Creamy Chicken Carbonara: A Delicious Italian Classic

Imagine a steaming plate of Chicken Carbonara, where the creamy sauce clings lovingly to each strand of pasta, and the aroma dances through the air like a well-choreographed ballet. Picture tender chicken pieces mingling with crispy pancetta, all topped off with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan that melts into deliciousness. This dish is not just dinner; it’s an experience that transports you straight to an Italian trattoria with every bite. For more inspiration, check out this more dinner recipes recipe.

Now, let’s take a moment to reminisce about that time I decided to impress my friends with my culinary skills. Spoiler alert: I was barely able to boil water back then. But when I served Chicken Carbonara, their praise filled the room like confetti at a New Year’s party! This dish is perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions when you want to dazzle without working yourself into a state of culinary chaos.

I remember the first time I made this dish; my family couldn’t believe I had whipped up something so tasty!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts but adjust based on how many people you’re feeding.

• Pancetta or Bacon: Choose high-quality pancetta for an authentic flavor; bacon works too if that’s what you have on hand.

• Spaghetti: Long strands are essential here; they embrace the sauce perfectly when twirled around your fork.

• Fresh Garlic: Use firm cloves for the best flavor; minced garlic brings out all the aromatic goodness.

• Eggs: These will create that creamy sauce without needing heavy cream; room temperature eggs mix in better.

• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh cheese for optimal melty goodness; nothing beats fresh over pre-grated.

• Black Pepper: Freshly cracked pepper adds an essential kick; don’t skimp on this one!

• Parsley (optional): Chopped fresh parsley adds color and a freshness that balances the richness of the dish.

For the Sauce:

• Olive Oil: A drizzle helps cook the pancetta and adds a depth of flavor; opt for extra virgin if possible.

• Salt: Use salt sparingly since pancetta has its own saltiness; taste as you go!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Chicken Carbonara

Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and have them ready. Chop your chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince your garlic until fragrant.

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8–10 minutes.

Sauté Pancetta: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped pancetta or bacon and sauté until crispy and golden brown.

Add Chicken and Garlic: Toss in the chicken pieces and minced garlic once the pancetta is crispy. Cook until chicken is no longer pink—about 5–7 minutes—until everything smells heavenly!

Create the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together eggs and grated Parmesan until smooth. After draining pasta (reserve some pasta water), quickly combine everything while still hot—this will help create your creamy sauce.

Toss It Together: Add spaghetti back to the skillet with chicken and pancetta mixture. Gradually stir in egg mixture while adding reserved pasta water as needed for creaminess.

This Chicken Carbonara will have everyone drooling before they even take their first bite! Enjoy it hot with extra Parmesan on top for good measure. Serve it up family-style or plate it individually—either way, it’ll be gone faster than you can say “Mangiare!”

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the pasta first. While it boils, sauté the bacon until crispy, then add garlic and cream for the sauce. This efficient sequence ensures everything comes together perfectly without overcooking any element.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the bacon for pancetta or turkey bacon for a lighter option. You can also experiment with adding peas or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture, making this dish uniquely yours.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Chicken Carbonara in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently on low heat to prevent the sauce from separating and drying out.

Sharing my first attempt at Chicken Carbonara was a comedic disaster—bacon everywhere and too much cream! But my friends loved it anyway; we laughed more than we ate that night.

FAQ

Can I make Chicken Carbonara without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute eggs with cream for a rich sauce.

How do I know when my pasta is done?

Pasta should be al dente; taste a piece to check doneness.

Can I use other meats in Chicken Carbonara?

Absolutely! Feel free to use pancetta or even grilled chicken for variety.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Chicken Carbonara

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Chicken Carbonara is a classic Italian dish that combines tender chicken, crispy pancetta, and al dente spaghetti in a rich, creamy sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in. With just a handful of quality ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a restaurant-worthy meal at home that tantalizes the taste buds and warms the soul.

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Ingredients

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• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs), diced
• 6 oz pancetta or bacon, chopped
• 12 oz spaghetti
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. 1. Prepare Ingredients: Dice chicken and mince garlic.
2. 2. Cook Pasta: Boil salted water and cook spaghetti for 8–10 minutes until al dente.
3. 3. Sauté Pancetta: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat; add pancetta and cook until crispy.
4. 4. Add Chicken and Garlic: Toss in the chicken and minced garlic; sauté until chicken is cooked through (5–7 minutes).
5. 5. Create Sauce: In a bowl, whisk eggs and Parmesan until smooth. Combine with hot pasta to form a creamy sauce, using reserved pasta water as needed.
6. 6. Mix Together: Add spaghetti to the skillet, tossing with the chicken mixture until well combined.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 160mg