Description
This Chicken Carbonara recipe is a creamy, comforting pasta dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a luscious Parmesan-egg sauce. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet easy to make.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 6 slices bacon, diced
Sauce & Aromatics
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon: Using the same skillet, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the bacon fat and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream until smooth.
- Combine Everything: Reduce the heat to low. Return the cooked chicken and bacon to the skillet, add the drained spaghetti, and toss well to combine.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour the egg mixture over the pasta while stirring quickly to prevent the eggs from scrambling and to create a creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time as needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
- Season and Garnish: Taste and season with additional salt and black pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
- Serve Immediately: Plate the pasta hot to enjoy the dish at its best creamy texture.
Notes
- Be sure to stir the egg mixture quickly and off direct high heat to avoid scrambling.
- Reserved pasta water helps loosen up and bind the sauce for creamier texture.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and smoother melting.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days but are best enjoyed fresh.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
