Description
This creamy chicken carbonara is a delicious twist on the Italian classic, featuring crispy bacon, tender chicken, whisked eggs, and Parmesan cheese. It’s rich, velvety, and ready in just 30 minutes! Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this dish will impress. Give it a try and let me know what you think!
Ingredients
For the Pasta & Chicken:
✅ 12-14 oz linguine or spaghetti
✅ 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized strips
✅ 4 strips thick-cut bacon (or guanciale/pancetta), chopped into ½-inch pieces
✅ 2 cloves garlic, finely grated
✅ 1-2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
✅ Salt & fresh cracked pepper, to taste
For the Carbonara Sauce:
✅ 4 eggs (2 whole, 2 yolks only)
✅ ¾ cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano
✅ ⅓ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
✅ Salt & fresh cracked pepper, to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
2️⃣ Prepare the Sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and optional cream. Set aside.
3️⃣ Cook the Bacon & Chicken:
- In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel. Keep 1-2 tbsp of bacon grease in the pan.
- Add chicken, season with salt & pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- In the last 1-2 minutes, add garlic and a drizzle of olive oil. Cook until fragrant.
4️⃣ Combine Everything:
- Reduce heat to low and let the pan cool for 2-3 minutes (to prevent scrambling the eggs).
- Add bacon and warm pasta to the pan.
- Pour in the egg mixture and ¼ cup reserved pasta water, tossing quickly to create a creamy sauce. Add more pasta water if needed.
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy:
- Top with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately with a glass of crisp white wine or Chianti Classico! 🍷
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 706
- Fat: 20.7g per serving
- Carbohydrates: 37.2g per serving
- Protein: 91.4g per serving