If you have ever dreamed of a pasta dish that feels indulgent but comes together in no time, you are about to meet your new favorite: the Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara Recipe. Picture tender chicken strips, crispy bacon, and a velvety Parmesan-egg sauce hugging perfectly cooked fettuccine—the kind of comfort food that warms the soul and excites the palate. This recipe is a brilliant twist on the classic carbonara, elevating it with juicy chicken and fresh parsley to brighten every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, this dish promises a delightful experience you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple but essential ingredients. Each component brings something special: salty bacon for crunch, garlic for aromatic depth, chicken for hearty protein, and Parmesan combined with eggs to create that luscious creamy sauce without cream. Fresh parsley adds a vibrant touch both in flavor and color, making the dish as beautiful as it is delicious.
- 12 oz. fettuccine (or spaghetti, bucatini, linguine, or capellini): Choose your favorite long pasta to soak up the sauce perfectly.
- 4 slices bacon: Adds smoky crunch that contrasts wonderfully with tender chicken.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a subtle pungent aroma that elevates the entire dish.
- 1/2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips: Tender protein that makes this carbonara more substantial and satisfying.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that balance flavors beautifully.
- 4 large eggs, beaten: The secret to creating the rich and silky carbonara sauce.
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for garnish: Sharp, nutty cheese that brings depth and creaminess.
- 1/3 cup freshly chopped parsley, plus more for garnish: Adds fresh brightness and a pop of color.
How to Make Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water, which seasons the pasta from within. Cook your fettuccine until al dente—just tender but with a slight bite to give the dish perfect texture. Be sure to reserve half a cup of the pasta water before draining; this starchy water is the key to making your carbonara sauce silky and cohesive.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Garlic
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it starts to turn crispy and golden, releasing its flavorful fat. Adding the minced garlic at this stage gently cooks it without burning, infusing the oil with aromatic richness. Once ready, remove the bacon and garlic to a bowl and drain half of the bacon fat from the pan to keep the flavors balanced.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
Turn the heat up to medium-high and add the chicken strips to the skillet. Season them well with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cooking the chicken until golden adds a delicious caramelized flavor and ensures juicy, tender meat that complements the smoky bacon.
Step 4: Combine Bacon, Chicken, and Pasta
Lower the heat to keep everything warm and return the bacon and garlic to the skillet with the cooked chicken. Mix these hearty ingredients together, then add the drained pasta and toss well to combine. This step starts building the layers of flavor and coat the pasta with tasty bits before the sauce arrives.
Step 5: Prepare and Add the Carbonara Sauce
Whisk together the beaten eggs, freshly grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley in a small bowl. Immediately pour this mixture over the warm pasta and toss everything thoroughly. Gradually add in the reserved pasta water, stirring as you go, until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. The heat from the pasta cooks the eggs gently, creating that classic carbonara texture without scrambling.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish off your Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara Recipe with extra Parmesan and a sprinkling of fresh parsley. Serve it straight away to enjoy the sauce at its silky best and the pasta perfectly glossy. This dish is all about comfort and quick gratification, so don’t wait to dive in.
How to Serve Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley bring brightness and a polished look to your chicken carbonara. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a twist of cracked black pepper can also elevate the dish just before serving, adding a subtle final flourish.
Side Dishes
Serve this carbonara with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or garlic-roasted vegetables for some textural contrast. Crusty bread on the side is wonderful to mop up any remaining sauce—it truly turns the meal into an Italian-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more festive presentation, try plating the pasta in warm shallow bowls topped with a delicate nest of parsley and Parmesan curls. You could also add a few halved cherry tomatoes or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts to bring additional color and crunch, enhancing both taste and appearance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken carbonara in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It will stay fresh for up to three days, making it a convenient choice for work lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
Freezing carbonara can be tricky since the sauce contains eggs, but if needed, freeze the chicken and pasta without the sauce separately. Defrost thoroughly in the refrigerator before reheating and then prepare a fresh carbonara sauce to combine for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
When reheating leftovers, do so gently on the stovetop or in a microwave at medium power to avoid scrambling the sauce. Add a bit of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and stir continuously for that perfect creamy consistency again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara Recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional and perfect for holding the sauce, spaghetti, bucatini, linguine, or capellini will all work beautifully. Choose what you love or have handy in your pantry.
Is it safe to use raw eggs in carbonara sauce?
Yes, as long as you toss the beaten eggs with the hot pasta immediately, the eggs will cook gently from the residual heat, creating a creamy sauce without scrambling. Using fresh, high-quality eggs also helps ensure safety and flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can omit the bacon and chicken for a vegetarian version and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables to keep the dish hearty. Use a vegetarian-friendly Parmesan if desired.
What can I substitute for Parmesan if I’m out?
Pecorino Romano is a classic alternative with a slightly saltier, sharper taste. Grana Padano works well too. Avoid pre-grated cheese as it may not melt smoothly into the sauce.
How do I prevent the sauce from scrambling?
The key is to remove the pan from direct heat before adding the egg mixture and to toss vigorously while adding the reserved pasta water gradually. This technique allows the egg to cook gently into a silky sauce rather than turning into scrambled eggs.
Final Thoughts
Cooking the Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara Recipe is like giving yourself a warm hug from the inside. It’s simple, quick, and packed with flavors that feel luxurious without any fuss. Once you try it, this dish will undoubtedly become a favorite weeknight staple and a crowd-pleaser. So grab your skillet, prepare your ingredients, and enjoy the magic of this timeless, crave-worthy pasta creation.
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Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara recipe is a creamy, comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender strips of chicken, crispy bacon, and al dente pasta tossed in a luscious parmesan and egg sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal, this recipe balances savory flavors and rich textures with fresh parsley garnish.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz. fettuccine (or spaghetti, bucatini, linguine, or capellini)
Meat and Aromatics
- 4 slices bacon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
Seasoning and Toppings
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for garnish
- 1/3 cup freshly chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the fettuccine until al dente, following package directions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then return the pasta to the pot to keep warm.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon for about 5 minutes until it starts to crisp. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Transfer the bacon and garlic to a bowl and drain half of the fat from the skillet to avoid greasiness.
- Cook the Chicken: Increase the skillet heat to medium-high, add the chicken strips, season with kosher salt and black pepper, and cook for about 10 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Combine Bacon and Pasta: Reduce the heat to low, return the cooked bacon and garlic to the skillet, tossing with the chicken. Add the cooked pasta and toss well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Prepare the Carbonara Sauce: In a small bowl, beat together the eggs, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley. Pour this mixture over the pasta in the skillet and toss thoroughly until everything is coated. Gradually add the reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce that clings beautifully to the noodles.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for a fresh, finishing touch. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the rich flavors and creamy texture.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water carefully as it helps create the creamy sauce without curdling the eggs.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture.
- Cook the chicken fully but avoid drying it out by maintaining medium-high heat and tossing frequently.
- This recipe can be adapted with various pasta shapes based on your preference.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy sauce at its best; it does not reheat well.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
