Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe: Silky Comfort Food Magic

Culinary magic happens when you whip up this creamy chicken carbonara that redefines comfort food.

Authentic italian traditions merge seamlessly with modern cooking techniques.

Pasta lovers will swoon over the rich, silky sauce coating tender chicken pieces.

Crispy pancetta adds a delightful crunch to every forkful of this luxurious dish.

Minimal ingredients combine to create maximum flavor in this quick and satisfying meal.

Home cooks can easily master this restaurant-quality recipe with just a few simple steps.

Grab a glass of white wine and prepare to indulge in a truly spectacular dining experience.

Tips For Smooth Chicken Carbonara

• Prevent sauce curdling by keeping heat low and stirring continuously when adding cream mixture to the skillet.
• Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for superior melting and richer flavor compared to pre-packaged options.
• Reserve pasta water before draining to help create a silky, smooth sauce that perfectly coats the spaghetti.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk and reduce the egg yolks to one.
• Select boneless, skinless chicken breasts and slice them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.

Flavorful Twists On Creamy Chicken Carbonara

• Vegetarian Carbonara: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted zucchini for a meat-free version that maintains the creamy texture and rich flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional spaghetti with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add red pepper flakes, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of oregano to give the carbonara a zesty Mediterranean-inspired profile.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use spiralized zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta, keeping the creamy sauce and protein while reducing carbohydrate content.

Pairings For Creamy Chicken Carbonara

• Rustic Italian Feast Night: Serve the carbonara on a large wooden board with crusty bread, olives, and a small side salad for a true trattoria experience.
• Weekend Comfort Plate: Top the pasta with extra crispy pancetta bits or crumbled bacon for added texture and rich flavor enhancement.
• Elegant Dinner Party Style: Present the carbonara in individual white ceramic bowls, sprinkled with fresh herbs and delicate parmesan shavings for a sophisticated presentation.
• Fresh Herb Twist: Fold in some fresh basil or chives right before serving to add a bright, aromatic element that elevates the creamy pasta's flavor profile.

Proper Storage For Creamy Chicken Carbonara

• Store leftover Chicken Carbonara in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer the pasta to a shallow container to help it cool quickly and prevent bacterial growth.
• Cover the container tightly with a lid or plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
• Refrigerate the dish within 2 hours of cooking to ensure food safety.

FAQs

• What is the key to preventing the sauce from curdling?

Whisk the cream mixture constantly and add it gradually to the skillet over low heat, stirring continuously to maintain a smooth, creamy texture.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with fettuccine, linguine, or penne. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente to maintain the right texture.

• Is it safe to use raw egg yolks in the sauce?

The heat from the skillet gently cooks the egg yolks, creating a rich, silky sauce. However, use fresh, high-quality eggs and be cautious if you’re concerned about consuming slightly raw eggs.

• How can I make the dish more protein-rich?

Add crispy bacon bits or pancetta alongside the chicken for extra protein and a traditional carbonara flavor boost.

Creamy Chicken Carbonara That Delivers Taste

• Craft with Ease: Perfect for home cooks seeking a restaurant-quality meal without complex techniques, this recipe delivers impressive results with straightforward steps.
• Satisfy Diverse Tastes: A crowd-pleasing dish that combines creamy sauce, tender chicken, and classic pasta, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
• Customize Your Meal: Flexible recipe allows quick ingredient swaps or additions like vegetables, ensuring you can adapt it to personal preferences or pantry contents.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Requires minimal preparation and cooking time, providing a delicious dinner solution for busy individuals who want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients For Creamy Chicken Carbonara

• Spaghetti: Classic Italian pasta that serves as the base for this creamy dish.
• Chicken: Protein-rich meat that adds substance and flavor to the carbonara.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and smooth sauce for the pasta.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Egg Yolks: Essential for creating the signature creamy texture of carbonara.

• Garlic, Black Pepper, Salt: Add depth and enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Parsley, Extra Parmesan Cheese: Adds freshness and additional flavor to the finished dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for cooking chicken and preventing sticking in the skillet.
• Pasta Water: Helps adjust the sauce consistency and adds starchiness to the dish.

How To Make Creamy Chicken Carbonara

Step 1: Boil Perfect Pasta

Cook spaghetti in salted water until it reaches that ideal al dente texture. Carefully scoop out a cup of pasta water before draining.

Set the pasta aside, ready for its creamy transformation.

Step 2: Sear Golden Chicken

Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat.

Toss in diced chicken pieces and cook until they develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior and are completely cooked through. Transfer the succulent chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Awaken Garlic Flavors

In the same skillet that held the chicken, gently saute minced garlic until its aromatic essence fills the kitchen. Lower the heat to create a perfect base for the sauce.

Step 4: Craft Silky Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg yolks
• Black pepper
• Salt

Slowly introduce this luxurious mixture to the skillet, stirring continuously to prevent any unwanted curdling.

Step 5: Combine and Coat

Add the cooked spaghetti and reserved chicken into the skillet.

Toss everything together, ensuring each strand of pasta gets thoroughly coated in the velvety sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to achieve that perfect creamy consistency.

Step 6: Finish with Flair

Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top and shower with additional parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight.

Indulgent Chicken Carbonara Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

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

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Description

Delectable chicken carbonara blends Italian culinary traditions with rich, silky pasta perfection. Parmesan, crispy pancetta, and tender chicken create a comforting meal you’ll savor with each luxurious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 3 egg yolks

Pasta and Cheese:

• 400 grams (14 ounces) spaghetti
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Seasoning and Aromatics:

• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare spaghetti in boiling water for 8-10 minutes until perfectly tender, maintaining a slight firmness. Carefully extract and preserve one cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
2. Sizzle olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Introduce diced chicken pieces, searing until they achieve a golden-brown exterior and reach complete internal doneness.
3. Lower skillet temperature and introduce minced garlic, allowing aromatic notes to permeate the cooking surface for approximately 30-45 seconds.
4. Craft a luxurious sauce by combining heavy cream, grated parmesan, egg yolks, freshly cracked black pepper, and a delicate salt pinch in a separate mixing vessel.
5. Gently pour cream mixture into the skillet, continuously stirring to prevent protein separation. Maintain low heat to ensure smooth sauce development.
6. Incorporate cooked spaghetti and seared chicken into the silky sauce, thoroughly coating each strand. Utilize reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency, creating a harmonious blend of textures.
7. Elevate the dish’s visual appeal and flavor profile by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley and additional parmesan cheese across the surface before serving immediately.

Notes

• Prevent sauce curdling by maintaining low heat and whisking continuously when adding cream mixture to ensure smooth, silky texture.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for lighter version, keeping creamy consistency without excess calories.
• Use gluten-free spaghetti or zucchini noodles to make recipe suitable for different dietary restrictions while maintaining original flavor profile.
• Allow chicken to rest briefly after cooking to retain moisture and prevent dryness, ensuring tender and juicy protein throughout the dish.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 700 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 2900 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 280 mg