Chicken Carbonara is a rich, creamy, and utterly satisfying dish that brings together tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, crispy pancetta, and a luscious sauce made from eggs and Parmesan cheese.
What Is Chicken Carbonara?
Chicken Carbonara is a variation of the classic Italian pasta dish, Spaghetti Carbonara. Traditionally made with guanciale (cured pork), eggs, Pecorino Romano, and black pepper, this version swaps in tender chicken and sometimes adds cream for extra richness. It’s an excellent way to create a protein-packed, crowd-pleasing meal with just a handful of pantry staples.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Boneless and skinless for easy preparation.
- Pasta: Spaghetti is traditional, but fettuccine, linguine, or penne work well.
- Eggs: Large eggs form the base of the creamy sauce.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for optimal flavor.
- Pancetta or bacon: Provides a salty, crispy contrast.
- Garlic: Adds aromatic depth.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the chicken.
- Salt and black pepper: To season and finish the dish.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Chicken Carbonara
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly undercooking the pasta ensures it retains some bite and finishes cooking in the sauce.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated Parmesan and quality pancetta make a world of difference.
- Avoid Scrambling the Eggs: Temper the egg mixture by slowly adding hot pasta water while whisking continuously.
- Work Quickly: Toss the pasta with the egg mixture off the heat to create a creamy sauce without scrambling.
- Season Gradually: Pancetta and Parmesan are salty, so taste before adding extra salt.
Variations to Try
While Chicken Carbonara is delightful as is, there are many ways to make it your own:
- Add Vegetables: Toss in peas, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
- Use Different Proteins: Swap chicken for shrimp, turkey, or tofu for a unique spin.
- Creamy Twist: Add a splash of heavy cream if you prefer a richer sauce.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve the sauce over zoodles (zucchini noodles) or spaghetti squash.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
How to Serve Chicken Carbonara
- With a Side Salad: Pair it with a crisp Caesar or arugula salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Garlic Bread: A crusty slice of garlic bread is perfect for mopping up the sauce.
- Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the dish beautifully.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Carbonara
- Storage: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or pasta water to restore creaminess.
- Freezing: While not ideal due to the delicate sauce, you can freeze the dish for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Recipe FAQs
Can I Make Chicken Carbonara Without Eggs?
Yes! Replace the egg mixture with a béchamel sauce made from butter, flour, and milk for a creamy alternative.
Why Did My Sauce Turn Lumpy?
The eggs likely scrambled. Always remove the pan from heat before mixing the egg and cheese mixture with the pasta.
Can I Use Store-Bought Parmesan?
For the best flavor and texture, freshly grated Parmesan is highly recommended. Pre-grated cheese often contains additives that prevent it from melting smoothly.
Is Chicken Carbonara Healthy?
While it’s a rich dish, you can make healthier swaps like whole-grain pasta, turkey bacon, or reducing the amount of cheese.
What’s the Difference Between Carbonara and Alfredo?
Carbonara uses eggs and cheese to create its sauce, while Alfredo relies on butter and cream.
Chicken Carbonara
Chicken Carbonara is a rich, creamy, and utterly satisfying dish that brings together tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, crispy pancetta, and a luscious sauce made from eggs and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken shredded
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1/2 cup diced bacon
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream
- 8 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1 sweet onion finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley leaves chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For Garnishing:
- Grated Parmesan Cheese
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook pasta as per package instructions, until al dente.
- In a large bowl, whisk together parmesan cheese, egg yolks, cream, oregano, basil, lemon zest, and parsley until well combined.
- Over medium heat place a large frying pan and add olive oil. Once hot, add diced bacon and cook for about 4-5 minutes until crispy.
- Add garlic and onion and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the chicken, toss and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Reduce heat to low and then add the spaghetti, toss to combine and pour the cream mixture on the top and cook for about 4-5 minutes.
- Taste and add salt and pepper.
- Garnish with grated parmesan cheese, chopped parsley and serve.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
6Amount Per Serving Calories 959Total Fat 72gSaturated Fat 36gTrans Fat 2gUnsaturated Fat 30gCholesterol 512mgSodium 569mgCarbohydrates 35gFiber 2gSugar 8gProtein 44g
dinnerbytes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Still Hungry Try These Delicious Chicken Recipes:
- Slow Cooker Crack Chicken
- Mexican Chicken Tacos
- Korean Fried Chicken Wings
- Chicken Satay Recipe with Peanut
Chicken Carbonara is a timeless dish that combines the best of traditional Italian flavors with modern twists. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with variations, this dish is a surefire way to bring comfort and joy to your table. So roll up your sleeves, grab a fork, and savor the creamy, cheesy, and utterly delightful experience that is Chicken Carbonara!
