Creamy Chicken Carbonara You’ll Instantly Love

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Serving Size: 4 servings

 

Are you craving a restaurant-quality pasta dish that you can make at home? This chicken carbonara recipe is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor.

 

 

What Makes This Chicken Carbonara Special

Traditional carbonara comes from Rome and typically features eggs, cheese, and guanciale. This chicken carbonara puts a delicious twist on the classic. You get tender chicken pieces that make the dish heartier and more filling.

The secret to perfect chicken carbonara is timing. You need to work quickly to create that silky, creamy sauce without scrambling the eggs. Don’t worry though—I’ll walk you through every step.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pasta and Chicken

• 1 pound spaghetti or fettuccine
• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Carbonara Sauce

• 4 large egg yolks
• 2 whole eggs
• 1.5 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese
• 1 teaspoon black pepper (plus more for serving)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water

For Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Equipment You’ll Need

You don’t need fancy equipment for this chicken carbonara. Here’s what to grab:

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Tongs
• Knife and cutting board
• Cheese grater

 

 

How to Make Chicken Carbonara

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by getting everything ready. This is important because chicken carbonara comes together quickly.

Cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Chop your bacon into small pieces. Mince the garlic. Grate your cheeses fresh—pre-grated cheese won’t melt as smoothly.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

Place your bacon pieces in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook them until they’re crispy and golden brown. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes.

The bacon will release its fat as it cooks. This rendered fat adds incredible flavor to your chicken carbonara. Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the pan and set it aside. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Add olive oil to the bacon fat in your pan. Turn the heat to medium-high. Add your seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer.

Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes without moving it too much. You want a nice golden color on the outside. Flip the pieces and cook for another 4-5 minutes until they’re cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.

Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside with the bacon.

Step 4: Boil Your Pasta

While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The water should taste like the sea—don’t be shy with the salt.

Add your pasta and cook it according to the package directions. You want it al dente, which means it should have a slight bite to it. This usually takes 8-10 minutes.

Before draining, save at least 1 cup of pasta water. This starchy water is key to creating a silky carbonara sauce.

Step 5: Make the Egg Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and whole eggs. Add both cheeses and black pepper. Mix everything until it’s well combined and slightly thick.

This mixture will create the creamy sauce for your chicken carbonara. The heat from the pasta will cook the eggs gently without scrambling them.

Step 6: Sauté the Garlic

Return your pan to medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic to the remaining fat in the pan. Sauté it for just 30-60 seconds until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.

Step 7: Combine Everything

Here’s where the magic happens. Turn off the heat completely. Add the drained pasta to the pan with the garlic.

Working quickly, pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta. Toss everything together vigorously using tongs. The residual heat will cook the eggs and create a creamy sauce.

Add the pasta water a little at a time. Keep tossing. The pasta water helps the sauce coat every strand of pasta perfectly. You might not need all the water—add just enough to reach your desired consistency.

Step 8: Add the Chicken and Bacon

Toss in your cooked chicken and crispy bacon. Mix everything together so every bite has chicken, bacon, and that creamy sauce.

If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more pasta water. If it’s too thin, add a bit more grated cheese.

 

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 685 kcal
• Protein: 42g
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Fat: 31g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 780mg

 

 

Serving Your Chicken Carbonara

Transfer your chicken carbonara to a large serving bowl or individual plates. Top it with extra Parmesan cheese, freshly cracked black pepper, and chopped parsley.

Serve it immediately while it’s hot. Chicken carbonara waits for no one—the sauce is best right after making it.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Carbonara

Temperature Control is Everything

The biggest mistake people make with chicken carbonara is scrambling the eggs. Always turn off the heat before adding the egg mixture. The residual heat from the pasta is enough to create that silky sauce.

Use Fresh Cheese

Pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents. These prevent the cheese from melting smoothly. Grate your Parmesan and Pecorino fresh for the creamiest chicken carbonara.

Don’t Rinse Your Pasta

Never rinse pasta for carbonara. The starch on the surface helps the sauce cling to each strand. This starch also helps emulsify the sauce.

Work Quickly

Have everything ready before you start combining. Once you add the egg mixture, you need to work fast. Toss, toss, toss to create that creamy consistency.

Save Extra Pasta Water

Pasta water is your friend. It contains starch that helps bind the sauce. Keep extra on hand in case your sauce needs adjusting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Cold Eggs

Take your eggs out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking. Room temperature eggs combine better with the hot pasta.

Adding Cream

Traditional carbonara doesn’t use cream. The creaminess comes from the eggs and cheese. Trust the process—you don’t need heavy cream for amazing chicken carbonara.

Overcooking the Chicken

Dry chicken ruins the dish. Cook it just until it reaches 165°F internally. It will stay moist and tender.

Not Seasoning Enough

Pasta water should be salty. The chicken needs seasoning. Don’t forget to taste and adjust before serving.

Variations to Try

Chicken Carbonara with Vegetables

Add peas, asparagus, or spinach for extra nutrients. Toss them in during the last step.

Spicy Chicken Carbonara

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. The heat pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Mushroom Chicken Carbonara

Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic. They add an earthy flavor that complements the chicken.

Light Chicken Carbonara

Use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. Substitute half the egg yolks with egg whites. It’s a bit lighter but still delicious.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storing Leftovers

Store chicken carbonara in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. The microwave works too, but stir frequently and add liquid to prevent drying out.

Can You Freeze It?

Carbonara doesn’t freeze well because of the egg-based sauce. The texture changes significantly after freezing. It’s best enjoyed fresh.

 

Why This Chicken Carbonara Recipe Works

This recipe combines the best of both worlds. You get the classic carbonara flavor with added protein from the chicken. It’s satisfying enough for dinner but elegant enough for guests.

The technique ensures a creamy sauce every time. No scrambled eggs, no grainy texture. Just smooth, velvety chicken carbonara that tastes like it came from an Italian restaurant.

The bacon adds a smoky depth. The garlic brings aromatic warmth. The cheese provides that umami richness. Everything works together perfectly.

Final Thoughts

Making chicken carbonara at home is easier than you think. Yes, it requires attention and quick hands. But the result is absolutely worth it.

This dish proves that simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. Eggs, cheese, pasta, chicken, and bacon transform into comfort food magic.

The next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner, remember this chicken carbonara recipe. It’s ready in 30 minutes, feeds a family, and tastes incredible. What more could you want?

Now grab your ingredients and get cooking. Your taste buds will thank you. This chicken carbonara is about to become your signature dish.

Buon appetito!