Why Make This Recipe
Chicken Carbonara is a delightful twist on the traditional carbonara. It’s creamy, flavorful, and easy to prepare. The combination of chicken, bacon, and Parmesan cheese creates a dish that feels special but is simple enough for a weeknight meal. It’s perfect for families, gatherings, or when you want something comforting and delicious.
How to Make Chicken Carbonara
Ingredients:
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 4 oz bacon, diced
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add sliced chicken and cook until golden and cooked through. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs and Parmesan cheese.
- Gradually add the hot pasta to the skillet with chicken, then mix in heavy cream. Remove from heat and quickly stir in the egg mixture, allowing the residual heat to cook the eggs slightly.
- Add bacon and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve with chopped parsley on top.
How to Serve Chicken Carbonara
Serve Chicken Carbonara hot, garnished with chopped parsley for a pop of color. You can pair it with a simple green salad or some garlic bread to complete the meal. This dish is creamy and rich, so a light side is perfect.
How to Store Chicken Carbonara
To store Chicken Carbonara, let it cool completely and then place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
Tips to Make Chicken Carbonara
- Make sure to cook the chicken well before adding the other ingredients.
- Whisk the eggs and cheese quickly to prevent them from scrambling when added to the pasta.
- For extra flavor, try adding peas or mushrooms to your dish.
Variation
You can make Chicken Carbonara with shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist. Other additions like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes can also enhance the dish.
FAQs
Can I use different pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta you like. Fettuccine or penne work well too.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream?
While heavy cream gives a rich texture, you can substitute it with half-and-half or omit it if you prefer a lighter dish.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
It’s best to make it fresh, but you can cook the chicken and bacon in advance and combine everything when you’re ready to serve.
Chicken Carbonara
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Creamy and flavorful Chicken Carbonara made with pasta, chicken, bacon, and Parmesan cheese, perfect for weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 4 oz bacon, diced
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add sliced chicken and cook until golden and cooked through. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs and Parmesan cheese.
- Gradually add the hot pasta to the skillet with chicken, then mix in heavy cream. Remove from heat and quickly stir in the egg mixture, allowing the residual heat to cook the eggs slightly.
- Add bacon and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve with chopped parsley on top.
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding peas or mushrooms. Can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
