Introduction
Have you ever had a meal that was so creamy, rich, and comforting that you wanted to eat it again the next day? That’s what Chicken Carbonara is all about! It’s a delicious pasta dish made with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy cheese sauce. The best part? It’s easier to make than you might think.
This recipe is great for dinner with your family or even when friends come over. You don’t need any fancy ingredients or cooking skills. If you can boil pasta and cook chicken, you’re already halfway there! Let’s take a look at what you need to make this tasty dish.
Ingredients – Chicken Carbonara
Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need to make Chicken Carbonara:
For the Main Dish:
- 2 chicken breasts (cut into small pieces)
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine (you can use any pasta)
- 5 slices of bacon (chopped)
- 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Step by Step Process – Chicken Carbonara
Now let’s break it down step by step so you can cook Chicken Carbonara like a pro!
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
- Add a pinch of salt and put the pasta in.
- Cook it for 8–10 minutes or until it’s soft but still a little firm (this is called “al dente”).
- Once done, drain the pasta and save 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil or butter over medium heat.
- Add the small pieces of chicken.
- Sprinkle a little salt and pepper.
- Cook until the chicken is no longer pink and is slightly golden on the outside (around 7–8 minutes).
- Remove from pan and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon
- In the same pan, add the chopped bacon.
- Cook until crispy (about 5–6 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Keep the bacon and garlic in the pan and turn the heat to low.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, Parmesan cheese, and cream (if using).
- Add a little black pepper.
Step 5: Mix It All Together
- Add the cooked pasta to the pan with bacon and garlic.
- Then add the cooked chicken.
- Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot pasta.
- Gently toss everything together. The heat from the pasta will cook the eggs and melt the cheese, making a creamy sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water until it’s smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
- Top with more Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
- Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Chicken Carbonara!
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 620 |
| Protein | 38g |
| Total Fat | 32g |
| Saturated Fat | 14g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 2g |
| Sodium | 750mg |
| Cholesterol | 165mg |
| Calcium | 200mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicy and add a bit more flavor. Just make sure to cook them fully.
Q2: Is it safe to eat raw eggs in the sauce?
The eggs are not raw—they get cooked by the heat from the pasta. But if you’re worried, you can use pasteurized eggs.
Q3: What if I don’t have cream?
No problem! Traditional carbonara doesn’t even use cream. You can leave it out, and it will still be rich and creamy from the eggs and cheese.
Q4: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
It’s best eaten fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Q5: What pasta works best?
Spaghetti is the classic choice, but you can use penne, fettuccine, or any pasta you like.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Carbonara is one of those dishes that feels fancy but is actually really easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have a delicious and comforting meal in less than 30 minutes.
It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor from the chicken and bacon. Plus, it’s a fun recipe to try at home, especially if you want to impress someone or just enjoy a cozy meal.
So next time you’re hungry and not sure what to cook—try Chicken Carbonara. You might just find your new favorite dish!
