Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara: Creamy & Delicious Recipe

The aroma of sizzling bacon mingling with creamy sauce dances through the air, enticing your senses to dive into the best-ever chicken carbonara. Imagine twirling perfectly cooked pasta around your fork, each bite bursting with rich flavors that make your taste buds sing.

I remember the first time I made chicken carbonara; my friends devoured it in minutes and begged for seconds. It’s the kind of dish that turns any mundane evening into a celebration, perfect for cozy dinners or casual gatherings.

I once made this dish for a potluck, and everyone clamored for the recipe within moments.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 2-3 breasts; they cook quickly and absorb flavors beautifully.

• Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for an extra crunch and depth of flavor that makes everything better.

• Pasta (Spaghetti or Fettuccine): Opt for fresh pasta if you can; it cooks faster and tastes divine.

• Fresh Garlic: Use minced garlic for a fragrant punch; avoid garlic powder if you want true flavor.

• Heavy Cream: This is essential for that luscious, creamy sauce that wraps around every noodle.

• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh cheese for maximum flavor—trust me; it’s worth it!

• Parsley: Freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to your final dish.

• Salt and Pepper: Adjust to taste; these staples elevate every dish when used wisely.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente—about 8-10 minutes usually works.

Sauté the Bacon: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy, letting all those glorious fats render out.

Add Chicken and Garlic: After removing the bacon, add diced chicken to the skillet. Cook until golden brown on all sides, then toss in minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds should do!

Create the Sauce: Lower the heat slightly and pour in heavy cream while stirring constantly. Add grated Parmesan cheese gradually until melted and creamy—you’ll know it’s ready when it clings delightfully to your spoon.

Toss Everything Together: Drain your pasta and reserve some cooking water. Combine the pasta with sauce in the skillet, adding reserved water as needed for creaminess. Stir well so every strand is coated!

Garnish and Serve!: Plate up your best-ever chicken carbonara with freshly chopped parsley on top. Serve immediately while hot; trust me, your guests will be waiting eagerly!

Now you’re ready to enjoy this delightful meal that brings together comfort food at its finest! Remember to adjust seasoning based on personal preference while cooking, ensuring every bite is perfect!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the best-ever results, start by searing the chicken and pancetta, then cook your pasta while preparing the luscious sauce. Timing is everything; your meal will come together smoothly if you follow this sequence.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have in your pantry. Try substituting bacon for pancetta or adding peas for a pop of color and sweetness. Get creative and make this dish truly yours!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover carbonara in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm on low heat while adding a splash of cream to maintain its creamy texture.

My first attempt at making carbonara ended with me burning the bacon while trying to impress my friends. They loved it anyway—mostly because I was serving wine alongside!

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Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara

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• Author: Rachel Simmons
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara. This creamy pasta dish features tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a luscious sauce that clings to every strand of spaghetti. Ready in under 30 minutes, it transforms any meal into a celebration. Perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests, this recipe is both simple and sophisticated—your taste buds will thank you!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), diced
• 4 oz thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. 1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
2. 2. Sauté the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy, then remove and set aside.
3. 3. Add Chicken and Garlic: In the same skillet, add diced chicken and cook until golden brown. Stir in minced garlic for about 30 seconds.
4. 4. Create the Sauce: Lower heat and add heavy cream; stir in grated Parmesan cheese gradually until melted and creamy.
5. 5. Toss Everything Together: Drain pasta (reserve some cooking water) and combine it with the sauce in the skillet, adding reserved water as needed for creaminess.
6. 6. Garnish and Serve: Plate carbonara topped with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (350g)
• Calories: 720
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 130mg

Keywords: Customize by substituting pancetta for bacon or adding peas for sweetness. Use room-temperature eggs to blend seamlessly into the pasta.