Creamy Chicken Carbonara

Introduction

Few dishes are as indulgent and satisfying as a creamy, rich Chicken Carbonara. This Italian-inspired pasta dish combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a luscious Parmesan-infused sauce for an irresistible meal.

Unlike traditional carbonara, which relies solely on eggs and cheese, this version adds a touch of cream for extra richness. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this homemade Chicken Carbonara tastes even better than restaurant versions!

Let’s dive into the best Creamy Chicken Carbonara recipe you’ll ever try! ????✨

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Ingredients (in Grams)

For the Pasta & Chicken:

• 300g spaghetti (or fettuccine)
• 400g boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 120g pancetta or bacon, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large eggs
• 100g grated Parmesan cheese
• 120ml heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground for the best flavor)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

For Garnish & Serving:

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Reserve ½ cup (120ml) of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

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Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked.
4. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

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Step 3: Cook the Pancetta (or Bacon)

1. In the same pan, add the diced pancetta or bacon.
2. Cook until crispy (about 3-4 minutes), then add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
3. Remove from heat and set aside.

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Step 4: Make the Carbonara Sauce

1. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, grated Parmesan, heavy cream (if using), and black pepper.
2. Slowly stir in ¼ cup of reserved pasta water to temper the eggs.

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Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Return the cooked pasta to the pan with the pancetta and garlic.
2. Immediately pour the carbonara sauce over the pasta, tossing quickly to coat.
3. Add the cooked chicken, tossing everything together over low heat until creamy.
4. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more reserved pasta water to loosen it.

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Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

1. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
2. Serve immediately with garlic bread or a fresh salad.

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Based on 4 Servings)

• Calories: 580 kcal
• Protein: 42g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 25g
• Sodium: 780mg

(Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients used.)

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Tips and Tricks

1. How to Prevent Scrambled Eggs in the Sauce

• Always remove the pan from heat before adding the egg mixture.
• Toss the pasta quickly and continuously to create a smooth, silky sauce.

2. Can I Use Other Proteins?

• Yes! Instead of chicken, try shrimp, salmon, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

3. What’s the Best Pasta for Carbonara?

• Spaghetti is classic, but fettuccine, linguine, or penne also work well.

4. Can I Make It Without Cream?

• Traditional carbonara doesn’t use cream—simply increase the Parmesan for richness.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe

✅ Quick & easy – Ready in just 30 minutes!
✅ Rich, creamy, and packed with flavor
✅ Perfect for a cozy dinner or date night
✅ Made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients