When I made Best Chicken Carbonara Recipe for the first time, it felt like bringing the cozy vibes of an Italian trattoria right into my kitchen. The blend of creamy sauce, savory bacon, and tender chicken with perfectly cooked pasta was a true delight. I couldn’t believe how such a fancy-looking dish could come together so quickly!
This recipe is now a regular in my rotation, especially when I want to impress without spending hours cooking. Whether it’s a date night, a family dinner, or a weeknight treat, this carbonara never disappoints. Trust me, you’ll be whipping this one up on repeat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays an important role in creating that classic, mouthwatering flavor.
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into strips: Tender and protein-packed, these add heartiness to the dish.
- 500 g linguine (or spaghetti): A long pasta that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- 4 slices of thick-cut bacon, chopped: Smoky and salty, this is essential for that deep flavor.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Adds a layer of fragrant warmth to the sauce.
- 2 large eggs: The base of the sauce, creating that creamy texture.
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated: Freshly grated cheese melts smoothly for the best results.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Balances every flavor perfectly.
- Fresh basil, chopped (optional): A bright, fragrant garnish for a fresh finish.
Note: This recipe makes about 4 servings, perfect for a household meal or leftovers!
Fun Variations to Try
This recipe is a great starting point for customizing your perfect dish!
- Go Vegetarian: Swap the chicken and bacon for sautéed mushrooms and fresh spinach.
- Mix Up the Cheese: Try Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor or gouda for a creamier sauce.
- Make It Lighter: Skip the cream (if using) and opt for zoodles instead of pasta.
- Add Veggies: Toss in peas, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini for a pop of color and added nutrients.
Quick Cooking Times
You won’t believe how fast this comes together!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Tools You’ll Need for This Dish
Gather these kitchen essentials to make your cooking smooth and effortless.
- Large pot: To boil your pasta to perfection.
- Skillet: For cooking bacon and chicken.
- Mixing bowl: To whisk the eggs and cheese.
- Tongs: Ideal for tossing the pasta with the sauce.
How to Make the Creamiest Chicken Carbonara?
Follow these step-by-step instructions for a foolproof, creamy carbonara every time.
Step 1. Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the linguine and cook it until al dente, as per the package instructions. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the starchy cooking water. This will soon work magic in your sauce!
Step 2. Whisk the Creamy Sauce
While the pasta cooks, whisk the eggs, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a mixing bowl. If you want a richer flavor, you can add a splash of heavy cream. The mixture should be smooth and well combined. Set it aside for now!
Step 3. Prepare the Bacon
Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chopped bacon until it’s crispy. Remove the bacon pieces and blot off excess grease on a paper towel. Leave about 1–2 tablespoons of drippings in the skillet to build even more flavor into the dish.
Step 4. Cook the Chicken
Using the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the chicken strips. Season with salt and pepper, and cook them until golden and fully cooked. Toss in the minced garlic during the last minute and sauté until fragrant.
Step 5. Assemble Your Carbonara
Turn the heat down low to avoid scrambling the eggs in the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and crispy bacon to the skillet with the chicken. Then, pour the egg and cheese mixture over top, tossing everything together gently. Add a small splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired creamy consistency.
Step 6. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped basil and a bit more Parmesan over the top. Serve immediately while warm, and enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Chicken Carbonara
From personal experience, these little tips will help you master this dish.
- Heat Control: Always lower the skillet’s heat when adding the egg mixture to avoid cooking it too quickly.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh Parmesan and basil for unbeatable flavor. Pre-grated cheese just doesn’t melt as well.
- Reserve That Pasta Water! The starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta, creating a silky finish.
- Time it Right: Have all your components ready to go before combining them–carbonara waits for no one!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Carbonara?
Chicken Carbonara is satisfying on its own, but even better with compliments. Serve it with a crisp green salad or toasted garlic bread for a complete, hearty meal. For a gourmet touch, pair it with a glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves to elevate the presentation.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick snapshot of the nutrition per serving.
- Calories: 706
- Protein: 91.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 37.2 g
- Fat: 20.7 g
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
While chicken carbonara is best fresh, here’s how you can manage leftovers.
Make Ahead: You can pre-cook the chicken and bacon, storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them separately before assembling the dish to save time!
Storage: Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a small splash of water or cream to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid the microwave, as it might overcook the sauce.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe?
Here’s why this Chicken Carbonara recipe is bound to be a winner in your kitchen!
- Quick and Simple: Great for busy nights when time is tight but you still want a delicious meal.
- Rich and Flavorful: Packed with creamy, smoky, and savory goodness in every bite.
- Customizable: Easily tweak the ingredients to fit your dietary needs or preferences.
- Versatile Meal: Perfect as a casual weeknight dish or an elegant dinner for entertaining.
- Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: With such classic flavors, it’s hard for anyone to resist!
This creamy chicken carbonara isn’t just food; it’s an experience you’ll want to share. Try it for your next dinner and see the magic for yourself. Buon appetite!
Best Chicken Carbonara Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts cut into strips
- 500 g linguine or spaghetti
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the linguine and cook it until al dente, as per the package instructions. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the starchy cooking water. This will soon work magic in your sauce!
- While the pasta cooks, whisk the eggs, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a mixing bowl. If you want a richer flavor, you can add a splash of heavy cream. The mixture should be smooth and well combined. Set it aside for now!
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chopped bacon until it’s crispy. Remove the bacon pieces and blot off excess grease on a paper towel. Leave about 1–2 tablespoons of drippings in the skillet to build even more flavor into the dish.
- Using the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the chicken strips. Season with salt and pepper, and cook them until golden and fully cooked. Toss in the minced garlic during the last minute and sauté until fragrant.
- Turn the heat down low to avoid scrambling the eggs in the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and crispy bacon to the skillet with the chicken. Then, pour the egg and cheese mixture over top, tossing everything together gently. Add a small splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired creamy consistency.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped basil and a bit more Parmesan over the top. Serve immediately while warm, and enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite.
Notes
- Heat Control: Keep heat low when adding the egg mixture to avoid scrambling.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use freshly grated cheese and fresh basil for the best flavor.
- Pasta Water: Don’t skip the starchy pasta water—it makes the sauce silky.
