Chicken Carbonara Recipe: A Creamy Italian Delight
This Chicken Carbonara Recipe is packed with crispy bacon, tender chicken, and a luxurious, no-cream sauce that tastes like it’s straight out of Italy! A quick, easy, and satisfying meal for any night of the week.
The Story Behind This Chicken Carbonara
Author’s Notes: My First Carbonara Was in Italy
The first time I ever had carbonara was in Italy, and it was an unforgettable culinary experience. I remember being completely blown away by how rich and silky the sauce was. Years later, I was shocked to learn that traditional carbonara contains no cream at all! It tasted so decadent, I was sure it had to be a key ingredient.
After years of experimenting, I’ve finally perfected my ideal carbonara. To satisfy my family’s cravings for protein, I’ve added both chicken and bacon to this version. It’s a crowd-pleaser that combines the classic flavors of carbonara with added heartiness.
While traditional carbonara calls for guanciale, a cured pork cheek, it can be difficult to find in local grocery stores. Bacon makes a fantastic substitute, providing that same smoky and salty flavor that makes carbonara so irresistible.
Chicken Carbonara Recipe Ingredients
Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients for this Chicken Carbonara recipe, along with some helpful tips for achieving the best results:
| Ingredients | Tip |
|---|---|
| Chicken | Slice the chicken in half and pound it evenly so that it cooks quickly and stays tender. This ensures a juicy and flavorful addition to your carbonara. |
| Bacon | Allow the bacon to render fully. This allows the pasta to soak up all that delicious, smoky flavor! Crispy bacon is a must for any great carbonara. |
| Eggs & Egg Yolks | Whisk the eggs and yolks until smooth before adding the cheese for the silkiest sauce. This ensures a smooth and creamy consistency, avoiding any lumps. |
| Cheese | This is the secret ingredient that elevates a chicken carbonara recipe from good to great. Finely grate Parmigiano-Reggiano with a microplane and weigh it for accuracy. Measuring by volume can vary, but weighing ensures the perfect cheese-to-sauce ratio. It’s a bit more effort, but the payoff is huge! |
| Pasta, Peas & Pasta Water | Use hot pasta water to transform the eggs into a creamy sauce. Toss in the peas at the end just to warm them through, preserving their fresh flavor and vibrant color. |
How to Make My Chicken Carbonara Recipe
Follow these simple steps to create a restaurant-quality Chicken Carbonara in the comfort of your own kitchen:
- Prep the sauce: In a large, heatproof bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, and cheese until smooth. This forms the base of your creamy carbonara sauce.
- Cook the chicken: Season the chicken, then pan-sear it until cooked through. Allow it to rest before slicing for optimal tenderness and juiciness.
- Crisp the bacon: Cook the bacon in the same pan until golden and the fat has rendered. The rendered bacon fat adds incredible flavor to the pasta.
- Boil the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve hot pasta water before draining the pasta – this is crucial for creating the creamy sauce.
- Combine: Toss the hot pasta with the bacon in the pan. This ensures the pasta is coated in the flavorful bacon fat. Then, transfer it to the bowl with the egg mixture.
- Make it creamy: Add hot pasta water and stir quickly until a glossy sauce forms. The heat from the pasta water gently cooks the eggs, creating a luscious and creamy sauce.
- Finish & serve: Add the chicken and peas, toss to warm through. Garnish and enjoy your homemade Chicken Carbonara!
Quick Tip: The Essence of Carbonara
Carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish built upon the foundation of eggs, hard cheese, cured pork, and black pepper. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the signature flavor and texture of this beloved dish.
What To Serve On The Side
This Chicken Carbonara Recipe is a complete meal in itself, with pasta, veggies, and protein all in one dish. However, here are some of my favorite side dishes that complement this flavorful pasta:
- Simple green salad: I love this Italian salad with a herby dressing. It adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the carbonara.
- Roasted veggies: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans help balance the richness of the pasta. The slightly bitter notes of these vegetables pair perfectly with the savory carbonara.
- Garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce! Crispy, buttery garlic bread is a classic accompaniment to any pasta dish.
- Tomatoes: This caprese quinoa salad is so good on the side! The fresh, bright flavors of tomatoes and mozzarella provide a delightful contrast to the creamy carbonara.
- Tiramisu: Finish off strong with a great classic Italian dessert! What better way to end an Italian meal than with a decadent and authentic tiramisu?
Storage Tips for Leftover Carbonara
Like most Italian pastas, this Chicken Carbonara recipe is best enjoyed fresh. The sauce is at its silkiest right after cooking and less so once chilled.
If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water, stirring often to loosen the sauce. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the eggs to scramble.
More Pasta Dishes To Love:
Looking for more delicious pasta recipes? Check out these favorites:
Bruschetta Pasta
Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup
Chicken Penne Pasta
Chicken Carbonara Recipe
A detailed recipe with ingredients, instructions, and notes to help you create the perfect Chicken Carbonara.
Chicken Carbonara Recipe
By Chelsea Lords
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
- 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 slices bacon, diced
- 3 large eggs
- 3 large egg yolks
- 120 grams finely shredded Parmigiano Reggiano
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
- 1-1/4 cups frozen peas (optional)
- 1 large lemon (optional)
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, yolks, and pepper until smooth. Add shredded cheese and mix.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sear in skillet with butter and olive oil until cooked. Set aside.
- Cook bacon in the same skillet until crisp. Remove from heat.
- Cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Transfer hot pasta to skillet with bacon. Then, transfer to the bowl with egg mixture.
- Stir vigorously, gradually adding pasta water until creamy.
- Add sliced chicken and peas. Toss to warm.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley and lemon.
Recipe Notes:
- Use table-grind pepper for better texture.
- Weigh the cheese for accurate measurement.
- Best eaten fresh.
Nutrition Information (approximate):
- Serving: 1 serving
- Calories: 996 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 74g
- Protein: 75g
- Fat: 42g