Best Ever Chicken Carbonara
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.
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.