Description
This Chicken Carbonara recipe is a creamy, savory Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring tender chicken, crispy pancetta, and a rich Parmesan-egg sauce. Quick, easy, and made without heavy cream, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 oz pancetta or bacon, diced
- 2 large eggs
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for pasta water
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Mixture
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolk, and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Set aside for later use.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken and Pancetta
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until golden and fully cooked (about 5-6 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the pancetta (or bacon) and cook until crispy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional 30 seconds.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and reduce the heat to low.
- Add the drained pasta and toss to combine.
- Remove the pan from heat and slowly pour in the egg mixture, stirring continuously to coat the pasta.
- Add reserved pasta water gradually until the sauce reaches a creamy consistency.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Mushroom Carbonara: Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Use more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Vegetable Boost: Mix in spinach or peas for added nutrition.
- Cheese Swap: Try Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan for a sharper taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: italian
Keywords: Chicken Carbonara, creamy pasta, Italian recipe, easy dinner, no cream carbonara.