If you’re craving something warm, comforting, and full of flavor, this Chicken Carbonara is the perfect answer. It brings together everything you love about classic carbonara—crispy bacon, creamy sauce, and plenty of cheese—with the addition of juicy sautéed chicken for a protein-packed twist. Even better? It’s all ready in just 25 minutes, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights.
Don’t have fettuccine in your pantry? No worries—spaghetti, bucatini, linguine, or capellini all work wonderfully in this dish. Get ready for a creamy, cheesy pasta dinner you’ll want to make on repeat!
🕒 Quick Look:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
🛒 Ingredients:
- 12 oz. fettuccine (or your favorite pasta)
- 4 slices bacon
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for topping
- ⅓ cup freshly chopped parsley, plus extra for garnish
🔪 Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and return the pasta to the pot. - Make the Bacon & Garlic Base
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it starts to crisp—about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for another 2–3 minutes until the bacon is fully crisp and garlic is fragrant. Transfer to a bowl and drain off half of the fat from the skillet. - Cook the Chicken
Turn the heat to medium-high. Add the chicken to the same skillet and season generously with salt and pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes, flipping once, until golden brown and cooked through. - Combine & Toss
Reduce heat to low. Return the bacon to the skillet and toss everything together. Add the cooked pasta and gently toss to coat. - Finish with Creamy Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, Parmesan, and parsley. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour this mixture over the pasta and toss quickly to coat. Add a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water at a time until the sauce is silky and creamy. (Be careful not to scramble the eggs—low heat is key!) - Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with more Parmesan and parsley before serving. Enjoy immediately!
💡 Tips:
- For extra richness, stir in a splash of cream or a pat of butter with the egg mixture.
- Want even more flavor? Use pancetta instead of bacon or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge and gently reheated with a splash of water or broth.
❤️ Why You’ll Love It:
- Quick and easy to make
- Comforting and filling
- Made in under 30 minutes
- Customizable with different pasta shapes or added veggies
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