Description
This easy Chicken Carbonara recipe is a creamy, indulgent pasta dish made with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a luscious Parmesan-egg sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the perfect quick and delicious meal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper.
- Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Crisp the Bacon
- In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon.
- Cook until crispy, about 5 minutes.
- Remove excess grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
Step 4: Sauté the Garlic
- Add the minced garlic to the bacon.
- Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 6: Combine Everything
- Reduce the heat to low.
- Return the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet.
- Pour in the egg-Parmesan mixture, tossing quickly to coat the pasta.
- Slowly add the reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce.
- Stir continuously to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Stir in fresh parsley if using.
- Serve immediately with additional Parmesan on top.
Notes
- Use Pancetta: Swap bacon for pancetta for a more traditional flavor.
- Add Veggies: Incorporate peas, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
- Try a Different Pasta: Use penne, linguine, or rigatoni instead of spaghetti.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: italian
Keywords: Chicken Carbonara, Easy Pasta Recipe, Creamy Chicken Pasta, 30-Minute Dinner, Quick Italian Dish