky and rich sauce of carbonara.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken the creamy sauce.

• Pancetta, Garlic: Adds depth of flavor and creates a savory base for the pasta dish.

• Heavy Cream, Salt, Pepper: Contributes to the luxurious texture and balanced seasoning of the carbonara.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh garnish to finish the dish.

Preparing Chicken Carbonara Step By Step

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Grab a large pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in some salt and bring the water to a rolling boil.

Gently drop spaghetti into the bubbling water and cook until it’s tender but still has a slight bite. Once done, carefully scoop out a cup of pasta water and then drain the spaghetti in a colander.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Egg Mixture

In a mixing bowl, crack open fresh eggs and grate Parmesan cheese directly into the bowl. Whisk the ingredients together until they’re smooth and well combined, creating a rich and silky base for your sauce.

Step 3: Crisp Up Pancetta

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in pancetta and let it sizzle and crisp up, creating delicious golden-brown edges.

Drop in minced garlic and let it dance around the pan for about a minute, releasing its aromatic flavors.

Step 4: Add Protein and Cream

Introduce diced chicken to the skillet, stirring it into the pancetta and garlic.

Pour in heavy cream and let everything simmer together, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Take the skillet off the heat.

Immediately toss in the cooked spaghetti, twirling it to coat every strand. Quickly pour in the egg and cheese mixture, stirring rapidly to prevent the eggs from scrambling and create a smooth, creamy sauce.

Step 6: Adjust Sauce Consistency

Splash in some reserved pasta water as needed, stirring continuously. This helps create a silky, clingy sauce that hugs each strand of spaghetti perfectly.

Step 7: Season and Serve

Sprinkle in salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Scatter chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Serve the carbonara piping hot and enjoy immediately.

Ways To Elevate Chicken Carbonara Flavor

• Use high-quality Parmesan cheese for authentic, rich flavor in your carbonara.
• Temper eggs carefully by slowly adding hot pasta water to prevent scrambling.
• Cook pancetta until crisp for maximum flavor and textural contrast.
• Reserve pasta water as a secret weapon to create smooth, silky sauce consistency.
• Select fresh, free-range chicken for tender and more flavorful protein in the dish.

Fresh Ideas For Chicken Carbonara

• Vegetarian Carbonara: Replace chicken and pancetta with sautéed mushrooms and crispy tempeh bacon for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use zucchini noodles or gluten-free spaghetti instead of traditional pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap spaghetti with spiralized cauliflower or spaghetti squash, and use turkey bacon for a lighter protein alternative.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Add roasted cherry tomatoes, spinach, and swap Parmesan for feta cheese to create a Mediterranean-style carbonara with fresh, vibrant flavors.

Pairings That Complement Chicken Carbonara

• Cozy Family Dinner Night: Gather everyone around the table and serve this creamy carbonara as a comforting main course that brings loved ones together.
• Romantic Date Plate: Elegantly plate the carbonara on warmed dishes, sprinkle extra Parmesan, and pair with a crisp white wine for an intimate evening meal.
• Lunch Meal Prep Champion: Pack individual portions in sealed containers for a delicious work or school lunch that stays creamy and flavorful when reheated.
• Weekend Brunch Twist: Serve alongside a light arugula salad and soft-boiled eggs for a luxurious weekend brunch that feels like a gourmet restaurant experience.

Storing Chicken Carbonara The Right Way

• Store leftover chicken carbonara in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Keep the pasta separate from any remaining sauce to prevent soggy textures.
• Cool the dish completely before refrigerating to maintain food safety.
• Avoid freezing, as cream-based sauces can separate and become grainy when thawed.

FAQs

• What is the key to achieving a creamy carbonara sauce without scrambling the eggs?

The secret is to remove the skillet from heat before adding the egg and cheese mixture, then quickly toss and stir to create a smooth, silky sauce that coats the pasta evenly.

• Can I substitute pancetta with another ingredient?

Bacon works perfectly as an alternative to pancetta, providing a similar salty and crispy texture that adds depth to the carbonara.

• How do I prevent the egg mixture from becoming scrambled eggs?

Temper the eggs by stirring them quickly with the hot pasta and adding reserved pasta water, which helps distribute heat evenly and creates a creamy sauce without curdling.

Delicious Chicken Carbonara Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 8 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delightful chicken carbonara emerges as a creamy Italian classic that elevates pasta perfection. Rich pecorino and crisp pancetta create a luxurious sauce promising pure comfort on your plate.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 cup cooked and diced chicken breast
• 4 ounces (113 grams) pancetta, diced
• 2 large eggs

Pasta and Dairy:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Cook spaghetti in generously salted water until perfectly tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Extract 1 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining pasta.
2. Whisk eggs and Parmesan cheese together in a separate mixing bowl, creating a smooth, creamy blend that will form the foundation of the sauce.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium flame and render pancetta until golden and crisp, releasing its rich, savory essence into the pan.
4. Introduce minced garlic to the rendered pancetta, allowing its aromatic profile to bloom for roughly 60 seconds.
5. Incorporate diced chicken into the skillet, then cascade heavy cream over the ingredients, allowing everything to meld and simmer for 2 minutes.
6. Carefully remove skillet from heat source and immediately fold spaghetti into the mixture, ensuring even distribution.
7. Stream the prepared egg and cheese combination over the pasta, vigorously stirring to coat each strand and create a silky, luxurious sauce.
8. Gradually introduce reserved pasta water to achieve desired sauce consistency, adjusting texture and ensuring smooth integration.
9. Season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, balancing the flavors with precision.
10. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous finish and serve piping hot.

Notes

• Prevent egg scrambling by removing skillet from heat before adding egg mixture, ensuring smooth, creamy sauce without lumps.
• Use room temperature eggs to create silkier sauce and reduce risk of curdling during mixing.
• Experiment with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for low-carb alternative that maintains delicious carbonara flavor profile.
• Toss pasta quickly and continuously when adding egg mixture to distribute heat evenly and create glossy, rich sauce coating.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 555 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 210 mg