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Hey y’all! If you love creamy pasta dishes, then this Chicken Carbonara is about to become your new go-to comfort food. Packed with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a luscious parmesan-egg sauce, it’s quick enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough for special occasions. Trust me, your family and friends will be begging for seconds! Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Carbonara

Rich and creamy sauce clings to every bite for ultimate comfort food vibes.

Quick and easy—ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
One-pan dish cuts down on clean-up and maximizes flavor.
Goes perfectly with salads, garlic bread, or your favorite veggies.

Customizable with your favorite pasta or extra veggies.

Chicken Carbonara Ingredients

12 oz (340g) spaghetti or fettuccine
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb/450g), cut into 1-inch pieces

6 slices bacon, chopped
3 large eggs
1 cup (90g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

How to Make Chicken Carbonara: Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prep and Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove bacon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Discard excess bacon fat, reserving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken

Add olive oil to the skillet. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add to the pan. Cook over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Carbonara Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream until smooth.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Reduce skillet heat to low. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in drained pasta, cooked chicken, and bacon. Remove pan from heat. Quickly pour in the egg-Parmesan mixture, stirring vigorously to coat the pasta and prevent scrambling. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until a creamy sauce forms. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Serve Your Chicken Carbonara

Plate immediately, garnishing with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan as desired. Serve hot!

Chicken Carbonara Cooking Notes

For the creamiest sauce, remove your skillet from heat before adding the egg mixture to avoid scrambling.

Reserve plenty of pasta water; it helps thin the sauce and make it silky. Read more about authentic carbonara technique here.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melt. Pre-grated varieties may not melt as smoothly.

Chicken Carbonara Variations

Spicy Chicken Carbonara: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño for extra heat.

Lighter Carbonara: Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter texture.
Mushroom Chicken Carbonara: Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms and sauté with the chicken for an earthy twist.

Required Equipment for Chicken Carbonara

Large pot (for pasta)

Large skillet or sauté pan
Mixing bowl
Whisk

Tongs or a pasta fork

Chicken Carbonara Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or cream to restore creaminess. Freezing is not recommended, as the sauce may separate.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings for Chicken Carbonara

Pair with a crisp Caesar salad or steamed green beans for a balanced meal.

Serve alongside warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up every bit of sauce.
Enjoy with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing contrast.

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Carbonara

Temper your eggs by slowly whisking in a bit of hot pasta water before adding to the pan to prevent curdling (see this carbonara technique).

Use room temperature eggs for a smoother sauce and easier emulsification.
Work quickly when combining the hot pasta and egg mixture to create that signature glossy, creamy texture.

Chicken Carbonara FAQ

Can I use rotisserie chicken for Chicken Carbonara?: Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut—just warm it up in the pan before combining with the pasta and sauce.
Is it safe to eat the egg-based sauce?: Absolutely—the heat from the pasta and pan gently cooks the eggs, creating a safe and creamy sauce. For more on egg safety, check the Egg Safety Center.
Can I make Chicken Carbonara gluten-free?: Yes, simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

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Chicken Carbonara