Why You’ll Love Chicken CarbonaraRecipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
Hearty and Filling: The addition of chicken provides extra protein, turning this into a complete meal.
Creamy Sauce: A rich sauce made with eggs and Parmesan cheese coats the pasta beautifully.
Versatile: Can be made with various types of pasta like fettuccine, spaghetti, or linguine.
Family-Friendly: A dish that both adults and kids will enjoy.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

12 oz. fettuccine
4 slices bacon
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 large eggs, beaten
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
1/3 cup freshly chopped parsley, plus more for garnish

Directions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, and return the pasta to the pot.
Prepare the Bacon and Chicken:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon for about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook until the bacon is crispy, about 2 to 3 minutes more. Transfer the bacon to a bowl and drain half the fat from the skillet.
- Add the chicken strips to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook over medium-high heat, flipping halfway through, until no longer pink, about 10 minutes.
Combine Ingredients:
- Reduce the heat to low and return the cooked bacon to the skillet. Toss to combine. Add the cooked pasta and toss until well combined.
Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- In a small bowl, beat together the eggs, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
Finish the Dish:
- Pour the egg mixture over the pasta and toss until the pasta is evenly coated. Add a couple of tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to achieve a creamy consistency. (Add more pasta water by the tablespoonful as necessary.)
Serve:
- Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and chicken; use sautéed mushrooms for added flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the egg mixture for a spicy version.
Different Pasta: Substitute fettuccine with spaghetti, linguine, or bucatini.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
Freezing: This dish is not recommended for freezing, as the sauce may separate upon reheating.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken can be used as a time-saving substitute.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best served immediately, but you can prepare the components in advance and combine them just before serving.

What can I use instead of bacon?

Pancetta or prosciutto can be used as alternatives to bacon.

How can I make the sauce richer?

Adding a bit of heavy cream to the egg mixture will make the sauce richer and creamier.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Pecorino Romano can be used instead of Parmesan for a sharper flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Yes, it’s a kid-friendly dish, but you can reduce the amount of garlic and pepper to suit their taste.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, sautéed spinach, peas, or broccoli can be added for extra nutrition.

How do I prevent the eggs from scrambling?

Ensure the skillet is off the heat when adding the egg mixture and toss quickly to combine.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cheese and cream alternatives to make this dish dairy-free.

Conclusion

Chicken Carbonara is a delightful twist on the classic pasta dish, offering a satisfying blend of flavors and textures. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and crispy bacon, it’s a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Chicken Carbonara

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This Chicken Carbonara combines tender chicken strips, crispy bacon, and a creamy egg-Parmesan sauce, all tossed with al dente fettuccine. It’s a comforting, protein-packed twist on the classic carbonara, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, and return the pasta to the pot.
Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon for about 5 minutes until crispy. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the bacon and garlic to a bowl and drain half of the fat from the skillet.
Cook the Chicken:
Add the chicken strips to the skillet and increase the heat to medium-high. Season generously with salt and pepper, and cook, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is no longer pink, about 10 minutes.
Combine Ingredients:
Reduce the heat to low and return the bacon to the skillet. Toss to combine, then add the cooked pasta and toss until well combined.
Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, beat together the eggs, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
Finish the Dish:
Pour the egg mixture over the pasta and toss until the pasta is coated. Add a couple of tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to achieve a creamy consistency, adding more as necessary.
Serve:
Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

If you don’t have fettuccine, other pasta types like spaghetti, bucatini, linguine, or capellini work well as substitutes.
For a richer flavor, consider using pancetta or guanciale in place of bacon.
Ensure to toss the egg mixture with the hot pasta off the heat to prevent scrambling the eggs.