Creamy Italian Magic: Homemade Chicken Carbonara Recipe

Whipping up a classic Italian chicken carbonara brings pure comfort right to your kitchen.

Creamy eggs and crispy pancetta dance together in this Roman-inspired dish.

Authentic flavors merge effortlessly with tender chicken pieces that absorb every delicious nuance.

Rich parmesan cheese creates a silky backdrop for these incredible ingredients.

Passionate home cooks adore how simple techniques can result in such magnificent meals.

Sharp black pepper provides a subtle kick that awakens every single bite.

Come experience a culinary journey that connects you directly with Italian cooking traditions.

Why Chicken Carbonara Feels Extra Comforting

• Conquer Kitchen Complexity: Beginner cooks can easily master this straightforward recipe with simple techniques and minimal ingredients.
• Protein-Packed Powerhouse: Combines lean chicken and protein-rich eggs with crispy bacon for a satisfying, muscle-building meal that keeps you full and energized.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Requires minimal prep and cooking steps, making it perfect for busy families seeking a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable recipe that works great for casual family dinners, date nights, or impromptu gatherings with friends who appreciate hearty, comforting Italian-inspired cuisine.

What’s in Chicken Carbonara

• Chicken: Tender meat that adds protein to the dish.
• Bacon: Crispy, salty pork that brings deep flavor.
• Eggs: Creamy base for the sauce that binds ingredients.

• Pasta: Classic Italian noodles for the base of the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty, sharp cheese that enhances the overall flavor.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds sharp, bold taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a bright, green note to the dish.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Carbonara

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente.

Drain the pasta, keeping 1/2 cup of pasta water, and return it to the pot.

Step 2: Crisp Up Bacon

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon for 5 minutes.

Add garlic and continue cooking until bacon becomes crispy, about 2 to 3 minutes more.

Transfer the bacon to a bowl and drain half the fat from the skillet.

Step 3: Cook Chicken to Perfection

Increase skillet heat to medium-high and add chicken.

Season generously with salt and pepper.

Cook the chicken, flipping halfway through, until it’s no longer pink, approximately 10 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Bacon and Chicken

Reduce heat to low and return bacon to the skillet.

Toss the ingredients together, then add cooked pasta and mix until well combined.

Step 5: Prepare Creamy Egg Mixture

• Eggs
• Parmesan cheese
• Parsley

Season the mixture with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Create the Carbonara Sauce

Pour the egg mixture over the pasta and toss until everything is evenly coated.

Add a couple tablespoons of reserved pasta water to create a creamy consistency.

Continue adding pasta water by the tablespoonful as needed to achieve the desired sauce texture.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese and parsley on top.

Serve the carbonara immediately while it’s hot and creamy.

Tips for the Best Chicken Carbonara

• Use standard measuring tools to ensure precise ingredient amounts, preventing overdoing or underdoing quantities.
• Temper egg mixture by slowly adding hot pasta water while continuously stirring to create smooth, silky sauce without curdling.
• Cook bacon until perfectly crispy for maximum texture and release more rendered fat, enhancing overall dish depth and richness.
• Swap chicken with turkey, shrimp, or tofu for different dietary preferences while maintaining recipe's core flavor profile.
• Cook pasta just until firm to bite, reserving pasta water to help create creamy sauce and prevent mushy texture.

How to Save and Reheat Chicken Carbonara

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Cover the pasta with plastic wrap directly touching the surface to prevent egg mixture from drying out or forming a skin.
• Warm slowly in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of pasta water or milk to restore creamy texture and prevent eggs from scrambling.
• Enjoy reheated carbonara within 1-2 days for best taste and texture, as cream-based sauces tend to separate when stored longer.

Pairings That Go with Chicken Carbonara

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon blanc cuts through the richness of carbonara, offering a refreshing contrast with its bright, zesty notes that complement the creamy pasta perfectly.
• Enhance with Garlic Bread: Crusty, herb-infused garlic bread provides a crunchy texture that balances the smooth carbonara, absorbing extra sauce while adding delightful complementary flavors.
• Serve Fresh Arugula Salad: Light, peppery arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette helps cleanse the palate between bites of the rich chicken carbonara, introducing a clean, tangy element to the meal.
• Match with Chilled Pilsner: Crisp, light beer like pilsner helps cut through the creamy sauce and provides a cool, refreshing counterpoint to the hearty chicken and bacon combination.

Twists on the Classic Chicken Carbonara

• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter, keto-friendly alternative that cuts down on carbohydrates while maintaining the classic carbonara flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken and bacon with grilled portobello mushrooms or crispy tofu cubes, using smoked paprika to mimic the bacon's smoky taste and adding plant-based protein.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour to accommodate individuals with gluten sensitivities while preserving the original recipe's creamy texture and rich taste.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and swap Parmesan for feta cheese to create a Mediterranean-style carbonara with a vibrant, fresh flavor profile.

FAQs

• What ingredients make the base of carbonara sauce?

The authentic egg, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper mixture creates the creamy carbonara sauce, whisked together and added to hot pasta to form a silky coating without using heavy cream.

• Why should I reserve pasta water?

Pasta water contains starch that helps create a smooth, creamy texture when added to the sauce, helping the egg mixture bind and coat the pasta evenly without scrambling.

• How do I prevent eggs from scrambling when making carbonara?

Reduce the skillet heat to low and quickly toss the hot pasta with egg mixture, continuously stirring to create a smooth sauce. The residual heat gently cooks the eggs without turning them into scrambled eggs.

• Can I substitute bacon with another protein?

Yes, pancetta is traditional, but you can use guanciale or prosciutto. If using chicken like in this recipe, ensure it’s well-seasoned and cooked thoroughly before adding to the pasta.

Chicken Carbonara Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy, authentic Chicken Carbonara delivers classic Italian comfort directly from Roman kitchens to dinner tables worldwide. Rich pancetta, silky eggs, and perfectly seasoned chicken create a luxurious pasta experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1/2 pound (0.5 lb) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 4 slices bacon
• 4 large eggs, beaten

Pasta and Cheese:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) fettuccine
• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for garnish

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) freshly chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generously salted pot of water and cook the pasta until it reaches al dente perfection. Once done, drain while preserving 1/2 cup of starchy liquid, then return pasta to the original pot.
2. Fire up a large skillet over medium heat and render the bacon until it transforms into crispy golden morsels. Introduce minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a separate bowl and discard half the rendered fat.
3. Elevate the skillet’s heat to medium-high and introduce seasoned chicken pieces. Cook thoroughly, ensuring each side achieves a golden exterior and internal doneness, approximately 10 minutes.
4. Dial down the heat to low and reunite the crispy bacon with the chicken in the skillet. Gently incorporate the cooked pasta, allowing flavors to meld harmoniously.
5. In a separate mixing vessel, whisk eggs with grated Parmesan, finely chopped parsley, and a whisper of salt and pepper until smooth and well-integrated.
6. Cascade the egg mixture over the pasta, carefully tossing to ensure complete and even coating. Gradually introduce reserved pasta water, creating a luxuriously creamy texture.
7. Finish the dish with an elegant sprinkle of additional Parmesan and fresh parsley. Serve immediately to capture the peak of its culinary splendor.

Notes

• Use thick-cut bacon for extra crispiness and robust flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Ensure eggs are at room temperature to prevent scrambling when mixing with hot pasta.
• Add pasta water gradually to create a silky, smooth sauce without overcooking the eggs.
• For a lighter version, swap chicken for lean turkey breast or use turkey bacon to reduce overall fat content.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 210 mg