Chicken Carbonara is one of the best comfort meals you can make at home. This Best Ever Chicken Carbonara Recipe is creamy, rich, and full of flavor. It has tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a silky pasta sauce that tastes amazing.
This dish feels fancy, but it is actually simple to make. You only need a few basic ingredients to prepare it. Many people love this recipe because it tastes like something from a restaurant.
In this post, you will learn the Best Ever Chicken Carbonara Recipe, the ingredients for Chicken Carbonara, and even how to make Chicken Carbonara perfectly every time. It is a warm, cozy, and delicious meal for busy nights or special dinners.
The Secret Behind This Delicious
The secret to this Chicken Carbonara is the sauce. It is creamy but has no heavy cream. The sauce comes from eggs, cheese, and pasta water. When these melt together, they create a silky coating for every piece of pasta.
Another secret is freshly cooked bacon. The bacon adds a smoky flavor that blends perfectly with the chicken. Using real Parmesan cheese also makes a big difference. Fresh cheese melts better and gives the dish a deeper taste.
Slow cooking the chicken keeps it soft and juicy. All these details make this the Best Ever Chicken Carbonara you will taste.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Best Ever Chicken Carbonara
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Course: Dinner / Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Calories: 620 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large skillet
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients You Need for Best Ever Chicken Carbonara
Here are the simple and classic ingredients for Chicken Carbonara:
- 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast, sliced
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta
Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Save one cup of pasta water before draining. - Cook the Bacon
Heat a skillet. Cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and keep the fat in the pan. - Season the Chicken
Sprinkle chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Coat well before cooking. - Cook the Chicken
Add oil to the bacon fat. Cook chicken until golden and fully done. Remove and set aside. - Sauté the Garlic
Lower the heat. Add garlic. Stir until it becomes fragrant without burning. - Mix Eggs and Cheese
In a bowl, whisk eggs and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy. - Add Pasta to Skillet
Place the drained pasta into the skillet. Toss with garlic and leftover fat. - Create the Sauce
Remove skillet from heat. Pour the egg mixture over pasta. Stir quickly to avoid scrambling. - Add Pasta Water
Slowly add pasta water. Mix until the sauce becomes silky and thick. - Add Chicken and Bacon
Put cooked chicken and crispy bacon back into the skillet. Toss everything until combined. - Adjust Seasoning
Taste and add more salt, pepper, or cheese if needed for balance. - Garnish and Serve
Top with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve while hot and creamy.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use freshly grated Parmesan. It melts better and gives a richer sauce.
- Do not cook the egg mixture on direct heat. It can scramble quickly.
- Add peas or mushrooms for more flavor and texture.
- Use pancetta instead of bacon for a classic Italian taste.
- Add extra pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Replace chicken with shrimp for a lighter version.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 620 kcal |
| Protein | 38 g |
| Carbohydrates | 51 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread for a full meal.
- Add a simple green salad on the side for balance.
- Pair with steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables.
- Enjoy with a cold lemonade or sparkling water.
- Top with extra Parmesan and cracked pepper before eating.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store leftover Chicken Carbonara in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Always use low heat to avoid drying the pasta. Do not microwave for long because the eggs may turn grainy. If reheating in the microwave, use short intervals and stir often.
FAQs about Best Ever Chicken Carbonara
1. Can I use cream in Chicken Carbonara if I want a richer sauce?
Yes, you can add cream, but classic Carbonara does not use it. The real sauce comes from eggs and cheese. Adding cream will make the dish heavier and richer, which some people enjoy. So it is your choice to include it.
2. Why did my carbonara sauce turn into scrambled eggs?
This happens when the heat is too high. The egg mixture cooks too fast and turns solid. Always remove the skillet from heat before adding eggs. Mix quickly and add pasta water to keep the sauce smooth.
3. Can I make Chicken Carbonara without bacon?
Yes, you can. Bacon adds flavor, but the dish still works without it. Replace bacon with turkey bacon or sautéed mushrooms. These options help keep the meal tasty and satisfying.
4. Can I use grated cheese from a bottle for this recipe?
It is better to use fresh Parmesan because it melts better. Bottled cheese contains anti-clumping powders. These powders stop the sauce from becoming smooth and silky.
5. What pasta shape is best for this recipe?
Spaghetti is the classic choice, but fettuccine or linguine also work well. Long pasta holds the creamy sauce better. You can even use penne if that is what you have on hand.
Conclusion
This Best Ever Chicken Carbonara Recipe is the perfect mix of creamy, rich, and comforting flavors. It uses simple ingredients and easy steps that anyone can follow. Now you know the ingredients for Chicken Carbonara and exactly how to make Chicken Carbonara at home.
The warm sauce, tender chicken, and crispy bacon come together in a dish your family will love. Try this recipe today for a cozy dinner that feels special but takes very little time. Enjoy every creamy bite!
Best Ever Chicken Carbonara
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast sliced
- 6 slices bacon chopped
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Boil the Pasta
- Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Save one cup of pasta water before draining.
Cook the Bacon
- Heat a skillet. Cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and keep the fat in the pan.
Season the Chicken
- Sprinkle chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Coat well before cooking.
Cook the Chicken
- Add oil to the bacon fat. Cook chicken until golden and fully done. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Garlic
- Lower the heat. Add garlic. Stir until it becomes fragrant without burning.
Mix Eggs and Cheese
- In a bowl, whisk eggs and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Add Pasta to Skillet
- Place the drained pasta into the skillet. Toss with garlic and leftover fat.
Create the Sauce
- Remove skillet from heat. Pour the egg mixture over pasta. Stir quickly to avoid scrambling.
Add Pasta Water
- Slowly add pasta water. Mix until the sauce becomes silky and thick.
Add Chicken and Bacon
- Put cooked chicken and crispy bacon back into the skillet. Toss everything until combined.
Adjust Seasoning
- Taste and add more salt, pepper, or cheese if needed for balance.
Garnish and Serve
- Top with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan. It melts better and gives a richer sauce.
- Do not cook the egg mixture on direct heat. It can scramble quickly.
- Add peas or mushrooms for more flavor and texture.
- Use pancetta instead of bacon for a classic Italian taste.
- Add extra pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Replace chicken with shrimp for a lighter version.
Sofia Lane is a food lover who loves cooking and sharing easy, tasty recipes. She believes in making cooking simple and fun for everyone. On DiveCrave, Sofia shares her favorite meals, desserts and treats that anyone can make at home.