Are you in the mood for a deliciously creamy, savory pasta dish that’s quick and easy to make? Look no further than Creamy Chicken Carbonara! This recipe brings together tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich, velvety carbonara sauce, making it the perfect comfort food for any night of the week. Whether you’re serving it up for a family dinner or preparing a special meal for friends, Creamy Chicken Carbonara is sure to impress.
In this article, we’ll dive into the step-by-step instructions on how to make this delectable dish, explore the ingredients that make it so rich and flavorful, and offer suggestions for variations and tips to customize your meal.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe
Creamy Chicken Carbonara combines the best of classic carbonara flavors with the addition of tender chicken strips, making it a perfect dish for those who love pasta with a bit of protein. The creamy sauce, made from eggs, Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese, and heavy cream, coats every strand of pasta, creating a rich and satisfying meal. The crispy bacon or guanciale adds a salty crunch, complementing the smooth texture of the sauce and the freshness of the basil.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—using just a few high-quality ingredients, you can create a meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients and preparation method.
Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Carbonara
For the Pasta & Chicken:
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12-14 oz linguine or spaghetti: These pasta types are the traditional choice for carbonara. Their long, thin strands are perfect for holding the creamy sauce.
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized strips: The chicken adds protein and a mild flavor that complements the rich sauce.
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4 strips thick-cut bacon (or guanciale/pancetta), chopped into ½-inch pieces: Bacon is a classic addition to carbonara, but if you prefer an authentic Italian flavor, try using guanciale or pancetta instead.
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2 cloves garlic, finely grated: Garlic adds a wonderful aromatic base to the dish, infusing the oil and giving the pasta an extra burst of flavor.
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1-2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped: Fresh basil provides a pop of freshness and color to balance out the richness of the sauce.
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Salt & fresh cracked pepper, to taste: These basic seasonings are essential to bring out the flavors in each component of the dish.
For the Carbonara Sauce:
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4 eggs (2 whole, 2 yolks only): The eggs are the heart of the carbonara sauce, creating the creamy texture without the need for cream.
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¾ cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano: The cheese adds a salty, umami depth to the sauce. Parmesan is a common choice, but Pecorino Romano offers a sharper, more distinct flavor.
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⅓ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess): While traditional carbonara doesn’t include cream, adding a bit of heavy cream takes the sauce to the next level of indulgence. It’s optional but highly recommended for an extra creamy texture.
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Salt & fresh cracked pepper, to taste: These seasonings are essential to balance the flavors in the sauce and the entire dish.
Instructions for Making Creamy Chicken Carbonara
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your linguine or spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining. The pasta water will be used later to help achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
2. Cook the Chicken & Bacon
While your pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon (or guanciale/pancetta) and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pan for extra flavor.
In the same skillet, add the chicken strips. Cook them for 7-8 minutes, until they’re browned and fully cooked through. Add the finely grated garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. The garlic should become aromatic but not browned.
3. Make the Carbonara Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese, heavy cream (if using), salt, and pepper in a separate bowl. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thickened. The eggs will form the base of your carbonara sauce, and the cheese will melt into the mixture, creating a silky texture.
4. Combine Everything
Once the chicken and bacon are cooked and the pasta is drained, add the drained pasta to the skillet with the chicken and bacon. Pour the egg mixture over the hot pasta and toss quickly to create a creamy sauce. The heat from the pasta and chicken will gently cook the eggs, making them thicken into a rich sauce. Be sure to toss the pasta well to coat every strand with the sauce.
If the sauce seems too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you achieve your desired consistency. The starch in the pasta water helps to thicken and bind the sauce.
5. Serve
Once the pasta is coated with the creamy carbonara sauce, it’s time to plate up! Garnish the dish with fresh chopped basil, a little extra grated cheese, and a sprinkle of black pepper. Serve immediately while the pasta is warm and creamy. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the sauce will thicken as it cools.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Chicken Carbonara
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Don’t Overcook the Eggs: The key to a successful carbonara sauce is to avoid scrambling the eggs. Toss the pasta quickly with the egg mixture, allowing the residual heat to cook the eggs gently.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and quality Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese will take your carbonara to the next level.
