Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara Recipe

This Chicken Carbonara brings together the classic flavors of a traditional carbonara with a twist – adding tender chicken strips for a heartier meal. The fettuccine is perfectly coated in a rich, creamy sauce made from eggs, Parmesan, and fresh parsley, with crispy bacon adding a delicious smokiness to each bite. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is comfort food at its finest. The combination of simple, fresh ingredients makes this recipe a go-to for those who crave a satisfying pasta meal with minimal effort. Serve it up with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and parsley for an irresistible and beautiful presentation.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz. fettuccine
  • 4 slices bacon
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 large eggs, beaten
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for garnish
  • 1/3 cup freshly chopped parsley, plus more for garnish

Directions:

  1. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and return pasta to the pot.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon for about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the bacon is crispy. Transfer the bacon to a bowl, draining half of the fat from the skillet.
  3. Increase the skillet heat to medium-high. Add the chicken strips, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 10 minutes until no longer pink, flipping halfway through.
  4. Reduce heat to low, add the bacon back to the skillet, and toss in the cooked pasta until combined.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan, and parsley, then season with salt and pepper. Pour this egg mixture over the pasta and toss to coat, adding a couple of tablespoons of reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a creamy consistency.
  6. Garnish with additional Parmesan and parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 450 kcal per serving
Servings: 4 servings

Chicken Carbonara: A Creamy Twist on a Classic Italian Dish

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compare to the creamy, savory delight of Chicken Carbonara. This pasta dish, with its origins rooted in Italy, is a modern take on the traditional carbonara recipe, offering a twist by adding tender chicken strips for extra protein and heartiness. With its easy preparation, rich flavors, and a balance of textures, Chicken Carbonara has earned its place as a favorite in many households around the world.

The Origins of Carbonara

Traditional carbonara is a classic Roman dish that typically combines eggs, cheese (usually Pecorino Romano), pancetta or guanciale, and black pepper. It is known for its creamy, rich sauce that doesn’t actually use any cream but instead gets its smooth texture from the perfectly emulsified combination of eggs, cheese, and pasta water. The origin of the dish is somewhat mysterious, with some stories suggesting it was a meal for Italian coal miners (carbonai), hence the name carbonara. Over time, variations of the dish have evolved, and Chicken Carbonara is a modern twist that provides a well-rounded, protein-packed meal.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Carbonara

Chicken Carbonara is the perfect meal for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or when you’re simply craving a comforting dish that is quick and easy to prepare. This recipe keeps all the creamy goodness of traditional carbonara but adds sautéed chicken to make it more filling and versatile. The flavors of crispy bacon, savory chicken, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese all come together to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor.

Ingredients & Substitutions

The ingredients for Chicken Carbonara are simple, easily accessible, and perfect for a quick meal:

  • Fettuccine: This pasta is a great choice for holding onto the creamy sauce, but you can easily substitute it with spaghetti, bucatini, linguine, or capellini. The thicker the pasta, the more sauce it can carry, so pick your favorite.
  • Bacon: This recipe uses bacon for its crispiness and smoky flavor. For a more traditional taste, you can use pancetta or guanciale, which are closer to the authentic Italian version. Turkey bacon or a vegetarian substitute can also be used for dietary preferences.
  • Chicken Breasts: Skinless, boneless chicken breasts work well because they cook quickly and evenly. You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier texture or even leftover roasted chicken for a faster preparation.
  • Eggs: The eggs are the key to the creamy sauce in carbonara. Make sure they are fresh and beat them well before adding to the pasta.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a nutty, salty flavor to the dish. Pecorino Romano can be used as a more traditional option, providing a sharper taste.
  • Garlic & Parsley: Garlic enhances the flavor of the bacon and chicken, while parsley adds freshness and color. Other herbs like basil can be added as well for an additional layer of flavor.

The Step-by-Step Cooking Process

  1. Cooking the Pasta: Begin by cooking the fettuccine (or pasta of choice) in salted boiling water until al dente. Make sure to reserve some of the starchy pasta water to help create the creamy sauce later.
  2. Crisping the Bacon and Flavoring with Garlic: While the pasta is cooking, the bacon is fried until crispy, adding in the minced garlic towards the end of the cooking process to avoid burning. This step infuses the oil with a savory flavor, which will coat the chicken and pasta later.
  3. Cooking the Chicken: The chicken is added to the skillet, seasoned well, and cooked until golden brown. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan, ensuring the chicken cooks evenly. Flipping halfway through ensures that the strips are cooked on all sides.
  4. Combining Everything and Making the Sauce: After returning the bacon to the skillet and adding the pasta, a sauce is made by whisking together the eggs, Parmesan, and parsley. The key to achieving the perfect creamy texture is to mix the egg mixture into the hot pasta off the heat, gradually adding pasta water until the sauce is glossy and smooth.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Carbonara

  • Avoid Scrambling the Eggs: The secret to a smooth carbonara sauce is to avoid direct heat when mixing the egg mixture with the pasta. Make sure the skillet is off the burner when adding the eggs, and mix quickly to prevent scrambling.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Since this dish relies on simple ingredients, their freshness is key to the best flavor. Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-packaged for the best melt and taste.
  • Season Well: Salt your pasta water generously, as this is the only chance to season the pasta itself. The bacon, cheese, and pasta water will add more saltiness, so adjust additional salt sparingly.
  • Experiment with Additions: Though this recipe is delicious as is, feel free to experiment by adding your favorite vegetables like peas, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor. Red pepper flakes can add a touch of heat, and a drizzle of truffle oil before serving can elevate the dish to a restaurant-quality meal.

Nutritional Information

This Chicken Carbonara recipe is not just indulgent; it’s also a well-balanced meal. It provides protein from the chicken and eggs, healthy fats from the bacon and cheese, and carbohydrates from the pasta. Each serving contains around 450 calories, making it a satisfying and hearty option for lunch or dinner. While it’s not a low-calorie meal, it provides a comforting treat that fits well into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation.

How to Serve & Store Chicken Carbonara

Chicken Carbonara is best served immediately after preparation to maintain its creamy texture. To enhance the flavor, top the dish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley for garnish. You can serve it alongside a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete Italian meal.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to help revive the creaminess of the sauce. Stir gently until the pasta is heated through. Note that reheating in a microwave may cause the eggs to cook further, altering the sauce’s texture.

Recipe Variations & Customizations

  • Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and bacon, and replace them with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. You can also add more cheese or a dash of nutritional yeast for extra flavor.
  • Spicy Kick: For those who like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the skillet when cooking the garlic, or top the finished dish with chili oil.
  • Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
  • Creamy Spin: While traditional carbonara does not use cream, some prefer adding a small amount of heavy cream to the egg mixture for an even richer sauce.

Conclusion:

Chicken Carbonara is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness, crispy bacon, and savory chicken, all tied together by perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe’s simplicity makes it a go-to dish for quick weeknight dinners, while its rich flavor makes it worthy of serving on special occasions. The beauty of carbonara lies in its versatility – once you’ve mastered the base recipe, you can adapt it to suit your tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this dish is sure to impress and become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

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