Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara Recipe

Chicken Carbonara is the ultimate creamy pasta dish that brings together crispy bacon, tender chicken, rich Parmesan cheese, and a velvety egg-based sauce. This twist on the classic carbonara adds hearty, seasoned chicken to make it a full and satisfying meal. It’s quick, indulgent, and perfect for weeknights or impressing guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy, rich, and full of comforting flavors
• Made with simple, everyday ingredients
• Comes together in under 30 minutes
• A full, satisfying meal in one bowl
• Great balance of crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and cheesy sauce

Ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Salt and black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Olive oil
• Bacon, chopped
• Spaghetti or fettuccine pasta
• Eggs
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Garlic, minced
• Heavy cream (optional for extra richness)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In a skillet with olive oil over medium heat, cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes per side. Remove, let rest, then slice or cube.
3. Cook the Bacon: In the same pan, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave a bit of the bacon grease in the pan for flavor.
4. Make the Sauce Base: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan cheese, and a little of the reserved pasta water. This is your carbonara sauce base.
5. Combine Everything: Return pasta to the pan with a little bacon grease. Turn off the heat. Quickly stir in the egg-Parmesan mixture, tossing quickly so the eggs don’t scramble. Add more reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce.
6. Finish with Chicken and Bacon: Add the cooked chicken and crispy bacon back into the pan. Toss everything together until well-coated and warmed through.
7. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• No Cream Version: Stick to just eggs, cheese, and pasta water for a traditional carbonara texture.
• Creamier Option: Add a splash of heavy cream when mixing the sauce for extra indulgence.
• Add Veggies: Stir in peas, spinach, or mushrooms for more texture and color.
• Different Meats: Swap chicken for grilled shrimp or keep it vegetarian by skipping meat and adding roasted vegetables.
• Low-Carb Swap: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter alternative.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving on high heat to prevent the eggs from curdling.

FAQs

What is Chicken Carbonara?

It’s a creamy pasta dish made by combining cooked chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich egg-Parmesan sauce, tossed with pasta.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, using pre-cooked chicken can save time and still works well in this dish.

Do I need cream to make carbonara?

Traditional carbonara doesn’t use cream, but you can add a bit if you like a richer, silkier texture.

Why did my eggs scramble?

The heat was likely too high when you added the egg mixture. Turn off the heat and stir quickly to avoid this.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or linguine all work just as well.

Is this dish spicy?

Not by default, but you can add crushed red pepper flakes or black pepper for some heat.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best fresh, but you can prep ingredients (like cooking the chicken and bacon) in advance.

How do I make it extra cheesy?

Use a combination of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano for deeper flavor.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, just substitute with your favorite gluten-free pasta.

What’s the best way to get a creamy sauce?

Use freshly grated cheese, stir quickly off heat, and add pasta water gradually to achieve a smooth sauce.

Conclusion

This Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara is rich, creamy, and loaded with flavor. It combines the smoky crunch of bacon with tender chicken and a cheesy egg sauce that clings perfectly to every strand of pasta. Quick enough for a weeknight and indulgent enough for guests, it’s a must-try dish that delivers every time.

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