Name: Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 ounces spaghetti or fettuccine; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced; Salt and black pepper to taste; 4 slices bacon, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 large egg yolks; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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This Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe turns a classic comfort dish into a show-stopping weeknight dinner that is rich, silky, and loaded with flavor. Tender slices of chicken mingle with crispy bacon, luxurious strands of pasta, and a velvety Parmesan cream sauce, all crowned by a touch of fresh parsley. If you’ve ever craved Italian-American coziness with a touch of sophistication, this is the skillet recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe is how a handful of humble ingredients can transform into something truly irresistible. Each ingredient brings its own character—whether it’s the salty crunch of bacon or the glossy ribbons of pasta—so quality and care matter for every component.

Pasta (12 ounces spaghetti or fettuccine): Choose a shape with a bit of heft so it can hold onto that gorgeous, creamy sauce.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and creates a golden base for browning the chicken.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2, sliced): The protein star—slicing ensures quick cooking and maximum flavor in each bite.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning every layer, so don’t hold back!
Bacon (4 slices, chopped): Crisp bacon lends smokiness and a salty punch; pancetta works beautifully, too.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Just a few cloves fill the whole dish with irresistible aroma.
Egg yolks (3 large): They’re the secret to that signature carbonara silkiness.
Heavy cream (1 cup): For a sauce that’s ultra-creamy and luxurious—makes every bite dreamy.
Parmesan cheese (½ cup, freshly grated): True Parmigiano always takes the flavor over the top.
Crushed red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): A hint of heat underlines the richness if you love a little zing.
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish): Brings color and a pop of freshness just before serving.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil—this gets the pasta properly seasoned right from the start. Add your spaghetti or fettuccine and cook until beautifully al dente, following the package directions. Before draining, scoop out about half a cup of pasta water and set it aside; this starchy liquid will be your secret weapon for getting the sauce silky and loose. Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to soak up that luxurious carbonara sauce.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Pat your sliced chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then sprinkle them generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring only occasionally until each piece is golden and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate, keeping all those crispy browned bits in the pan for flavor.

Step 3: Crisp the Bacon and Sauté Garlic

In the same skillet—don’t clean it!—add your chopped bacon. Let it sizzle away until it is crispy, with the irresistible aroma curling through the kitchen. Pour off a bit of excess fat if needed, then stir in the minced garlic and sauté just 30 seconds, until fragrant but not brown. These quick steps build a flavor-packed base for everything to come.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

While the bacon cooks, whisk together your egg yolks, heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and crushed red pepper flakes in a medium bowl. Mixing before adding to the skillet ensures a smooth, lump-free sauce. This rich, golden mixture will transform into something magical once it hits the warm pasta.

Step 5: Combine and Finish the Dish

With the skillet over low heat, return the chicken to the pan with the bacon and garlic. Add your drained pasta, then working quickly, pour the cream mixture all over. Toss everything together, stirring continuously—this is the heart of our Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe and where all the flavors merge. Slowly add splashes of your reserved pasta water as needed, until you get the dreamy, luscious sauce that clings to every strand. Serve immediately with plenty of parsley and a shower of extra Parmesan.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the beauty of a tasteful garnish! Chopped fresh parsley adds a hit of bright green color and a cleansing herbal note that cuts through the richness. Guests will swoon for extra shavings of freshly grated Parmesan on top—the melt-in-your-mouth finish makes this Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe truly special.

Side Dishes

For a complete Italian-American feast, serve your Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe alongside a crisp Caesar or garden salad, maybe with lemon vinaigrette for brightness. A warm, crusty bread or garlic knots are perfect for sopping up every drop of that glorious sauce, while a plate of roasted veggies adds balance and color to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with presentation: pile high in a big family-style bowl for passing at the table, or twirl individual servings onto plates with a fork for an elegant touch. Try drizzling a little high-quality olive oil and cracked black pepper just before serving—or nestle a few extra bacon crumbles on top for dramatic flair. You can even portion the pasta into small cups or mini skillets for fun dinner party bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe keeps best in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you know ahead of time that you’ll have leftovers, try to reserve a bit of extra pasta water—it will work wonders when you reheat and reawaken the sauce!

Freezing

While this pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions in tightly sealed containers for up to one month. Be aware that the creamy sauce may separate slightly upon thawing, but a gentle toss on the stovetop (with a splash of cream or milk) can bring it back together.

Reheating

To reheat your Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or reserved pasta water, tossing constantly just until creamy and heated through. The microwave works in a pinch, but be sure to use short 20- to 30-second bursts and stir well each time to prevent overcooking the sauce.

FAQs

What’s the best pasta shape to use for this Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe?

Spaghetti and fettuccine are both classic choices—long, sturdy noodles allow the luscious sauce to cling perfectly. If you only have penne or rigatoni, those work well too!

Can I use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. If you’re short on time, shredded rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken breast can be stirred in right at the end. Just be sure to warm it through with the bacon before adding the sauce.

Is there a way to lighten up this dish?

You can swap half-and-half for the heavy cream and use a bit less Parmesan, though keep in mind the sauce will be less rich. Lean turkey bacon and whole wheat pasta also work if you’re looking for a lighter twist.

How do I prevent the eggs from scrambling?

The key is to add the cream and egg mixture off direct heat and toss thoroughly while slowly adding reserved pasta water. Keep the skillet on low and keep everything moving—this ensures your sauce is creamy, not scrambled!

Can I add vegetables to this Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe?

Definitely! Stir in cooked peas, sautéed mushrooms, or even spinach just before serving for a burst of color and extra nutrients. This is a great way to put your own spin on the dish.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly delightful about sharing a dish packed with so much flavor, warmth, and joy. I hope you’ll give this Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe a spot on your dinner table soon—once you do, it’s sure to become one of your go-to comfort foods for every occasion!

Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a decadent and creamy Chicken Carbonara pasta dish that’s loaded with savory flavors. This recipe combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce for a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 ounces spaghetti or fettuccine

Chicken:

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced
Salt and black pepper to taste

Sauce:

4 slices bacon, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 large egg yolks
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: Season and cook chicken in olive oil until golden; set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: Cook bacon until crisp, add garlic, then combine with egg yolks, cream, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes.
Combine and Serve: Return chicken to the pan, add pasta, pour in the cream mixture, and toss until coated. Serve topped with parsley and extra cheese.