Description
This Creamy Chicken Carbonara is a quick and delicious Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a luscious Parmesan and egg yolk sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it combines simple ingredients with easy techniques to create a rich, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Bacon
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 4 slices bacon or pancetta, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
Sauce
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (for spicy kick)
Additions and Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
- Peas, spinach, or asparagus (for extra veggies)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency later.
- Cook the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Crisp the Bacon: In the same pan, add the chopped bacon or pancetta. Cook until crispy, then remove excess fat if necessary, leaving enough to enhance flavor.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. Slowly drizzle in a portion of the hot reserved pasta water while whisking continuously to temper the eggs and create a silky sauce without scrambling.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked pasta to the pan with the bacon and chicken. Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta and quickly stir to coat all ingredients evenly, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and any additional veggies at this stage, stirring to incorporate.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or basil and extra grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water carefully, as it helps adjust the sauce consistency perfectly.
- Tempering the eggs with hot pasta water prevents scrambling and creates a smooth sauce.
- For extra veggies, peas, spinach, or asparagus work well and can be added when combining the pasta and sauce.
- Use pancetta instead of bacon for a traditional carbonara flavor.
- Serve immediately as the sauce is best enjoyed fresh and creamy.
