Chicken carbonara is a creamy, comforting pasta dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a luscious sauce made from eggs, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of cream. It’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. Here’s a friendly, step-by-step guide to making chicken carbonara that’s rich in flavor and easy to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Carbonara
– Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for last-minute dinners.
– Rich and Creamy: The sauce is silky, thanks to eggs and Parmesan, with an optional splash of cream for extra indulgence.
– Flavorful: Crispy bacon, garlic, and tender chicken create a satisfying taste.
– Versatile: Use your favorite pasta like linguine or spaghetti, and add peas or parsley for freshness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– 12 ounces of pasta (linguine or spaghetti)
– 1 large chicken breast, cut into cubes or strips
– 4 slices of bacon, diced (optional but recommended)
– 1 cup diced onion (purple or yellow)
– 1 teaspoon minced garlic
– 3 whole eggs (or 4 egg yolks for a richer sauce)
– ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
– ¾ cup frozen peas (optional)
– Olive oil for cooking
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ to 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water will help create a silky sauce later.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and cook until it’s golden and nearly cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Cook the Bacon and Aromatics
In the same pan, add the diced bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the bacon fat in the pan and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Prepare the Carbonara Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream (if using), salt, and pepper until smooth. To avoid scrambling the eggs, you’ll temper the mixture with some hot pasta water in the next step.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the onions and garlic. Toss to coat the noodles in the flavorful bacon fat. Remove the pan from heat, then slowly pour in the egg mixture while tossing constantly. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce is creamy and coats the pasta well.
6. Add Chicken, Bacon, and Peas
Return the cooked chicken and crispy bacon to the pan. Stir in frozen peas if you like a pop of color and sweetness. Mix everything gently but thoroughly until heated through.
7. Serve and Garnish
Serve your chicken carbonara hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Pair it with garlic bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Carbonara
– Use fresh eggs and good-quality Parmesan for the best flavor.
– Don’t overheat the sauce; keep the pan off direct heat when adding eggs to prevent scrambling.
– Reserve pasta water-it’s key to making the sauce silky.
– Customize with veggies like peas or spinach for extra nutrition.
– Let cooked chicken rest briefly before adding to keep it juicy.
Chicken carbonara is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish, combining the richness of the traditional sauce with the hearty addition of chicken. It’s both comforting and elegant, perfect for any occasion.
Ready to try this creamy, savory chicken carbonara? Let me know if you want tips on variations or side dishes to serve with it!