Chicken Carbonara

Chicken Carbonara

6 servings
Chicken Carbonara is a pasta dish made with al dente spaghetti, creamy sauce, crispy bacon, and tender chicken with the taste of parmesan cheese in every bite. It may not be authentic carbonara, but it is so delicious and easy to make! It may be your new favorite way to eat spaghetti!

Ingredients

  • eggs

    room temperature, beaten

    4 large
  • parmesan cheese

    grated

    2 c
  • slices thick-cut bacon

    diced

    6
  • boneless skinless chicken breasts

    cut into 1-inch cubes

    2
  • kosher salt
    ½ tsp
  • ground black pepper
    ¼ tsp
  • spaghetti

    uncooked

    16 oz
  • garlic

    minced

    1 tsp
  • fresh parsley

    chopped for garnish

  • parmesan cheese

    grated for garnish

Directions

  1. 1

    In a bowl, mix the beaten eggs and parmesan cheese. Set aside.

  2. 2

    In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp. Transfer bacon to a plate lined with paper towels, reserving 2-3 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan.

  3. 3

    Season chicken cubes evenly with salt and pepper. Then add to the large skillet with the reserved bacon grease. Cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, flipping occasionally until all sides are golden brown and the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.

  4. 4

    While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Turn off the heat. Do not drain the pasta water; you will use it again.

  5. 5

    Once the chicken is cooked, add minced garlic. Cook for 1 more minute.

  6. 6

    Add the cooked bacon back to the skillet. Then, remove the skillet from heat.

  7. 7

    Using tongs, add the cooked spaghetti directly from the pasta water to the skillet with the chicken and bacon.

  8. 8

    Pour the egg and parmesan mixture into the skillet, constantly tossing with the tongs. The heat from the pasta and chicken will cook the eggs, creating a creamy sauce. If the sauce is thick, gradually add a bit of the pasta water, tossing with tongs, until the desired consistency is reached. (We used about ½ cup.)

  9. 9

    Garnish with parsley and additional parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Chicken Carbonara

Chicken Carbonara

4.0(1)30 min6 servings544 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving a comforting and incredibly flavorful pasta dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight but feels special? This Chicken Carbonara recipe brings together tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich, creamy sauce for an unforgettable meal.

While it might not be traditional Italian carbonara, this delightful twist delivers on all fronts: perfectly al dente spaghetti coated in a luxurious, deeply cheesy sauce, complemented by savory chicken and bacon in every bite. It’s a remarkably straightforward dish to prepare, ensuring a delicious outcome every time.

You're in for a treat with this Chicken Carbonara. Imagine perfectly cooked spaghetti, each strand lovingly coated in a luscious, deeply cheesy sauce that clings just right, thanks to the combination of eggs and grated Parmesan. The diced chicken offers a tender contrast, while the crispy bacon bits provide a delightful salty crunch. A hint of garlic rounds out the savory profile, with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan adding a vibrant finish. It's a satisfying, hearty dish that tastes like a labor of love but comes together with surprising ease.

Want to change things up? For a lighter option, you can reduce the amount of bacon or swap it for turkey bacon. If you prefer a bolder garlic flavor, feel free to add a little extra minced garlic. While spaghetti holds the creamy sauce beautifully, you can experiment with other pasta shapes like fettuccine or linguine if that's what you have on hand.

This Chicken Carbonara is perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive dish for casual entertaining. Serve it hot, garnished generously with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan cheese.

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