Name: Creamy Chicken Carbonara: The Ultimate Recipe for a Delicious Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound spaghetti (or your favorite pasta shape); Water for boiling; 1 tablespoon salt; 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon paprika; 4 large egg yolks; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving; 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese, plus more for serving; 4 ounces pancetta or bacon, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Creamy Chicken Carbonara: Just the name conjures up images of rich, decadent pasta, doesn't it? Forget everything you thought you knew about complicated Italian cooking because this recipe is surprisingly simple and delivers restaurant-quality results in your very own kitchen. Imagine twirling your fork around perfectly cooked pasta, coated in a luscious, creamy sauce studded with savory chicken and crispy pancetta. Are you hungry yet?

While traditional Carbonara purists might scoff at the addition of chicken, this adaptation has become a beloved favorite for its heartiness and satisfying flavor. The original Carbonara, hailing from Rome, is a testament to simple, high-quality ingredients: pasta, guanciale (cured pork cheek), eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper. Our Creamy Chicken Carbonara recipe builds upon this foundation, adding a protein that makes it a complete and fulfilling meal.

People adore this dish for several reasons. First, the taste is simply divine – the creamy sauce, the salty pancetta, and the tender chicken create a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Second, the texture is incredibly satisfying, from the al dente pasta to the crispy pancetta and the smooth, velvety sauce. Finally, while it tastes incredibly indulgent, this Creamy Chicken Carbonara is surprisingly quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. So, let's get cooking and create a culinary masterpiece that will impress your family and friends!

Ingredients:

For the Pasta:

1 pound spaghetti (or your favorite pasta shape)
Water for boiling
1 tablespoon salt

For the Chicken:

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon paprika

For the Carbonara Sauce:

4 large egg yolks
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese, plus more for serving
4 ounces pancetta or bacon, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Preparing the Chicken:

First, we'll get the chicken ready. This step is crucial because we want the chicken to be cooked perfectly and seasoned well before it gets mixed into the creamy carbonara sauce. Trust me, taking the time to properly prepare the chicken makes a huge difference in the final dish!

In a medium bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and paprika. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices. This ensures that every piece of chicken is flavorful.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned chicken.
Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, or until it's cooked through and no longer pink inside. Be sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C).
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. We'll add it back into the sauce later.

Cooking the Pasta:

While the chicken is cooking, let's get the pasta going. The key here is to cook the pasta al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. This texture is perfect for absorbing the creamy carbonara sauce.

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the boiling water. This seasons the pasta from the inside out.
Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes, or until al dente.
Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water is liquid gold! We'll use it to help create a smooth and creamy sauce.
Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. Don't rinse the pasta, as the starch on the surface helps the sauce cling to it.

Making the Carbonara Sauce:

Now for the star of the show: the carbonara sauce! This sauce is rich, creamy, and incredibly flavorful. The key to a perfect carbonara sauce is to cook it gently and avoid scrambling the eggs. We'll use the heat from the pasta and pasta water to cook the sauce to the perfect consistency.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Romano cheese, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure everything is well combined.
In the same skillet you used to cook the chicken, add the diced pancetta or bacon. Cook over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the pancetta or bacon and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Remove the skillet from the heat. This is important to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the pancetta and garlic. Toss to coat the pasta with the rendered fat.
Pour the egg yolk mixture over the pasta. Immediately toss the pasta and sauce together vigorously. The heat from the pasta will gently cook the egg yolks and create a creamy sauce.
If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Keep tossing the pasta to emulsify the sauce.
Add the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to combine. Make sure the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the pasta and sauce.

Serving the Creamy Chicken Carbonara:

Finally, it's time to serve and enjoy your delicious Creamy Chicken Carbonara! This dish is best served immediately, while the sauce is still warm and creamy.

Divide the Creamy Chicken Carbonara among serving plates.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheese.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Success:

Use Fresh Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will greatly impact the flavor of the dish. Use fresh eggs, high-quality cheese, and good-quality pancetta or bacon.
Don't Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta is key to a great carbonara. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and won't hold the sauce well.
Temper the Eggs: Tempering the eggs by slowly adding a little of the hot pasta water to the egg yolk mixture before adding it to the pasta can help prevent the eggs from scrambling.
Adjust the Sauce: If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water. If it's too thin, cook it over low heat for a minute or two, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly.
Serve Immediately: Carbonara is best served immediately, as the sauce can thicken as it cools.

Variations:

Vegetarian Carbonara: Substitute the chicken and pancetta with sautéed mushrooms, asparagus, or zucchini.
Spicy Carbonara: Add more red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicier kick.
Smoked Salmon Carbonara: Replace the chicken with smoked salmon for a delicious twist.
Different Pasta Shapes: While spaghetti is traditional, you can use other pasta shapes like fettuccine, linguine, or penne.

Conclusion:

This Creamy Chicken Carbonara isn't just another pasta dish; it's a culinary experience waiting to happen. From the rich, velvety sauce to the perfectly cooked pasta and savory chicken, every bite is an explosion of flavor that will leave you craving more. If you're looking for a comforting, satisfying, and surprisingly easy-to-make meal, then trust me, this is it. You absolutely have to try this recipe! But the best part? It's incredibly versatile! While I've shared my go-to method, feel free to get creative and adapt it to your own preferences. For a vegetarian twist, skip the chicken and add some sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers. If you're feeling adventurous, try swapping out the Parmesan cheese for Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier flavor. And for a little extra kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes added to the sauce will do the trick. Serving suggestions are endless! This Creamy Chicken Carbonara is fantastic on its own as a complete meal, but it also pairs beautifully with a simple side salad. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette will cut through the richness of the pasta and provide a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread is always a welcome addition, perfect for soaking up every last drop of that delicious sauce. For a more elegant presentation, garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. Beyond the classic pairings, consider serving this Creamy Chicken Carbonara with a glass of crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. The acidity of the wine will complement the richness of the sauce and enhance the overall dining experience. And don't forget dessert! A light and fruity dessert, such as a lemon sorbet or a berry tart, will provide a refreshing finish to the meal. I've poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I'm confident that you'll love it as much as I do. It's the perfect dish for a cozy weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or even a potluck with friends. The creamy texture and savory flavors are guaranteed to impress, and the ease of preparation makes it a winner in my book. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create some magic in the kitchen. I promise, this Creamy Chicken Carbonara will become a staple in your recipe repertoire. And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Once you've tried the recipe, please come back and share your thoughts in the comments below. Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? What did your family and friends think? Your feedback is invaluable, and I love hearing about your culinary adventures. Let's build a community of carbonara lovers! I can't wait to see what you create! Happy cooking!