This Chicken Carbonara Pasta is creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting. It combines juicy chicken with tender pasta, all coated in a rich sauce made from eggs and cheese—yum!
I love how quick this dish comes together, making it perfect for a cozy dinner any night. Plus, it’s a great way to impress friends without breaking a sweat in the kitchen!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Spaghetti or linguine works great for this dish. If you’re looking for a different texture, try using fettuccine or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for a lean protein source. You can substitute with turkey or even use rotisserie chicken for a quick option!
Bacon: Bacon adds a wonderful crispness and flavor. If you’re trying to reduce fat, turkey bacon is a great alternative, or you can even skip it altogether for a lighter dish.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor. If you’re dairy-free, consider using nutritional yeast for a similar umami taste, or go for a vegan cheese alternative.
How Do You Achieve Creamy Carbonara Without Scrambling the Eggs?
Getting that creamy carbonara sauce can be tricky, but it’s all about technique. When adding the egg mixture, the key is to combine it off the heat while the pasta is still hot.
- Cook the pasta and save a cup of water for later.
- Remove the skillet from the heat before adding the egg mixture to prevent scrambling.
- Gradually mix in the egg and cheese, tossing quickly with the pasta.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your desired creminess.
With these tips, your Chicken Carbonara Pasta will turn out creamy and delicious every time!
How to Make Chicken Carbonara Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pasta:
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine pasta
For The Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For The Bacon:
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
For The Sauce:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Chicken Carbonara Pasta takes about 20-25 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing and cooking the chicken, while another 10-15 minutes will be spent cooking the pasta and combining everything into that creamy sauce. Quick and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your spaghetti or linguine pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (that means it should still have a little bite to it). Don’t forget to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta! This will help create that creamy sauce later.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
While the pasta cooks, season the bite-sized pieces of chicken with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Cook the Bacon:
In the same skillet, add your chopped bacon. Cook it on medium heat for about 4-5 minutes or until it becomes crispy. Keep an eye on it, as you don’t want it to burn! Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another minute until it becomes fragrant. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat.
4. Create the Egg Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. This will create a rich sauce you’ll pour over the pasta.
5. Combine Everything:
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the cooked bacon and garlic, and toss everything together to combine. Now, slowly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta while tossing quickly. This is where that creamy texture comes from; make sure to move fast to avoid scrambling the eggs! If the sauce seems too thick, add in some of that reserved pasta water gradually until you achieve a nice, creamy consistency.
6. Add the Chicken Back In:
Once everything is well combined, return the cooked chicken to the skillet, and gently mix everything together evenly. Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Chicken Carbonara Pasta immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper, and chopped parsley for a burst of freshness. Enjoy this creamy, indulgent dish!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great substitute and adds a nutty flavor along with extra fiber. Just be sure to adjust cooking time as whole wheat pasta may take a few minutes longer to cook.
What If I Don’t Have Bacon?
No problem! You can skip the bacon entirely or use pancetta or turkey bacon for a lighter alternative. For a vegetarian option, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or smoked cheese for a similar flavor profile.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can! Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and skip the eggs or replace them with a dairy-free cream such as cashew cream or coconut cream. This will still give you a creamy consistency without the dairy.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and keep the pasta from drying out.
