If you’re searching for a pasta dish that’s as decadent as it is comforting, the Crave-Worthy Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe is ready to swoop in and become your dinner hero! Imagine strands of spaghetti coated in a lush, silky sauce, flecked with crispy bacon, tender chicken, and rich Parmesan. It’s everything you love about Italian comfort food, elevated with a luscious creamy touch that makes every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight feast or celebrating something special, this is the carbonara experience you’ll want to share with everyone you love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays an essential role to create that signature creamy, savory flavor. From smoky bacon to fresh parsley, every element has its moment to shine. Gather these few staples, and you’re already halfway to a restaurant-worthy meal at home!
- Spaghetti (12 oz): Traditional, toothsome, and perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce—feel free to use your favorite pasta shape if you want to mix things up.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds richness to the base and ensures your chicken gets beautifully golden without sticking.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (2): Cut into bite-sized pieces for tender, juicy bites in every forkful.
- Salt and pepper: For seasoning—add a touch at every stage to bring out each ingredient’s best.
- Bacon (4 slices, chopped): The magic ingredient for smoky, crispy bursts of flavor throughout the dish.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Sautéed to aromatic perfection, it infuses the sauce with that irresistible Italian flair.
- Eggs (2 large): Whisked in to create that luxuriously creamy carbonara sauce (no scrambling allowed!).
- Parmesan cheese (1 cup, grated): Brings nutty, savory depth and helps emulsify the sauce for silky results.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): The secret to an extra luscious sauce, making it even more indulgent than classic carbonara.
- Reserved pasta water (1/2 cup): Helps to loosen the sauce and lets it cling perfectly to every noodle.
- Chopped fresh parsley (1/4 cup, optional): A sprinkle of green to brighten up the dish and give a burst of freshness right at the end.
How to Make Crave-Worthy Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil—don’t skimp on the salt, as it’s your first chance to season the pasta! Add the spaghetti and cook until it’s deliciously al dente, which usually means just a minute or two less than the box recommends. Before draining, reserve about a half cup of the starchy pasta water; this will help marry your sauce to the noodles later on.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your chicken generously with salt and pepper, then add it to the pan. Cook the pieces until they’re golden brown on the outside and cooked through—about 5 to 7 minutes. When they’re done, transfer them to a plate and keep them cozy until it’s time to bring everything together.
Step 3: Crisp the Bacon & Sauté Garlic
In the same skillet, toss in the chopped bacon and let it sizzle until it’s perfectly crispy. The bacon will render delicious fat—which becomes a flavor base for your sauce. Next, add the minced garlic, letting it bloom and go fragrant for about a minute. Don’t walk away during this step; burnt garlic can quickly overpower the dish!
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Carbonara Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan, and the heavy cream until nice and smooth. You’re looking for a pale, creamy mixture that’ll turn magically glossy and thick once it hits the pasta. This is the soul of the Crave-Worthy Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe, so make sure it’s well combined and lump-free.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Add your cooked spaghetti, golden chicken, and crispy bacon right into the skillet. Toss everything together gently. Crucially, remove the skillet from the heat before the next step to prevent scrambling the eggs. Pour the egg, Parmesan, and cream mixture over the pasta, stirring quickly and continuously. If the sauce feels too thick, drizzle in a touch of the reserved pasta water until the pasta is glossy and perfectly coated. Finish with a generous shower of parsley and extra Parmesan if you’re feeling celebratory!
How to Serve Crave-Worthy Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe
Garnishes
The right garnish takes your Crave-Worthy Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe straight to restaurant-level fabulousness. Shower each plate with extra Parmesan and a bit of freshly cracked black pepper. A scatter of chopped fresh parsley not only makes it look gorgeous, but also adds an herby pop that brightens up every bite.
Side Dishes
This creamy, savory pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a zippy vinaigrette, which helps balance all the richness. If you’re in the mood for bread, garlic knots or warm, crusty ciabatta are perfect for sopping up any extra sauce (trust me, you won’t want to let a single drop go to waste).
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, try serving each portion in a shallow bowl with a dramatic sprinkle of Parmesan ribboned over top. Or, twirl the spaghetti into neat nests using a carving fork for a bistro-inspired look. Hosting friends? Plate the pasta family-style in a beautiful serving dish so everyone can help themselves!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftovers of your Crave-Worthy Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep their creamy texture for up to 3 days. Give the pasta a gentle toss before reheating to ensure every strand is coated in that delicious sauce.
Freezing
While the creamy sauce can sometimes separate when frozen, you can still freeze single servings if needed. Just be sure to let the pasta cool completely before wrapping tightly or placing in a freezer-safe container. To protect both flavor and texture, aim to enjoy within 1 month.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, splashing in a little milk or extra cream to restore the sauce’s silkiness. Stir gently and often to avoid overcooking the eggs. If you’re pressed for time, the microwave works in a pinch—just use a lower power setting and pause to stir once or twice.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic, fettuccine, linguine, or even penne work wonderfully in this Crave-Worthy Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe. Just be sure to cook the pasta to al dente for best results.
Why should the pan be off the heat before adding the egg mixture?
Taking the pan off the heat before stirring in the egg mixture is what creates a creamy, silky sauce. If the pan is too hot, the eggs will scramble rather than gently thicken, so don’t rush this step!
Can I swap bacon for pancetta?
Definitely! Pancetta offers a slightly saltier, meatier flavor and is actually more traditional for carbonara. Simply chop and cook it just like the bacon for an authentic twist.
Is it safe to use raw eggs in the sauce?
The residual heat from the hot pasta and skillet gently cooks the eggs, so the finished sauce is safe to eat. If you have concerns, feel free to use pasteurized eggs in your Crave-Worthy Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe.
Will this recipe work with leftover cooked chicken?
Yes, leftover cooked chicken can be tossed in during the final steps. Just be sure to warm it through along with the pasta and bacon in the skillet before adding the sauce.
Final Thoughts
Few dishes bring people together quite like the Crave-Worthy Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe. Whether it’s your first time making it or it becomes your new signature, you’re sure to fall in love with its luscious sauce, hearty flavors, and pure comfort. Treat yourself and your favorite people to this pasta adventure—you might just start a new tradition at your table!
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Crave-Worthy Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this Chicken Carbonara recipe that is sure to satisfy your cravings. Perfectly cooked spaghetti tossed with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a velvety Parmesan sauce – a decadent twist on the classic carbonara.
Ingredients
Spaghetti:
- 12 oz spaghetti
Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce:
- 4 slices bacon (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Cook the Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper, cook until golden brown. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Add garlic. In a bowl, whisk eggs, Parmesan, and cream.
- Combine: Toss spaghetti, chicken, and bacon in skillet. Add egg mixture, stirring constantly.
- Finish: Add reserved pasta water as needed. Garnish with parsley and Parmesan.
Notes
- To avoid curdling, remove the pan from heat before adding the egg mixture.
- Try pancetta for a more traditional taste.
- Best served immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
