Chicken Carbonara Recipe (with Video)

Chicken Carbonara Recipe: Carbonara, a dish beloved for its creamy, savory goodness, gets a delightful twist with the addition of tender chicken.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this Chicken Carbonara recipe is sure to impress.

Let’s dive into the details!

Ingredients for Chicken Carbonara

For a rich and flavorful Chicken Carbonara, you’ll need the following:

Key Ingredients:

• 400g spaghetti or fettuccine
• 2 chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
• 4 strips of bacon, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Substitutions:

• Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
• Use turkey bacon or plant-based alternatives for a healthier twist.

Equipment Needed

Ensure you have these tools ready:

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Non-stick skillet for cooking chicken and bacon
• Mixing bowl for the sauce
• Whisk for blending the sauce ingredients
• Tongs for tossing the pasta and sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparing Chicken Carbonara

Preparing the Ingredients

Start by organizing your workspace. Dice the chicken, mince the garlic, and shred Parmesan cheese. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Cooking the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add diced chicken, seasoning it with salt and pepper.
3. Sauté for 6–8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Preparing the Sauce

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together egg yolks, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream.
2. Gradually add a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water, whisking continuously to temper the eggs.

Combining Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce

1. In the same skillet used for the chicken, cook diced bacon until crispy. Remove excess grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Lower the heat, then return the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet.
4. Pour the sauce over the pasta, tossing quickly to coat evenly.
5. Add more reserved pasta water as needed for a silky, creamy consistency.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Carbonara

Making Chicken Carbonara isn’t difficult, but there are a few key points to keep in mind to ensure it turns out perfectly:

Avoiding Common Mistakes

1. Don’t scramble the eggs: The sauce should be creamy, not scrambled. Make sure the skillet is off the heat or on very low heat when you add the egg mixture.
2. Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of the sauce.
3. Don’t overcook the pasta: Cooking it al dente helps it absorb the sauce better without becoming mushy.

Achieving the Perfect Texture

• Reserve enough pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
• Toss the pasta continuously when adding the sauce to ensure it coats evenly.

Variations of Chicken Carbonara

This recipe is versatile, and you can easily adapt it to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

Adding Vegetables

• Incorporate sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or peas for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy, savory twist.

Low-Carb and Gluten-Free Options

• Use spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice instead of pasta for a low-carb version.
• Swap out traditional pasta for gluten-free alternatives like chickpea or quinoa pasta.

Spicy Twist

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a bit of heat.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Chicken Carbonara with the perfect sides to create a memorable meal.

Best Side Dishes

• Garlic bread: A crispy slice of garlic bread complements the creamy pasta beautifully.
• Fresh salad: Serve with a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette to balance the richness.
• Steamed vegetables: Broccoli or asparagus are excellent choices to round out the meal.

Presentation Tips

• Sprinkle fresh parsley and a bit of extra Parmesan over the top before serving.
• Serve in a large pasta bowl for an authentic Italian restaurant feel.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers (a rare occurrence with this dish!), here’s how to store and reheat them while maintaining their delicious flavor.

Storing Leftovers

• Place the Chicken Carbonara in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Avoid freezing as the sauce may separate upon reheating.

Reheating Tips

• Warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat.
• Add a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy texture.

Nutritional Information

While Chicken Carbonara is indulgent, knowing the nutritional details can help you plan your meal.

Calories and Macronutrient Breakdown

• Per Serving (Approximate):
  • Calories: 680
  • Protein: 40g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fat: 32g

Making It Healthier

• Reduce the cheese and cream slightly or use low-fat alternatives.
• Add more vegetables to increase the fiber content and lower calorie density.

FAQs about Chicken Carbonara Recipe

What is Chicken Carbonara?

Chicken Carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish made with chicken, eggs, cheese, and pancetta or bacon. It combines the creamy texture of the sauce with the savory flavors of the meat, creating a rich and satisfying meal.

What kind of pasta should I use for Chicken Carbonara?

Spaghetti is the traditional choice for Carbonara dishes, but you can also use fettuccine, linguine, or bucatini. The key is to choose a pasta that will hold the creamy sauce well.

Can I make Chicken Carbonara without eggs?

While traditional Carbonara recipes include eggs, you can substitute with cream for a similar texture. Keep in mind that using cream instead of eggs will change the authentic flavor and consistency of the dish.

What can I use instead of pancetta?

If pancetta is not available, you can use bacon as a substitute. For a healthier option, turkey bacon or even vegetarian bacon can be used to mimic the smokiness of pancetta.

Is Chicken Carbonara healthy?

Chicken Carbonara can be high in calories and fat due to its creamy sauce and pancetta. For a healthier version, use lean chicken breast, low-fat cheese, and substitute half of the eggs with egg whites.

How do I prevent the eggs from scrambling in Chicken Carbonara?

To prevent the eggs from scrambling, remove the pan from the heat before adding your egg mixture. Stir quickly and constantly. The residual heat will cook the eggs gently without turning them into scrambled eggs.

Can Chicken Carbonara be reheated?

Reheating Chicken Carbonara can be tricky as the creamy sauce may split. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but if you must reheat it, do so over low heat, stirring gently to keep the sauce creamy.

What are the best garnishes for Chicken Carbonara?

A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a pinch of cracked black pepper, and some chopped parsley are perfect for enhancing the flavors and adding a touch of color to your Chicken Carbonara.

Conclusion

Chicken Carbonara is a creamy, hearty dish that combines the comforting flavors of pasta with the richness of chicken, bacon, and Parmesan. With a little preparation and attention to detail, you can recreate this restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen. Whether you’re experimenting with variations or sticking to the classic recipe, Chicken Carbonara is a meal that’s bound to delight every time.