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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Whisk egg yolks in a separate vessel, integrating Parmesan cheese and heavy cream. Season mixture with salt and freshly cracked pepper.
- 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.
- 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