Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara: Creamy & Delicious Recipe

The aroma of sizzling bacon and creamy sauce fills the kitchen, making your mouth water. This is what you can expect when you whip up the best-ever chicken carbonara, a dish that truly tantalizes the taste buds.

Picture this: it’s a cozy Friday night, and you want to impress your family or friends with something extraordinary yet easy to prepare. The excitement builds as you get ready to serve a plateful of this delectable pasta, guaranteed to leave everyone craving more.

I remember the first time I made chicken carbonara; my friends were blown away and begged for seconds. Their delighted faces made all the effort worthwhile!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work well; adjust based on how many you’re feeding.

• Pasta: Use spaghetti or fettuccine; they hold the sauce beautifully.

• Bacon: Crispy bacon adds an irresistible crunch and smoky flavor.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves will enhance the dish’s flavor profile immensely.

• Heavy Cream: This creates the luscious, creamy sauce that makes carbonara so irresistible.

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan takes this dish over the top with its rich, nutty flavor.

• Black Pepper: Freshly cracked pepper gives that classic carbonara kick—don’t skimp on it!

• Eggs: Essential for achieving that silky smooth texture in your sauce.

• Parsley (optional): A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness to your final dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

**Get Your Ingredients Ready**: Gather all your ingredients before starting. It makes cooking smoother and way more fun when everything is within reach.

**Cook the Pasta**: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente; drain but reserve some pasta water.

**Sauté the Bacon**: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. The sizzling sound will be music to your ears; let that aroma fill your kitchen!

**Add Garlic and Chicken**: Toss in minced garlic along with diced chicken breasts into the skillet with bacon grease. Cook until chicken turns golden brown and cooked through.

**Create the Sauce**: Lower heat and pour in heavy cream while stirring continuously. Add beaten eggs off the heat for creaminess without scrambling them—timing is crucial here.

**Combine Everything**: Mix in cooked pasta along with freshly grated parmesan cheese, stirring until well combined. If needed, add reserved pasta water bit by bit for desired creaminess.

And there you have it—the best-ever chicken carbonara! Serve immediately with extra parmesan on top if you’re feeling indulgent.

Enjoy every cheesy bite while soaking up those compliments from family and friends!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve perfect results, cook the pasta first, then sauté the chicken while whisking together the sauce. This sequence ensures everything is hot and ready to combine at the same time.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ingredients, like using pancetta instead of bacon or adding peas for a pop of color and sweetness. Get creative with spices to enhance flavors.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently on low heat with a splash of cream to maintain creaminess.

Cooking this Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara always reminds me of family gatherings where laughter and good food were abundant, making every bite feel like a warm hug.

FAQ

Can I use other types of meat in Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with bacon, turkey, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian option.

What type of cheese is best for Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara?

Pecorino Romano is traditional, but Parmesan or a blend also works well and adds great flavor.

How can I make my sauce creamier in Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara?

Incorporate more egg yolks and a bit of reserved pasta water for a richer consistency.

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Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara

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Indulge in the rich flavors of this best-ever chicken carbonara, where tender chicken meets crispy bacon in a creamy, dreamy sauce. Perfect for cozy nights or special gatherings, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Each bite delivers comfort and satisfaction that will leave everyone wanting more.

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

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• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
• 6 slices crispy bacon, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• Fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients to streamline the cooking process.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions, then drain while reserving some pasta water.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Add minced garlic and diced chicken breasts; cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
4. Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream, then add beaten eggs off the heat to create a silky sauce without scrambling.
5. Combine cooked pasta with the sauce and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Add reserved pasta water as needed for desired creaminess.
6. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan if desired.

• Author: DANIEL LAWSON
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (about 400g)
• Calories: 620
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 150mg