Chicken carbonara pasta
Chicken Carbonara Pasta is a creamy and comforting dish that brings together tender pieces of chicken, silky pasta, crispy bacon, and a rich sauce made with eggs and cheese. It’s…
Tip: save now, cook later.Chicken Carbonara Pasta is a creamy and comforting dish that brings together tender pieces of chicken, silky pasta, crispy bacon, and a rich sauce made with eggs and cheese. It’s a wonderful twist on the classic Italian carbonara, adding hearty chicken for an extra boost of flavor and protein.
I love making this dish because it comes together so quickly and feels like a special meal even on a busy weeknight. The way the sauce gently coats the noodles and chicken makes every bite smooth and full of satisfying flavors. A little sprinkle of black pepper and fresh parsley on top finishes it off perfectly.
My favorite way to enjoy this pasta is straight from the pan, paired with a simple green salad or steamed veggies. It’s one of those dishes that everyone seems to enjoy, and I always get asked to make it again. Plus, leftovers taste just as good warmed up the next day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is great for tender pieces that cook quickly. You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier bite and richer flavor.
Pancetta or Bacon: Pancetta is the classic choice, but bacon works well and adds a smoky touch. For a vegetarian version, try smoked mushrooms or omit this ingredient.
Eggs & Parmesan Cheese: Eggs create that creamy sauce without cream, while Parmesan gives a sharp, nutty flavor. You can substitute Pecorino Romano for a saltier taste.
Pasta: Spaghetti or bucatini are traditional and perfect for this recipe. Feel free to swap with fettuccine or linguine based on what you have.
How Do You Make the Carbonara Sauce Creamy Without Scrambling the Eggs?
The secret is to mix the egg and cheese off the heat. Here’s how to do it:
- Once the pasta and chicken are cooked and still hot, remove the pan from the burner.
- Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta quickly, tossing it all the time to coat evenly.
- Add a little reserved pasta water gradually to loosen the sauce and make it silky smooth.
Moving off the heat and tossing fast helps prevent the eggs from cooking into scrambled bits, giving you a lovely creamy sauce every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – for boiling the pasta; big enough so the noodles cook evenly without sticking together.
- Large skillet or frying pan – perfect for cooking the chicken and pancetta in one pan, making cleanup easier.
- Mixing bowl – to whisk together the eggs and cheese smoothly before adding to the pasta.
- Wooden spoon or tongs – helps you toss the pasta and sauce gently without breaking the noodles.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep your ingredient amounts just right, especially for the reserved pasta water.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for shrimp to add a seafood twist that cooks quickly and pairs well with the creamy sauce.
- Use smoked mozzarella instead of Parmesan for a milder, gooey cheese flavor.
- Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy taste and extra texture that works nicely alongside the bacon.
- Stir in fresh spinach or peas at the end for color and a boost of healthy greens.
Chicken Carbonara Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or bucatini pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz (340 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 oz (115 g) pancetta or bacon, chopped
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 1/4 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Carbonara Pasta takes about 25 to 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the chicken and pancetta, 10 to 12 minutes boiling the pasta, plus a few minutes mixing and combining everything. It’s quick and perfect for a tasty weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite). Before draining, scoop out and save 1/4 cup of the pasta water to use later for the sauce.
2. Prepare the Pancetta and Chicken:
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped pancetta or bacon and cook until crisp and browned. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the flavorful fat in the pan.
Next, add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and golden on the outside. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce and Combine:
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, a pinch of salt, and lots of freshly ground black pepper.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the chicken, then remove the pan from the heat to avoid scrambling the eggs. Quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot pasta and chicken, tossing well and rapidly to combine. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and make it creamy.
4. Finish and Serve:
Stir in the crispy pancetta or bacon. Taste and add more salt or pepper if you like. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan on top if you want a pretty garnish.
Serve your warm, creamy Chicken Carbonara Pasta right away and enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight before cooking. Pat it dry to prevent extra moisture, which helps the chicken brown nicely in the pan.
Can I Make Chicken Carbonara Pasta Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and pancetta in advance and store them separately. When ready, cook the pasta fresh and toss everything together with the egg mixture just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or milk to help loosen the sauce and keep it creamy.
What Can I Substitute for Pancetta or Bacon?
If you prefer, smoked turkey bacon or even mushrooms sautéed with a bit of smoked paprika can add a similar savory flavor. For vegetarians, omit the pork and boost the garlic and cheese for richness.
