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Carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish, beloved for its rich and creamy sauce, savory pancetta (or bacon), and the perfect balance of smoky and salty flavors. Traditionally, carbonara is made with eggs, cheese, pancetta, and pepper, creating a velvety sauce that perfectly coats the pasta. However, by adding chicken to the mix, we can turn this already delicious dish into a hearty and satisfying meal that will quickly become a family favorite.
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Introduction to Chicken Carbonara
Chicken Carbonara is a variation of the traditional carbonara that includes chicken breast or thighs, along with the usual pancetta or bacon, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper. The key to making this dish extraordinary is using quality ingredients and taking care to prepare the sauce properly to create a creamy, velvety texture without turning it into scrambled eggs.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
To start, we need to cook the chicken that will add heartiness to our carbonara.
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Season the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme (optional), and sprinkle with paprika if desired.
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Cook the chicken: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is golden brown on the outside. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the chicken is resting, cook your pasta:
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Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti (or your choice of pasta) and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
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Drain the pasta: Drain the pasta and set it aside. Be sure to reserve the pasta water, as it will be used later to adjust the sauce consistency.
Step 3: Prepare the Carbonara Sauce
The carbonara sauce is what truly makes this dish rich and creamy without the need for heavy cream. Let’s prepare the sauce while the pasta is cooking.
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Whisk the eggs and cheese: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and grated Parmesan cheese. If you’re using heavy cream for added richness, whisk it into the mixture as well. Add a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Set the egg mixture aside.
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Cook the bacon/pancetta: In the same skillet you used for the chicken, heat a teaspoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the pancetta or bacon. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes crispy and golden brown. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove the skillet from the heat.
Step 4: Combine the Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
Now that we have all the components, it’s time to bring everything together into a creamy, delicious dish.
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Add the pasta: Immediately add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the bacon/pancetta and garlic. Toss to combine, allowing the pasta to absorb some of the flavorful oil and bacon drippings.
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Add the chicken: Add the sliced chicken pieces into the skillet and toss everything together gently, ensuring the chicken and pasta are evenly mixed.
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Add the egg mixture: Pour the egg and Parmesan mixture over the hot pasta and quickly toss it with tongs. The residual heat from the pasta and the skillet will gently cook the eggs, creating a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, until you achieve the desired consistency.
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Adjust seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Add more salt and pepper if desired. Keep in mind that the bacon and Parmesan are already salty, so be cautious with the salt.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Now that everything is perfectly mixed together, it’s time to serve:
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Plate the carbonara: Divide the pasta among serving plates. If you have extra Parmesan cheese, feel free to sprinkle more over the top.
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Garnish with parsley: For a pop of color and freshness, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the carbonara. Serve immediately while it’s still warm and creamy.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Carbonara
- Use fresh eggs: The quality of the eggs plays a big role in the creaminess of the sauce. Fresh eggs will help create a smoother, richer texture. If possible, use farm-fresh eggs for the best results.
- Cook the pasta al dente: Overcooked pasta will result in a soggy dish, so make sure to cook your pasta to al dente. It should have a slight firmness when bitten.
- Don’t overcook the egg mixture: The eggs should cook gently with the heat from the pasta and bacon. Be sure to toss quickly to avoid scrambling the eggs. The goal is to achieve a creamy sauce, not a curdled one.
- Use freshly grated cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and adds a more intense flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.
- Adjust the creaminess: If you prefer a creamier carbonara, feel free to add more heavy cream to the egg mixture. Alternatively, use less pasta water to make the sauce thicker.
- Pasta water is key: The reserved pasta water contains starch, which helps thicken the sauce and helps the sauce adhere to the pasta. Don’t forget to save some!
Customizations & Variations
While the traditional Chicken Carbonara is made with chicken and bacon or pancetta, you can experiment with a few variations:
- Vegetarian Carbonara: Skip the meat altogether and add roasted vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or asparagus. The smoky bacon flavor can be replaced with smoked paprika for a vegetarian-friendly option.
- Creamy Mushroom Chicken Carbonara: Add sautéed mushrooms to the skillet with the bacon and garlic for an earthy depth of flavor. Mushrooms pair beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Spicy Carbonara: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture or toss them into the bacon while it’s cooking. The heat will give the dish an extra kick.
- Grilled Chicken Carbonara: If you prefer grilled chicken over pan-seared, feel free to grill your chicken breasts and slice them up before tossing them into the pasta.
How to Serve Chicken Carbonara
Chicken Carbonara is a delicious, filling dish that can be served as the main course for a variety of occasions. It pairs beautifully with a side salad and a glass of white wine. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Green Salad: A simple green salad with mixed greens, arugula, or spinach can balance the richness of the carbonara. A light vinaigrette with lemon juice and olive oil would work perfectly.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, crispy garlic bread for an indulgent meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts are a great side to serve alongside Chicken Carbonara. They add a nice crunch and freshness to the meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Chicken Carbonara ahead of time? While Chicken Carbonara is best served fresh, you can make the components ahead of time. Cook the chicken, bacon, and pasta in advance, and prepare the egg and cheese mixture. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the pasta and chicken, then toss everything together with the egg mixture.
Can I freeze Chicken Carbonara? Carbonara is best enjoyed fresh because the creamy sauce doesn’t freeze well. However, if you have leftovers, you can freeze them. Just keep in mind that the sauce may separate when reheating.
Conclusion
This Best Ever Chicken Carbonara recipe is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. With juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a velvety sauce that perfectly coats the pasta, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant dish to serve guests, Chicken Carbonara is the perfect solution. With simple ingredients, easy steps, and a bit of patience, you’ll have a luxurious, restaurant-quality dish in no time! Enjoy!
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- For the Carbonara Sauce:
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine, spaghetti, or your preferred pasta
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, and set aside. - Cook the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using).
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
Remove from the skillet, let rest for a few minutes, then slice into thin strips. - Cook the Bacon:
In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon and cook over medium heat until crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet. - Make the Carbonara Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside. - Combine the Pasta with the Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the bacon grease. Toss the pasta in the grease for about a minute until well coated and warmed through.
Reduce the heat to low, and slowly pour in the egg mixture, tossing constantly. Add a little reserved pasta water at a time to thin the sauce to your desired consistency, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy (the heat from the pasta and bacon will cook the eggs without scrambling them). - Assemble the Dish:
Add the sliced chicken and crispy bacon to the skillet with the pasta. Toss everything together to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. - Serve:
Divide the chicken carbonara between plates and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
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