Description
Chicken Carbonara Pasta is a variation of the classic Carbonara dish that incorporates tender, pan-seared chicken breast, alongside the traditional ingredients of spaghetti, bacon, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. This dish combines the savory flavors of crispy bacon and juicy chicken with the creamy, rich texture of the egg-based sauce, making it a filling and satisfying pasta meal.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for creamier texture)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining
2. Cook the Chicken
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
- Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through (6-8 minutes)
- Remove chicken and set aside
3. Cook the Bacon
- In the same skillet, cook chopped bacon until crispy
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute
- Keep warm on low heat
4. Prepare the Egg Mixture
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, grated Parmesan, and heavy cream (if using)
- Season with black pepper
5. Combine Everything
- Add the hot, drained pasta to the skillet with bacon and garlic
- Remove from heat
- Quickly pour in the egg mixture while tossing the pasta continuously
- Add cooked chicken back to the pan
- Toss everything together, adding pasta water gradually until creamy
- The residual heat will cook the eggs without scrambling them
6. Serve
- Serve immediately while hot
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese
- Add freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Notes
This creamy Chicken Carbonara Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For extra flavor, garnish with freshly cracked black pepper, parsley, or a sprinkle of Parmesan before serving. Pair it with garlic bread or a light green salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1 ½ cups)
- Calories: ~560
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: High
Keywords: Creamy Carbonara, Chicken Pasta, Carbonara with Chicken, Carbonara Pasta Recipe