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Creamy Chicken Carbonara: Easy Pasta Recipe for Dinner

Creamy Chicken Carbonara: Easy Pasta Recipe for Dinner


  • Author: Time of Recipes
  • 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

Scale

For the Pasta & Chicken:

  • 12–14 oz linguine or spaghetti

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized strips

  • 4 strips thick-cut bacon (or guanciale/pancetta), chopped into ½-inch pieces

  • 2 cloves garlic, finely grated

  • 1–2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

  • Salt & fresh cracked pepper, to taste

For the Carbonara Sauce:

  • 4 eggs (2 whole, 2 yolks only)

  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano

  • â…“ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)

  • Salt & fresh cracked pepper, to taste


Instructions

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Make the Carbonara Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan or Pecorino Romano, heavy cream (if using), salt, and pepper.

  • 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.

  • Serve: Garnish with fresh basil, more cheese, and black pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • For an extra creamy texture, add the optional heavy cream in the carbonara sauce.

  • Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.

  • Be careful not to scramble the eggs when adding them to the hot pasta; work quickly to create a smooth sauce.

  • 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