Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Carbonara is a rich, creamy Italian-inspired pasta dish that combines tender chicken, smoky bacon, and a silky egg-based sauce tossed with spaghetti. It’s a hearty yet elegant meal that feels indulgent but comes together quickly—perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort.

ingredients

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

spaghetti or fettuccine
boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into strips)
bacon or pancetta (diced)
eggs
Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
garlic (minced)
salt
black pepper
olive oil or butter
parsley (chopped, for garnish)

directions

Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.

In a bowl, whisk together eggs, grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.

In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon or pancetta until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving a bit of the fat in the pan.

Add a splash of olive oil or butter and cook chicken until browned and cooked through. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.

Add cooked pasta to the skillet with the chicken. Toss to combine and remove from heat.

Quickly stir in the egg-Parmesan mixture, tossing continuously to coat the pasta without scrambling the eggs. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until a creamy sauce forms.

Stir in crispy bacon. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Serve immediately while hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add peas or spinach for a veggie boost.
Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
Replace spaghetti with penne or linguine.
Use Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan for a sharper flavor.
Top with a poached or fried egg for extra richness.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or cream, stirring constantly.
Not recommended for freezing, as the sauce may separate.

FAQs

Can I use cream in the sauce?
Traditional carbonara doesn’t include cream, but a splash can be added for extra richness.

Why did my eggs scramble?
Make sure the pasta is off the heat and stir continuously when adding the egg mixture.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, just add it in when combining with the pasta.

Do I have to use bacon?
Pancetta or prosciutto are great alternatives, or skip it for a lighter version.

Is this dish very rich?
Yes, but balanced by the saltiness of bacon and the brightness of Parmesan.

What kind of pasta works best?
Spaghetti, fettuccine, or bucatini hold the sauce well.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and check labels on other ingredients.

Should I temper the eggs?
Not necessary—just combine quickly and stir off the heat to avoid scrambling.

What if I don’t have fresh Parmesan?
Use the best quality grated cheese available for the best flavor and texture.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep ingredients ahead to speed up cooking.

Conclusion

Chicken Carbonara is a creamy, comforting dish that blends simple ingredients into something truly delicious. With crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and a silky sauce, it’s a restaurant-worthy pasta that’s easy enough for any home cook. Make it once, and it’s sure to earn a regular spot in your dinner rotation.