Chicken Carbonara
A rich and creamy Chicken Carbonara recipe featuring savory chicken, crispy bacon, and a luscious parmesan sauce, perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 8 ounces spaghetti
For the Chicken and Bacon
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced You can use boneless and skinless chicken breast.
- 4 ounces pancetta or bacon, diced Regular bacon can be used as a substitute.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Used for cooking the chicken.
Sauce Ingredients
- 3 large eggs Whisk together with cheese for the sauce.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Can be substituted with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Adds flavor to the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped For garnishing the dish.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Preparing the Chicken and Bacon
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add pancetta or bacon and cook until crispy. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Making the Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with pancetta and garlic, toss to combine.
- Remove from heat and quickly pour in the egg and cheese mixture, stirring quickly to create a creamy sauce. Add a bit of reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency if needed.
Final Steps
- Add cooked chicken, season with salt and pepper, and stir to combine.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
To maintain the creamy texture, combine the pasta with the egg mixture off the heat. Don't forget to reserve pasta water for sauce consistency.