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chicken carbonara

Chicken Carbonara

Jennifer AI Chef
A creamy, flavorful Italian classic featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, and rich Parmesan sauce—perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot, Skillet, Mixing bowl, Whisk and Tongs

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cubed
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 4 slices of bacon cooked and crumbled
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Cook the spaghetti until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  • Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook cubed chicken for 5–7 minutes until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
  • In a bowl, whisk eggs, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, salt, and pepper.
  • Slowly stir in reserved pasta water to the egg mixture to temper it.
  • Pour the egg mixture into the hot pasta, mixing constantly to avoid curdling.
  • Toss the cooked chicken, bacon, and pasta with the creamy sauce until well coated.
  • Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan or parsley if desired.

Notes

Tips & Variations

  • Use bucatini or fettuccine for a different pasta texture.
  • Swap bacon with pancetta or prosciutto for a traditional twist.
  • Add vegetables like peas or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
  • Avoid high heat while mixing the sauce to prevent curdling.
  • Experiment with seafood (e.g., shrimp) for a unique variation.

Storage & Reheating

Storage:
  • Cool leftovers completely before storing in an airtight container.
  • Keep in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating:
  • Reheat pasta gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to restore creaminess.
  • Avoid microwaving, as it can make the sauce curdle.
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