The rich aroma of Chicken Carbonara wafts through the kitchen, teasing your senses with its creamy sauce and savory bits of pancetta. This luscious dish, with its silky texture and delightful flavors, is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that transports you to an Italian trattoria with every bite. For more inspiration, check out this more dinner recipes recipe.

Picture this: family gathered around the table, laughter filling the air as forks twirl the spaghetti into perfect spirals. You can almost taste the indulgence in each mouthful, making it the ideal dish for cozy nights or special celebrations.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chicken Carbonara recipe makes weeknight dinners feel like fine dining at home
- It’s quick to prepare, allowing you more time to savor every bite
- The combination of creamy sauce and crispy pancetta creates a flavor explosion on your palate
- With its beautiful presentation, it’s sure to impress your dinner guests or family alike
I remember the first time I made Chicken Carbonara; my friends were raving about it for days. They even asked for seconds—who knew I could be a culinary hero?
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust based on how many people you’re feeding.
Pancetta: This Italian cured meat adds that essential salty flavor; feel free to substitute with bacon if necessary.
Spaghetti: Classic pasta choice; ensure it’s al dente for that perfect bite.
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for robust flavor; minced garlic elevates the aroma beautifully.
Eggs: Use large eggs for richness; they create that creamy texture when combined with cheese.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds depth; skip pre-grated cheese for maximum flavor.
Black Pepper: Freshly cracked pepper intensifies flavors; don’t shy away from generous seasoning.
Parsley (for garnish): Fresh parsley brightens up the dish visually and adds a hint of freshness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Chicken Carbonara
Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all ingredients before starting. This includes mincing garlic and grating Parmesan cheese so everything is ready when you need it.
Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and add spaghetti. Cook until al dente according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes.
Sauté Pancetta and Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, add diced pancetta and cook until crispy. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add Chicken Breast Strips: Cut chicken breasts into strips and add them to the skillet. Cook until golden brown and no longer pink in the center, around 6-8 minutes.
Create the Sauce Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and lots of black pepper. This will create that creamy goodness once combined with hot pasta.
Toss It All Together!: Drain spaghetti but reserve some pasta water. Quickly mix hot pasta with chicken mixture while adding egg mixture gradually—stir vigorously to create a creamy sauce without scrambling eggs.
Serve immediately topped with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for color!
With these steps completed successfully, you’ll find yourself in a carbonara dreamland where flavors blend seamlessly! Enjoy this delicious Chicken Carbonara bursting with savory goodness right at your table!
You Must Know
- Chicken Carbonara is a creamy delight that can easily become your go-to comfort food
- The marriage of flavors and textures, from crispy bacon to silky sauce, creates an unforgettable dish
- Enjoy it with a side salad to make it a complete meal
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the pasta first; while it’s boiling, prepare the chicken and sauce for efficiency.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the pancetta for turkey bacon or add vegetables like spinach for extra nutrition.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently to preserve creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the perfect Chicken Carbonara, ensure your ingredients are fresh
- Use room temperature eggs for a smoother sauce
- Stir vigorously to combine everything without scrambling the eggs
- Remember, patience is key as you meld all those delicious flavors together!
The first time I made Chicken Carbonara, my friends were skeptical about the raw egg idea, but they were amazed by how creamy and delicious it turned out!
FAQ
What is Chicken Carbonara?
Chicken Carbonara is a creamy pasta dish featuring chicken, cheese, and pancetta in rich sauce.
Can I use other meats in Chicken Carbonara?
Absolutely! You can substitute pancetta with bacon or even shrimp for variety.
How do I prevent scrambled eggs in my Carbonara?
To prevent scrambled eggs, remove the pasta from heat before adding eggs and stir continuously.
Chicken Carbonara
Chicken Carbonara is a rich and creamy Italian pasta dish that elevates any meal into a culinary celebration. With tender chicken, crispy pancetta, and a silky sauce made from eggs and Parmesan cheese, this recipe delivers a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, Chicken Carbonara is quick to prepare and sure to impress your family and friends.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 oz pancetta, diced
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by mincing garlic and grating Parmesan cheese.
- Boil salted water in a large pot; cook spaghetti until al dente (8-10 minutes).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook pancetta until crispy; add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add cut chicken breast strips; cook until golden brown (6-8 minutes).
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, Parmesan, and black pepper.
- Drain spaghetti, reserving some pasta water. Combine hot pasta with chicken mixture, then stir in the egg mixture quickly to create a creamy sauce without scrambling the eggs.
- Serve immediately topped with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 59g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
Keywords: For added nutrition, substitute pancetta with turkey bacon or add vegetables such as spinach. Use room temperature eggs for a smoother sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently.