This Chicken Carbonara Pasta is a creamy and delicious dish that combines tender chicken with spaghetti. It’s super easy to make and comes together in no time!
The rich sauce is made with eggs, cheese, and a bit of bacon, making each bite extra yummy. I love it when I can whip up this meal after a long day. It’s a perfect comfort food!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: Traditional pasta for carbonara, but you can use fettuccine or linguine if you prefer. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works too, just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Chicken: I like boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their juicy texture. You can substitute with pre-cooked chicken or even turkey for a leaner option.
Pancetta/Bacon: Both give a nice flavor, but if you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey bacon can be a great substitute. You can also skip it entirely for a vegetarian version, adding more vegetables instead!
Eggs: Fresh eggs help create the creamy sauce. If you’re concerned about raw eggs, pasteurized eggs are a safe alternative.
Parmesan Cheese: It’s hard to beat Parmesan for flavor! If you’re out, Pecorino Romano works well, or for dairy-free alternatives, nut-based cheeses could fit the bill.
How Do I Achieve a Creamy Sauce Without Scrambling the Eggs?
The goal of carbonara is to create a creamy sauce using eggs without scrambling them. Here’s how to master this technique:
- Make sure your pasta is hot and just drained when you mix with the egg mixture.
- Work quickly! Add the egg mixture off the heat, tossing continuously to combine. The heat from the pasta will cook the eggs gently.
- Add reserved pasta water slowly if the sauce seems too thick. This helps in achieving a silky consistency.
With these tips, you’ll make a delicious, creamy Chicken Carbonara Pasta that impresses everyone!
How to Make Chicken Carbonara Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti pasta
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 oz (115 g) pancetta or bacon, diced
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or basil leaves (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Carbonara Pasta recipe will take about 20 minutes of prep and cooking time, making it a quick and scrumptious meal perfect for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, remember to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
2. Cook the Bacon:
While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta or bacon and cook it until it’s crispy. Once done, take it out of the pan using a slotted spoon and set it aside. Keep the delicious fat in the skillet!
3. Cook the Chicken:
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Then, toss in the bite-sized chicken pieces and sauté them until they are cooked through and golden, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Don’t forget to add the minced garlic in the last minute of cooking. Once cooked, remove the skillet from the heat.
4. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and grated Parmesan cheese. If you’re adding heavy cream for extra creaminess, stir that in as well! Season this mixture with a bit of salt and a generous amount of black pepper.
5. Combine Everything:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add the hot, drained spaghetti directly into the skillet with the cooked chicken and pancetta. Toss them together until well combined.
6. Create the Sauce:
Working quickly, pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta while continuously tossing. This helps create that creamy sauce we love in carbonara. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
7. Final Seasoning:
Before serving, taste your pasta and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Plate your delicious Chicken Carbonara Pasta immediately! Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an extra pop of flavor. Enjoy your comforting plate of goodness!
Happy cooking!
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, you can use fettuccine, linguine, or even penne if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time according to package instructions.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Pancetta or Bacon?
No problem! You can substitute with turkey bacon for a lighter option, or even skip the meat entirely and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms or peas for a vegetarian version.
How Can I Make It Lighter?
To lighten it up, consider using less cream or omitting it entirely. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or use a lower-fat cheese alternative. Adding more veggies can also help balance it out!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to help revive the creamy sauce.