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Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter carbonara, you can skip the heavy cream and rely solely on the eggs and cheese for the sauce. If you want a richer sauce, the cream is a great addition.
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Substitute the Chicken: While this recipe uses chicken, you can also substitute with turkey, shrimp, or even vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for a lighter variation.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
Creamy Chicken Carbonara is the perfect blend of creamy and savory, with tender chicken and crispy bacon complementing the rich carbonara sauce. It’s an easy-to-make, yet decadent dish that works well for any occasion—from a weeknight dinner to a weekend gathering. The combination of pasta, eggs, cheese, and bacon is timeless, making this dish a comforting classic that everyone will love.
Whether you’re a fan of traditional Italian pasta or looking to try something with a bit of a twist, this recipe is sure to satisfy. The addition of chicken makes it more filling and adds a protein-packed element to the dish, while the creamy sauce creates a luxurious texture that’s hard to resist.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you love Creamy Chicken Carbonara, you’re sure to enjoy these other delicious pasta recipes:
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One-Skillet Creamy Smoky BBQ Chicken Sausage Pasta – A smoky and creamy pasta dish that’s packed with flavor and made in just one skillet for easy cleanup.
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Cheesy Bacon Ranch Crack Chicken Penne – A cheesy, bacon-filled pasta recipe that’s as comforting as it sounds.
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Chicken Mozzarella Pasta – This recipe features juicy chicken paired with creamy mozzarella for a perfect combination of flavors.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While linguine or spaghetti are the traditional choices for carbonara, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you use.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Carbonara is best served fresh, but you can prepare some components in advance. Cook the pasta and chicken, and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat the pasta and chicken, then toss with the sauce.
Can I substitute the bacon with something else?
Yes, if you prefer a different protein, you can substitute the bacon with guanciale or pancetta for an authentic Italian touch. You could also try using turkey bacon for a lighter alternative.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute regular pasta with a gluten-free version. Many gluten-free pasta options work well with this dish.
How do I know if my carbonara sauce is thick enough?
The key is to add a little pasta water at a time while tossing the pasta. This helps the sauce achieve the perfect creamy consistency. If the sauce is too runny, add a bit more pasta water, but be careful not to make it too thin.
Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken Carbonara recipe is the perfect meal to enjoy any day of the week. With its rich, creamy sauce, savory chicken, and crispy bacon, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal or a dish to impress guests, this recipe is easy to make and delivers incredible flavor. Enjoy!
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Creamy Chicken Carbonara: Easy Pasta Recipe for Dinner
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A rich and indulgent Creamy Chicken Carbonara featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy carbonara sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish is quick, comforting, and full of flavor!
Ingredients
For the Pasta & Chicken:
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12–14 oz linguine or spaghetti
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized strips
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4 strips thick-cut bacon (or guanciale/pancetta), chopped into ½-inch pieces
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2 cloves garlic, finely grated
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1–2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
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Salt & fresh cracked pepper, to taste
For the Carbonara Sauce:
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4 eggs (2 whole, 2 yolks only)
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¾ cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano
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⅓ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
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Salt & fresh cracked pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine or spaghetti according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
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Cook the Chicken & Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, cook the chicken strips until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Add the grated garlic and cook for an additional minute.
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Make the Carbonara Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan or Pecorino Romano, heavy cream (if using), salt, and pepper.
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Combine Everything: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the chicken and bacon. Pour the egg mixture over the hot pasta, tossing quickly to create a creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
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Serve: Garnish with fresh basil, more cheese, and black pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
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For an extra creamy texture, add the optional heavy cream in the carbonara sauce.
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Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
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Be careful not to scramble the eggs when adding them to the hot pasta; work quickly to create a smooth sauce.
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You can replace bacon with pancetta or guanciale for a more authentic flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
Keywords: Creamy Chicken Carbonara, Chicken Carbonara, Carbonara Pasta, Chicken Pasta, Creamy Carbonara, Easy Carbonara, Italian Pasta, Comfort Food, Bacon Carbonara, Quick Pasta Recipe, Pasta Recipe, Carbonara Sauce