If you’re craving a comforting pasta dish that’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, chicken carbonara is a perfect choice. This twist on the classic Italian carbonara adds tender chicken to the mix, making it a hearty meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress. Let’s dive into how you make chicken carbonara step-by-step, with tips to get that silky sauce just right.
What Is Chicken Carbonara?
Chicken carbonara is a pasta dish inspired by traditional Italian carbonara, which usually features eggs, cheese, pancetta or guanciale, and black pepper. The chicken version swaps in tender chicken pieces for the pork, often using bacon for convenience, and sometimes includes a splash of cream to make the sauce extra luscious. It’s a creamy, savory dish that combines crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and Parmesan cheese in a velvety sauce coating spaghetti or your favorite pasta.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a simple list of ingredients to make a classic chicken carbonara:
– Spaghetti or long pasta (about 12 ounces)
– 1 pound skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
– 2 teaspoons minced garlic
– 2 large eggs plus 2 egg yolks
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
– ½ cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
– Reserved pasta water (about ½ cup)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Chicken Carbonara
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your spaghetti until al dente according to the package instructions. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup to 1 cup of the pasta water — this starchy water is key to making a silky sauce.
2. Prepare the Bacon and Chicken
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook diced bacon until crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels, leaving 1 to 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.
Add the chicken pieces to the skillet with the bacon fat and cook over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Add minced garlic during the last minute of cooking for fragrant flavor. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Carbonara Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream (if using), salt, and black pepper. This mixture will create the luscious sauce that clings to the pasta.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the bacon fat. Slowly pour in the egg and cheese mixture while tossing the pasta quickly to coat it evenly. The residual heat will gently cook the eggs without scrambling them, forming a creamy sauce.
If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you achieve a smooth, silky texture that coats the noodles beautifully.
5. Add Chicken and Bacon
Return the cooked chicken and bacon to the skillet. Toss everything together to combine and warm through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
6. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese on top for a fresh, flavorful finish. Serve immediately with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Carbonara
– Use room temperature eggs: This helps the eggs blend smoothly into the sauce without curdling.
– Don’t scramble the eggs: Toss the pasta quickly off the heat when adding the egg mixture to avoid scrambling.
– Reserve pasta water: The starchy water helps loosen the sauce and makes it silky.
– Cook chicken evenly: Cut chicken into similar-sized pieces for uniform cooking.
– Bacon vs. pancetta: Bacon is a convenient substitute that still adds smoky flavor.
– Optional cream: Traditional carbonara doesn’t use cream, but adding a splash makes the sauce extra rich and creamy.
Chicken carbonara is a fantastic dish that feels indulgent but comes together quickly with simple ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or a casual dinner party, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a favorite.
Enjoy the creamy, cheesy, smoky goodness of chicken carbonara — a dish that’s both comforting and elegant!
Creamy, flavorful, and easy to make, chicken carbonara is a perfect meal for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and savor every delicious bite!