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
Scale
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
