This rich and creamy chicken carbonara combines the flavours of garlic, eggs, cheese and crispy bacon with tender, juicy chicken. This variation of the classic Italian Carbonara adds a protein-rich chicken to make it a filling, satisfying main dish. This dish is perfect for dinner parties, family dinners, or even as a comforting dinner alone. It can be prepared in less than 30 minutes using pantry staples with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to prepare Chicken Carbonara.
- 400g spaghetti or fettuccine
- Olive oil 2 tablespoons
- 2 diced chicken breasts
- Taste salt and pepper
- Chop 4 bacon rashers
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large eggs
- Parmesan cheese, 3/4 cup
- Add 1/2 cup of cream for an extra creamy texture
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish).
- Parmesan cheese extra grated, to be served
Instructions
1. Pasta is easy to cook
Bring a large pot with salted water up to a rolling boil. You can use either spaghetti or fettuccine for this recipe. Cook the pasta according to package directions until it is al dente. Before draining, save about 1 cup of the pasta water. The starchy water will be essential to create a silky sauce.
2. Sear the chicken
Heat olive oil in a large pan on medium heat while the pasta cooks. Add the chicken dices to the pan and season with salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes. Turn it occasionally to ensure that it is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
3. Crisp the Bacon & Saute Garlic
Add the bacon to the same pan. Over medium heat, cook for 4-5 mins, stirring every so often, until crispy. In the last minute, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Garlic can become bitter if it is burned.
4. Prepare the Sauce
Whirl the eggs in a bowl with the Parmesan, cream, and (if you are using it) while the bacon cooks. This is the base for your carbonara sauce. The pasta heat will gently cook your eggs to create a creamy, luscious texture.
5. Combine Everything
Return the chicken cooked to the pan along with the garlic and bacon. Add the pasta to the pan as soon as it is drained. To prevent scrambling of the eggs, remove the pan from heat. Pour the mixture of egg and cheese over the pasta and toss quickly and continually to coat the noodles. Pour a little of the pasta water you saved to make the sauce silkier. Add more if necessary. Start with 1/4 cup.
The residual heat of the pasta and the pan will gently cook the eggs, creating a smooth creamy sauce. At this stage, avoid reheating the sauce on the stove as it could cause the sauce split.
6. Garnish and serve
If needed, add extra salt and/or pepper to the pasta once it is coated. Sprinkle parsley on top to give it a fresh and herbaceous finish. Serve with additional Parmesan. It is best to enjoy the dish immediately, while it’s hot and creamy.
How to make the Perfect Chicken Carbonara
- Use eggs that are at room temperature. This will help them to blend into the hot pasta more easily and create a smoother, silkier sauce.
- Reserve pasta liquid. This starchy liquid will help you achieve the perfect consistency for your sauce without diluting it too much.
- Do not overcook. Remove the pan when adding the egg mix. The sauce will be cooked slowly by the gentle heat without it scrambling.
- Select quality cheese. Use freshly grated Parmesan to get the best taste and melting ability.
- Replace regular pasta with gluten-free versions.
Variations
- Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with bacon to give it a earthy flavor.
- Use Pancetta: For an authentic Italian touch, replace bacon with pancetta.
- Vegetarian Version: Instead of chicken or bacon, use sauteed zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to make a meatless version.
- Spice up: Add a pinch or chilli flakes to give it a subtle kick.
Final Thoughts
The chicken carbonara is a comforting and delicious dish that doesn’t require a lot of effort. This is a great meal to make when you’re looking for something special, but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s easy to see why this dish is a favourite among families. Chicken Carbonara will impress whether you serve it alongside garlic bread, with a salad or on its own.