The Ultimate Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe You’ll Love

Crafting an authentic chicken carbonara demands skill and passion for traditional Italian cuisine.

Culinary enthusiasts understand the delicate balance between creamy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta.

Every kitchen has its own secret approach to this classic dish.

Rich eggs, crisp pancetta, and pecorino romano create a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Chefs know the magic lies in careful technique and quality ingredients.

Selecting premium chicken and fresh eggs makes all the difference in this beloved recipe.

You’ll want to savor each luxurious bite of this comforting classic.

Chicken Carbonara Highlights

• Swap ingredients like bacon for pancetta, adjust cheese quantities, or add extra vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours while keeping the classic carbonara flavor.
• Enjoy a creamy, indulgent pasta dish that rivals restaurant offerings, created right in your own kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.
• Minimize cleanup and maximize convenience by preparing the entire meal in a single skillet, reducing dishes and making cooking and post-meal cleanup a breeze.

What You’ll Need for Chicken Carbonara

• Spaghetti: A classic Italian pasta that serves as the perfect foundation for this creamy carbonara dish.

• Chicken: Adds lean protein and a delicious meaty texture to the carbonara.
• Pancetta or Bacon: Provides a rich, salty flavor that is essential to traditional carbonara.

• Egg Yolks: Create a silky, luxurious sauce that coats the pasta with a smooth, creamy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers a sharp, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Enhances the richness and smoothness of the carbonara sauce.
• Garlic: Adds a aromatic and pungent flavor to the dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Season and balance the overall taste of the carbonara.

• Parsley: Offers a fresh, bright touch to the finished dish.

How to Make Chicken Carbonara Simply

Step 1: Prepare Pasta Perfection

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, generously salting the water.

Drop in spaghetti and cook until al dente, following the package guidance.

Before draining, scoop out a half cup of starchy pasta water.

Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for its flavor transformation.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat a spacious skillet over medium flame.

Add chicken pieces and cook until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and are completely cooked through.

This should take about 5-7 minutes.

Once done, transfer the chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Crisp Up the Pancetta

Using the same skillet, introduce pancetta or bacon.

Let it sizzle and crisp up beautifully.

Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around the pan for 1-2 minutes, releasing its aromatic magic.

Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce

• Egg yolks
• Parmesan cheese
• Heavy cream

Whisk these ingredients until they become a smooth, luxurious mixture.

Season with a pinch of salt and a sprinkle of black pepper.

Step 5: Create Carbonara Magic

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the crispy pancetta.

Add the drained spaghetti and toss everything together.

Remove the skillet from heat, then quickly pour in the egg yolk sauce.

Stir vigorously to coat every strand of pasta.

If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to create a silky consistency.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the carbonara to serving plates.

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and an extra shower of Parmesan cheese.

Serve immediately while the pasta is steaming and the sauce is creamy.

Tips for Creamy Chicken Carbonara

• Temper the egg mixture by slowly adding a bit of hot pasta water while whisking constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce without scrambling the eggs.
• Brown the chicken and pancetta thoroughly to develop rich, caramelized notes that enhance the overall taste of the carbonara.
• Save and use the starchy pasta water as a secret weapon to adjust sauce consistency and help the sauce cling perfectly to the spaghetti.
• Remove the skillet from heat before adding egg mixture to prevent overcooking, ensuring a silky, luxurious sauce that coats each strand of pasta.
• Plate and serve the carbonara right away to maintain the ideal creamy texture and prevent the sauce from becoming dry or clumpy.

How to Store Chicken Carbonara the Right Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Transfer carbonara to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing as cream-based sauces can separate and change texture when thawed.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of cream or pasta water to restore sauce consistency. Stir continuously to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add a little milk or cream to revive the sauce's creamy texture. Stop heating once the pasta is warm to prevent overcooking.

What to Serve with Chicken Carbonara

• Pair Rustic Italian Chianti: Bold red wine with cherry and earthy notes perfectly complements the rich, creamy carbonara sauce and cuts through the fatty pancetta.
• Serve Crisp Arugula Salad: Light, peppery greens with lemon vinaigrette balance the heavy pasta dish, adding freshness and cutting through the creamy texture.
• Match Garlic Rosemary Focaccia: Warm, herbal bread provides a delightful side that soaks up the extra carbonara sauce and adds textural contrast to the meal.
• Complement Chilled Pinot Grigio: Crisp white wine with subtle citrus undertones refreshes the palate between bites of the rich, creamy chicken carbonara.

Fresh Twists on Chicken Carbonara

• Vegetarian Carbonara: Replace chicken and pancetta with roasted mushrooms and crispy tofu, creating a plant-based version packed with protein and umami flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional spaghetti with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy the dish.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining the creamy carbonara essence.
• Spicy Mediterranean Spin: Add red pepper flakes, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of oregano to introduce a zesty Mediterranean-inspired profile to the classic carbonara recipe.

FAQs

• What makes this chicken carbonara different from traditional carbonara?

This version includes chicken, which adds extra protein and makes the dish more substantial compared to the classic Italian recipe that typically uses just pancetta or bacon.

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

The heat from the cooked pasta and skillet gently cooks the egg yolks, creating a creamy sauce. Just ensure you mix quickly and thoroughly to prevent scrambling.

• Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have some on hand?

Yes, you can use bacon instead of pancetta, and if you don’t have heavy cream, whole milk or half-and-half can work as alternatives. Adjust seasoning accordingly.

• Why do I need to reserve pasta water?

The starchy pasta water helps create a smoother, silkier sauce and can be used to adjust the consistency if the carbonara becomes too thick when mixing with egg yolks.

Best Chicken Carbonara Recipe

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4.9 from 31 reviews

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

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Description

Rich, creamy carbonara beckons with silky pasta and crispy pancetta, bringing classic Italian comfort straight to your kitchen. Sophisticated yet simple, this Roman-inspired dish promises a delightful culinary journey you’ll savor with every luxurious bite.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1/2 cup pancetta or bacon, diced
• 4 egg yolks

Pasta and Dairy:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup heavy cream

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot and immerse spaghetti, cooking until al dente according to package guidance. Extract 1/2 cup pasta liquid before draining, then set pasta aside.
2. Heat a spacious skillet over moderate temperature, sautéing diced chicken until achieving a golden exterior and thoroughly cooked interior, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
3. Utilize the identical skillet to render pancetta or bacon until achieving a crisp texture. Introduce minced garlic, allowing it to release aromatic essence for 1-2 minutes.
4. Whisk egg yolks in a separate vessel, integrating Parmesan cheese and heavy cream. Season mixture with salt and freshly cracked pepper.
5. Reintroduce cooked chicken into the skillet alongside crispy pancetta. Incorporate drained spaghetti and remove from heat. Swiftly fold egg yolk mixture into pasta, ensuring comprehensive coating. Modulate sauce consistency by incorporating reserved pasta liquid if necessary.
6. Embellish with finely chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

• Pasta Water Magic: Always save some starchy pasta water to help create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to noodles without becoming dry or clumpy.
• Egg Tempering Trick: Slowly mix hot ingredients into egg mixture to prevent scrambling, ensuring a creamy and luxurious carbonara texture.
• Quick Cooking Technique: Remove skillet from heat before adding egg sauce to prevent overcooking and maintain a luscious, velvety consistency.
• Dietary Flexibility: Swap pancetta with turkey bacon for a leaner option, or use vegetarian bacon alternatives for a meat-free version of this classic dish.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 780
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg