This Chicken Carbonara Pasta is creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor! With tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich sauce, it’s a dish that makes any day feel special.
Whenever I make this, my family gets so excited! It’s super easy to whip up, and you can customize it with extra cheese or veggies, too. You can never go wrong with pasta! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Spaghetti and linguine are classic choices. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, try rice noodles or gluten-free pasta. I like using whole wheat for added nutrition.
Chicken: Thinly sliced chicken breasts work great. You can substitute with turkey or tofu for a lighter option. Leftover roasted chicken is a quick way to make this dish, too!
Pancetta/Bacon: Pancetta adds a nice flavor, but bacon is an easy swap if you have it on hand. If you’re avoiding pork, turkey bacon is a tasty alternative.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully into the sauce. Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano can be good substitutes. Nutritional yeast works for a dairy-free option, giving a cheesy flavor.
Heavy Cream: You can use half-and-half or a plant-based cream if you want to reduce calories. I sometimes use milk with a little butter for a lighter sauce!
How Do I Make Sure My Sauce is Creamy and Not Scrambled Eggs?
The secret to a smooth carbonara sauce is to keep the skillet off the heat when adding the egg mixture. This prevents the eggs from scrambling and allows the residual heat to cook them gently.
- Cook the pasta until al dente, and reserve some pasta water.
- Remove the skillet containing chicken and bacon from the heat before adding the egg mixture. Toss it in quickly. A little residual heat is perfect!
- Add reserved pasta water gradually as needed to achieve desired creaminess. It’s like magic!
With these tips, you’ll have a deliciously creamy Chicken Carbonara Pasta every time! Enjoy cooking!
How to Make Chicken Carbonara Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine pasta
For the Protein and Flavor:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 4 oz pancetta or bacon, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Chicken Carbonara takes about 20 minutes of prep and cooking time. It’s quick enough for a weekday dinner yet feels fancy enough for a special occasion. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a delicious meal in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add your spaghetti or linguine and cook according to the package directions until it’s al dente (that means it should be tender but still have a little bite). Don’t forget to reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta!
2. Cook the Pancetta or Bacon:
While your pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Gently add the diced pancetta or bacon and cook until it’s nice and crispy, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the skillet and set it aside, but keep that flavorful fat in the pan!
3. Brown the Chicken:
Now, season the thinly sliced chicken breasts with a bit of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook it until it’s golden brown and fully cooked through, which will take about 5 to 6 minutes. In the last minute of cooking, add the minced garlic and let it soften—just be careful not to let it burn!
4. Prepare the Creamy Mixture:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and a pinch of black pepper until you have a smooth mixture. This is what will make your carbonara creamy and delicious!
5. Combine Everything:
Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add it directly to the skillet with the chicken and garlic mixture. Take the skillet off the heat to prevent scrambling the eggs. Quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, tossing it all together continuously. This should create a lovely creamy sauce. If it looks a bit thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to get it just right!
6. Finish with Pancetta:
Finally, stir in the crispy pancetta or bacon, mixing it throughout the pasta. It adds such a wonderful crunch and flavor to the dish!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Chicken Carbonara Pasta immediately while it’s hot and creamy. Sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese, a dash of black pepper, and freshly chopped parsley on top for a beautiful finish. Everyone will be asking for seconds!
Now it’s time to savor your rich, creamy Chicken Carbonara Pasta! Enjoy a satisfying meal with friends and family that’s as delightful to taste as it is to make! 🍝
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti and linguine are traditional choices, you can use any pasta you like, such as fettuccine, penne, or even gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
What If I Don’t Have Pancetta or Bacon?
No worries! You can substitute with any smoked deli meat like turkey bacon, ham, or even sausage for a different flavor. For a vegetarian option, try using mushrooms or a plant-based bacon substitute, sautéed until crispy.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently in a skillet or microwave. Add a splash of cream or water to help restore the sauce’s creaminess.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
While fresh is best, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and refrigerate them separately. When you’re ready to serve, just cook the pasta and mix everything together for a quick meal!