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A close-up shot showcases a delicious plate of creamy Chicken Carbonara, highlighting the rich sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta.
Lady Maria

Easy Chicken Carbonara

This Easy Chicken Carbonara recipe delivers a creamy and flavorful dish in just 30 minutes. Combining pasta with crispy chicken, smoky bacon, and a luscious Parmesan sauce, it's a quick, customizable comfort food perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound pasta spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4-6 slices bacon or pancetta
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish optional
  • Salt for pasta water

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • large skillet
  • medium bowl
  • whisk
  • Colander
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • Cutting board
  • knife

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon (or pancetta) and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the chicken and bacon. Toss to combine.
  6. Remove the skillet from the heat and immediately pour the egg mixture over the pasta. Toss quickly and continuously to coat the pasta evenly. Add a little pasta water if needed to adjust the consistency.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Don't overcook the pasta. Work quickly when combining the egg mixture with the pasta to prevent the eggs from scrambling. Adjust the seasoning to your liking. Carbonara is best served immediately. For variations, add sautéed mushrooms, peas, spinach, or asparagus. You can also swap the chicken for shrimp, sausage, or tofu. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.