This Chicken Carbonara is a creamy, comforting pasta made with tender chicken, crispy bacon, Parmesan cheese, and a silky carbonara sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy pasta recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy family meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy – ready in about 30 minutes
- Family-friendly – creamy and savory flavors everyone loves
- Restaurant-quality – rich Italian-style pasta at home
- Customizable – easy to add vegetables or swap pasta types
- Comfort food classic – creamy, cheesy, and satisfying
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Optional Add-ins
- ½ cup peas
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, cook chicken strips for 5–6 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs and Parmesan cheese.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet with chicken and bacon.
- Remove skillet from heat and quickly stir in the egg mixture, tossing continuously.
- Add a little reserved pasta water if needed to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Season with salt, pepper, and garnish with parsley before serving.
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Tongs or pasta spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Tips & Variations
Substitutions
- Swap bacon for pancetta or turkey bacon
- Use rotisserie chicken for faster preparation
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Reheating
- Reheat gently with a splash of milk or pasta water
Common Mistakes
- Don’t add eggs while the pan is too hot, or they may scramble
- Stir quickly when adding the egg mixture to create a smooth sauce
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread
- Pair with a fresh Caesar salad
- Add roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 580
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 36g
- Fat: 28g
Conclusion
This Chicken Carbonara is a creamy, satisfying pasta dish that combines classic Italian flavors with tender chicken and crispy bacon. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests. Save this recipe and enjoy a restaurant-quality pasta meal at home.
FAQ
Can I freeze chicken carbonara?
Carbonara is best enjoyed fresh because the egg-based sauce may separate when frozen.
How do I prevent the eggs from scrambling?
Remove the skillet from the heat before adding the egg mixture and stir quickly.
Can I use cream in carbonara?
Traditional carbonara doesn’t use cream, but a small amount can make the sauce extra rich.
What pasta works best for carbonara?
Spaghetti is traditional, but fettuccine or linguine also work well.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes Peas, mushrooms, or spinach are great additions.