If you’re craving a dish that feels both indulgent and comforting, this Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining tender chicken strips, crispy bacon, and a lusciously creamy sauce made from eggs and Parmesan, this pasta masterpiece hits all the right notes. Every bite is a celebration of rich flavors and satisfying textures that’ll have you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but thoughtfully chosen to build authentic flavors and the perfect balance of creamy and savory. The fresh Parmesan adds a punch of cheesy goodness, while the chicken and bacon contribute protein and irresistible texture.
- 12 oz. fettuccine: Choose your favorite long pasta like spaghetti or linguine for an ideal vehicle to soak up the sauce.
- 4 slices bacon: Adds smoky crispiness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy carbonara sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses depth and warmth without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips: Tender chicken strips bring heartiness and protein to this pasta.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors perfectly.
- 4 large eggs, beaten: The base of the authentic carbonara sauce, creating luscious creaminess without any cream.
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for garnish: Parmesan adds sharpness and umami that elevate every bite.
- 1/3 cup freshly chopped parsley, plus more for garnish: Brings a fresh herbal note and a lively pop of color.
How to Make Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start with a large pot of salted boiling water and cook your fettuccine until perfectly al dente — firm with a slight bite. This ensures the pasta holds up to the rich sauce without becoming mushy. Once drained, save about half a cup of pasta water; its starchiness will help in creating that silky carbonara sauce magic.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Garlic
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they start to crisp up and release their amazing aroma. Then, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully without burning. Transfer the bacon and garlic to a bowl and drain out half the fat from the skillet to control richness while keeping tasty flavor.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Turn the heat to medium-high and add your seasoned chicken strips into the skillet. Cook for about 10 minutes until they’re golden brown and cooked through, sealing in juices and adding a luscious texture to your dish. This step guarantees every forkful is packed with tender, flavorful chicken.
Step 4: Combine Bacon, Chicken, and Pasta
Lower the heat to low, then return the bacon and garlic to the skillet, stirring them into the chicken strips. Add the drained pasta right into the pan and toss everything together carefully — this helps the different textures mingle perfectly before the sauce joins the party.
Step 5: Prepare and Add the Carbonara Sauce
Whisk together the beaten eggs, freshly grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley in a small bowl. Pour this mixture over the warm pasta while tossing continuously. Add the reserved pasta water gradually, stirring until the sauce transforms into a creamy, silky coating that clings to every strand of pasta deliciously.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve Immediately
Finish off your Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara Recipe with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a handful of fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve it hot so the sauce remains luxuriously creamy and the bacon and chicken stay perfectly crisp and juicy.
How to Serve Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of additional grated Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley is the classic way to finish this dish. If you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of cracked black pepper or a light drizzle of good quality olive oil can add another layer of flavor. The garnishes not only elevate the presentation but heighten every bite’s savoriness.
Side Dishes
Best paired with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the carbonara. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is also a stunning companion, ready to scoop up every last trace of that irresistible sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner, serve this pasta straight from a rustic skillet, letting everyone dig in family-style. Alternatively, plate it elegantly with a twirl of noodles on a warm pasta bowl, topped with a parsley sprig, and dusted Parmesan for an impressive, restaurant-quality appearance at your own table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking to keep flavors fresh and textures intact. The sauce may thicken upon cooling, but a little warming stir with a splash of water or chicken broth will bring it back to creamy glory.
Freezing
While carbonara is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions by placing cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to prevent the eggs in the sauce from curdling.
Reheating
Reheat your carbonara low and slow on the stove or in the microwave, stirring often. Adding a tablespoon or two of reserved pasta water, milk, or cream while warming helps restore the sauce’s luscious texture and prevents dryness.
FAQs
Can I use cream in the Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara Recipe?
Traditional carbonara does not call for cream, and this recipe stays true to that classic style. The eggs mixed with pasta water create a naturally silky sauce that’s rich without needing cream.
What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?
Fettuccine is recommended here, but you can easily swap in spaghetti, bucatini, linguine, or capellini depending on your preference. The key is a long, sturdy pasta that holds the creamy sauce well.
Is it important to reserve pasta water?
Absolutely! The starch in the reserved pasta water is what helps emulsify the egg and cheese mixture into a smooth, creamy sauce that clings beautifully to your noodles.
Can I substitute bacon with pancetta or guanciale?
Yes, pancetta or guanciale are fantastic traditional alternatives with slightly different flavor profiles. They add a lovely richness and authenticity if you want to experiment.
How do I prevent the eggs from scrambling in the sauce?
Make sure the pasta and pan are warm but not too hot when adding the egg mixture. Tossing quickly and adding pasta water gradually helps keep the sauce creamy and prevents scrambling.
Final Thoughts
This Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that turns simple ingredients into a soul-satisfying meal. From the first forkful of creamy, cheesy goodness to the last crisp bite of bacon, it’s a dish that brings warmth and joy to any table. Give it a try, and watch it become one of your go-to favorites for weeknights or special dinners alike.
Print
Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara recipe brings together tender strips of chicken and crispy bacon tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine in a creamy, Parmesan-infused egg sauce. With a touch of garlic and fresh parsley, this classic Italian dish is elevated to a hearty and satisfying meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz. fettuccine (or spaghetti, bucatini, linguine, or capellini)
Protein & Flavorings
- 4 slices bacon
- 1/2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings & Sauce
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for garnish
- 1/3 cup freshly chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta while reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water, then return the pasta to the pot to keep warm.
- Cook the Bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon slices for about 5 minutes until they begin to crisp. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Remove the bacon and garlic mixture to a bowl and drain half of the fat from the skillet.
- Cook the Chicken: Raise the heat to medium-high, add the chicken strips to the skillet, season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, and cook for about 10 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Combine Bacon and Pasta: Reduce the heat to low. Return the cooked bacon and garlic to the skillet and toss with the chicken. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything until well combined and heated through.
- Prepare the Carbonara Sauce: In a small bowl, beat together the eggs, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Pour this mixture over the pasta in the skillet, tossing quickly and continuously to coat the pasta evenly without scrambling the eggs. Gradually add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until a creamy sauce forms.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the carbonara with additional freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Be sure to toss the pasta with the egg mixture off the heat or on very low heat to avoid scrambling the eggs.
- Reserved pasta water is key to adjusting the sauce consistency; add gradually until desired creaminess is achieved.
- You can substitute the chicken breasts with pancetta or guanciale for a more traditional carbonara.
- Freshly grated Parmesan yields the best flavor and melts more smoothly than pre-grated varieties.
- Use kosher salt for seasoning pasta water and chicken for balanced seasoning.
