If you are searching for that perfect harmony of creamy indulgence, savory bites, and comforting pasta, you have to try the Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara Recipe. This dish takes the classic Italian carbonara to a whole new level by adding tender chicken strips and hearty bacon, creating an irresistible combination of flavors and textures. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve guests, making it a deliciously versatile favorite that will become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to delivering this dish’s rich and satisfying taste. Each component plays a vital role, from the smoky crisp bacon to the lush creaminess of the egg and Parmesan sauce, making every bite a delight.
- 12 oz. fettuccine: Choose your favorite long pasta like spaghetti or linguine for the perfect sauce cling.
- 4 slices bacon: Adds a smoky, crispy element that balances the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a subtle aromatic kick that elevates the entire dish.
- 1/2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into strips, they bring tender protein and hearty texture.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every ingredient’s flavor.
- 4 large eggs, beaten: Forms the creamy, velvety base of the carbonara sauce without the need for heavy cream.
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan: Adds sharpness and richness that melts perfectly into the sauce.
- 1/3 cup freshly chopped parsley: Brings a fresh, vibrant color and a mildly peppery brightness.
How to Make Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cook your fettuccine until it’s perfectly al dente, following package instructions. Saving a little pasta water before draining will be the secret to achieving that silky sauce texture later.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Garlic
In a spacious skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices for about 5 minutes until they start to crisp up. Add the minced garlic and sauté together for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the garlic’s aroma to blossom without burning. Transfer the bacon and garlic to a bowl and drain half of the bacon fat from the pan for a balanced flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Turn the heat up to medium-high and add your chicken strips to the skillet. Season generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Let the chicken brown and cook thoroughly, which usually takes around 10 minutes. This step ensures wonderful caramelization that adds depth to the dish.
Step 4: Combine Bacon and Pasta
Reduce the heat to low and toss the crispy bacon back in with the chicken. Then add your cooked pasta directly into the skillet, mixing everything together so all those tasty flavors blend in harmony under gentle heat.
Step 5: Prepare the Carbonara Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, freshly grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley. Slowly pour this luscious mixture over the pasta while continuously tossing. Gradually add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a rich, creamy sauce that clings to every strand, without scrambling the eggs.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish off your Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara Recipe with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley to brighten up the dish. Serve immediately while it’s warm and the sauce is at its creamiest—pure comfort on a plate!
How to Serve Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara Recipe
Garnishes
A final touch of freshly grated Parmesan, a few cracks of black pepper, and a handful of fresh parsley leaves make the presentation inviting and add layers of flavor. For a touch of indulgence, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil can be excellent.
Side Dishes
This carbonara pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads tossed lightly in tangy vinaigrettes or roasted vegetables that cut through the sauce’s richness. Garlic bread or warm focaccia is also a perfect partner to soak up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the pasta in shallow bowls with a Parmesan crisp on the side or sprinkle some toasted pine nuts for added crunch. A vibrant wedge of lemon on the side can offer guests the option of a citrusy lift that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. The Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara Recipe can stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a convenient and delicious option for quick future meals.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, the texture of the creamy carbonara sauce may change slightly. If you must freeze, store in freezer-safe containers without the garnishes and consume within 1 month for best quality.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Avoid microwaving at high heat, which can scramble the eggs and toughen the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Fettuccine works beautifully, but you can use spaghetti, linguine, bucatini, or even capellini. Feel free to choose based on your preference or what you have on hand.
Is it necessary to use bacon, or can I substitute it?
Bacon adds a smoky, savory depth that’s signature to carbonara, but pancetta or guanciale are traditional alternatives. For a bacon-free option, crispy prosciutto or smoked turkey bacon might work, though the flavor will vary.
Why don’t we use cream in this carbonara?
Traditional carbonara relies on eggs and cheese to create its rich sauce without cream. This keeps the dish authentic and lets the simple ingredients shine with a velvety finish.
How do I prevent the eggs from scrambling?
The key is to toss the pasta with the egg mixture over low heat and add reserved pasta water gradually. This creates a creamy emulsion without cooking the eggs too quickly into lumps.
Can I prepare this dish vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and chicken and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables to maintain heartiness while keeping those luscious carbonara flavors.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara Recipe, you’ll understand why it quickly becomes a go-to favorite. The creamy, cheesy sauce, smoky bacon, and tender chicken come together so effortlessly to create a dish that’s nothing short of a comforting celebration. Give it a whirl in your kitchen—you might just discover your new signature pasta!
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Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara is a creamy, flavorful twist on the classic Italian pasta dish. Featuring tender chicken strips, crispy bacon, and a rich Parmesan egg sauce, it’s a perfect hearty meal ready in just 30 minutes. The recipe combines al dente fettuccine with savory bacon and garlic, then tosses everything together with a silky carbonara sauce enriched by freshly grated Parmesan and parsley for a fresh finish.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz. fettuccine (or spaghetti, bucatini, linguine, or capellini)
Meats
- 4 slices bacon
- 1/2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
Other Ingredients
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 1/3 cup freshly chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and return it to the pot to keep warm.
- Cook the Bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon slices and cook for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they start to crisp. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Transfer the bacon and garlic to a bowl and drain half of the fat from the skillet.
- Cook the Chicken: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the chicken strips to the skillet, seasoning with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook the chicken for approximately 10 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through.
- Combine Bacon and Pasta: Reduce the heat to low. Return the cooked bacon and garlic to the skillet and toss with the chicken. Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet and toss everything together until well combined.
- Prepare the Carbonara Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Pour the mixture over the pasta while keeping the skillet on low heat, tossing continuously. Gradually add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to help create a creamy sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish the pasta with additional Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water as it helps to create the perfect creamy carbonara sauce without scrambling the eggs.
- You can substitute the fettuccine with other long pasta types like spaghetti or linguine as per your preference.
- Adjust seasoning to taste especially the salt, as bacon and Parmesan are already salty.
- Make sure the skillet is on low heat when adding the egg mixture to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
- This recipe serves 4 comfortably.
