Name: Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs); 6 slices thick-cut bacon; 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped; Freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

There’s something magical about the moment you take a bite of Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara. The creamy sauce clings to each strand of pasta, while tender chicken mingles with crispy bacon, creating a symphony of flavors that dances on your palate. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests.

As I stir my pot, memories flood in—my best friend and I whipping this up during late-night study sessions in college. We had no idea we were crafting culinary gold while trying to avoid writing that dreadful paper. Now, every time I make this dish, I’m transported back to those carefree days filled with laughter and delicious food.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

You can whip up this Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights
The rich and creamy sauce tantalizes your taste buds while being incredibly satisfying
With its beautiful presentation, it’s sure to impress family and friends alike
Plus, you can easily customize ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs

Every time I serve this dish, my family raves about it—it’s become a household favorite that never fails to satisfy.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for extra flavor; the crispiness adds a delightful texture.
Pasta (Spaghetti or Fettuccine): Choose your favorite type; al dente is the way to go for perfect texture.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its luscious creaminess; don’t skimp on quality!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan enhances flavor; avoid pre-grated for the best results.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are key here; they add aromatic depth and warmth to the sauce.
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley brings freshness and color to the finished dish.
Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper provides a punch that balances the creaminess beautifully.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once boiling, add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.

Crisp Up That Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crispy. This will only take about 5-7 minutes. The aroma will be irresistible!

Sauté Chicken and Garlic: Remove bacon from pan; in the same skillet, add cubed chicken seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.

Create the Creamy Sauce: Lower heat; pour in heavy cream while stirring frequently. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and mix well until melted and creamy. Season generously with fresh black pepper for that zesty kick.

Toss It All Together!: Drain your pasta (reserving some pasta water). Combine pasta with chicken mixture in the skillet; if needed, add reserved water for desired creaminess. Toss in crispy bacon and chopped parsley just before serving.

Enjoy every mouthful of this Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara! Your taste buds will thank you as they bask in creamy goodness with every bite!

You Must Know

The Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara isn’t just delicious; it’s a game-changer for weeknight dinners
With creamy sauce and crispy pancetta, it brings restaurant-quality flavors home
Plus, it’s remarkably quick to prepare, making it perfect for those busy evenings when cooking feels like a chore

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken until golden brown, then cook the pasta while preparing the rich carbonara sauce. This sequence ensures everything is hot and fresh when served.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in turkey or veggie bacon for a lighter version. Toss in peas or spinach for added color and nutrition that won’t compromise flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of cream to restore creaminess.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the pasta; al dente is essential for texture
Use freshly grated cheese for best flavor and melting properties
Remember to reserve some pasta water to adjust your sauce consistency if needed

This dish has brought friends together around my table more times than I can count, with laughter echoing long after the plates were empty.

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use other types of meat?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute chicken with shrimp or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option.

What type of pasta works best?

Spaghetti is classic, but fettuccine or penne also work wonderfully for this creamy dish.

How do I make it less rich?

Consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reducing the amount of cheese used.