Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara Recipe

Chicken Carbonara is a rich and creamy pasta dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a luscious Parmesan-egg sauce. This comforting meal is perfect for weeknights or special occasions, delivering a satisfying blend of flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

1 lb linguine or spaghetti
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
6 slices bacon, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 large egg yolks
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Prepare the Chicken: Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Cook the Bacon: In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the skillet.

Sauté Garlic: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet if needed. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Combine Ingredients: Reduce the heat to low. Return the cooked chicken and bacon to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss to combine.

Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, grated Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. Slowly pour the mixture into the skillet, tossing quickly to coat the pasta and prevent the eggs from scrambling.

Adjust Consistency: Gradually add the reserved pasta water to the skillet, stirring until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Serving & Nutrition

Serving Size: Approximately 1 1/2 cups

Servings Per Recipe: 6

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving:

Calories: 650
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 220mg
Sodium: 600mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.