Name: Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz. fettuccine; 4 slices bacon; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips; Kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper; 4 large eggs, beaten; 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for garnish; 1/3 cup freshly chopped parsley, plus more for garnish

Delicious plate of Chicken Carbonara with creamy sauce and crispy bacon.

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Why Make This Recipe

Chicken Carbonara is a classic Italian dish that is loved by many. It’s creamy, rich, and packed with flavor. This recipe combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and perfectly cooked pasta, making it a comforting meal for any occasion. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, which is great for busy weeknights!

How to Make Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara

Ingredients:

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

Directions:

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then return the pasta to the pot.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon for about 5 minutes until it starts to get crispy. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, until the bacon is fully crispy. Transfer the bacon and garlic to a bowl and drain half the fat from the skillet.
Add the chicken strips to the skillet. Increase the heat to medium-high and season generously with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken, flipping halfway through, until it is no longer pink, about 10 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and return the bacon to the skillet. Toss to combine, then add the cooked pasta and mix well.
In a small bowl, beat together the eggs, Parmesan, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Pour the egg mixture over the pasta and toss until the pasta is well coated. If needed, add a couple tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to make it creamy, adding more by the tablespoon as necessary.
Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley, then serve immediately.

How to Serve Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara

Serve Chicken Carbonara warm straight from the pot, ensuring each plate gets a good mix of pasta, chicken, bacon, and sauce. You can place extra grated Parmesan and chopped parsley on the table for guests to add to their plates.

How to Store Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara

If you have leftovers, you can store Chicken Carbonara in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of water or a little olive oil to help loosen the sauce when reheating.

Tips to Make Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara

Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Freshly grated Parmesan makes a big difference.
Make sure not to overcook the chicken or pasta to keep everything tender.
Keep the heat low when adding the egg mixture to avoid scrambling the eggs.

Variation

For a twist, you can add vegetables like peas or spinach to the dish. They add color and nutrition while keeping the flavor delicious!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use spaghetti, penne, or any pasta you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

2. Can I make this recipe without bacon?
Yes, you can skip the bacon or substitute with turkey bacon or pancetta for a different flavor.

3. How do I make it vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, you can use mushrooms and more vegetables, omitting the meat altogether. Adjust the flavors with more garlic and herbs.