When you’re craving something creamy, comforting, and loaded with flavor, this Chicken Carbonara hits the spot! It’s everything you love about traditional carbonara—crispy bacon, silky sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta—plus juicy sautéed chicken for a little extra protein.
The best part? This cozy Italian-inspired dinner comes together in about 25 minutes, making it a total weeknight winner. Don’t have fettuccine on hand? Try spaghetti, linguine, bucatini, or even angel hair—any long pasta works beautifully.
🕒 Quick Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
🍝 Ingredients
For the pasta:
- 12 oz. fettuccine (or your favorite long pasta)
- Kosher salt, for boiling
For the sauce & toppings:
- 4 slices bacon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- ⅓ cup freshly chopped parsley (plus more for garnish)
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and return pasta to the pot.
Step 2: Crisp the Bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon for about 5 minutes until it begins to brown. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking 2–3 minutes more, until the bacon is crispy and fragrant. Transfer to a bowl, leaving about half the fat in the skillet.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Increase heat to medium-high. Add chicken to the skillet, season generously with salt and pepper, and cook for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and no longer pink inside.
Step 4: Combine and Toss
Reduce heat to low and return the bacon to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss until everything is combined.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, Parmesan, and parsley. Season with a little salt and pepper.
Step 6: Create the Creamy Carbonara
Pour the egg mixture over the pasta and toss quickly so the eggs don’t scramble. Add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water until the sauce becomes silky and creamy. Add more water as needed, one tablespoon at a time.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley, and serve immediately while hot and creamy.
💡 Tips for Perfect Carbonara
- Work quickly: The heat from the pasta gently cooks the eggs, creating a rich, velvety sauce.
- Use freshly grated cheese: Pre-grated Parmesan doesn’t melt as well.
- Adjust texture: Add more pasta water for a looser, creamier sauce.
- Try pancetta: For an Italian twist, swap the bacon for pancetta or guanciale.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy—ready in under 30 minutes
- Rich, creamy, and full of flavor
- Family-friendly comfort food
- Customizable with different pasta types or proteins
🍷 Serving Suggestion
Pair your Chicken Carbonara with a simple green salad and a glass of crisp white wine for an easy, elegant dinner you’ll crave again and again.
🧀 Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.
Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara Recipe
A creamy, bacon-studded pasta classic with tender chicken, Parmesan, and fresh herbs — ready in just 25 minutes. Comfort food doesn’t get easier (or tastier) than this!
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