If you’re looking for a dish that combines richness and comfort, look no further than this Chicken Carbonara recipe. Featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a luscious egg-based sauce, this pasta dish is perfect for a hearty meal that will leave you feeling satisfied.
Ingredients:
12 oz spaghetti
1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
6 slices bacon, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 large eggs
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
Cook the Spaghetti:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil.
Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Bacon:
In the same skillet, add the diced bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
Sauté Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the bacon fat and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Make the Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream.
Combine Everything:
Reduce the heat to low. Return the cooked chicken and bacon to the skillet. Add the cooked spaghetti and toss to combine.
Pour the egg mixture over the pasta, stirring quickly to create a creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to reach the desired consistency.
Season and Garnish:
Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Serve:
Serve the Chicken Carbonara immediately and enjoy this rich and creamy dish.
Serving Tips:
Serve Immediately: Chicken Carbonara is best enjoyed right after it’s made. The creamy sauce is at its peak when freshly prepared, so serve it immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Garnish: Enhance the presentation and flavor by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese.
Accompaniments: Pair with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to round out the meal.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The creamy sauce may thicken upon chilling, so you may need to add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to restore its original consistency.
Freezing: Chicken Carbonara can be frozen, but the texture of the pasta and sauce may change upon thawing. To freeze, place the dish in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag and store for up to 1-2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of milk or cream to help loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to ensure even heating. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be sure to add a small amount of liquid and stir halfway through to avoid uneven heating.
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FAQs:
Can I use a different type of pasta for Chicken Carbonara?
Yes, you can use other types of pasta such as fettuccine, penne, or linguine if you prefer. Just make sure to cook it according to the package instructions for the best results.
Can I substitute the heavy cream in the recipe?
If you want a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the richness and creaminess of the sauce.
Is it possible to make Chicken Carbonara ahead of time?
While Chicken Carbonara is best served immediately, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Cook the chicken, bacon, and pasta separately, and store them in the refrigerator. Combine and reheat with the sauce just before serving to maintain the best texture.
How can I make Chicken Carbonara vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of Chicken Carbonara, omit the chicken and bacon, and use a plant-based alternative such as mushrooms or tofu for added protein. You can also use vegetable broth instead of bacon fat for sautéing the garlic, and ensure the Parmesan cheese is vegetarian-friendly.
Conclusion:
This Chicken Carbonara is the ultimate comfort food, combining the savory flavors of chicken and bacon with a creamy sauce that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy this indulgent meal for a cozy dinner at home!
📖 Recipe:
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Chicken Carbonara
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Enjoy a rich and creamy Chicken Carbonara that’s perfect for a comforting meal. This indulgent pasta dish features tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a luscious egg-based sauce that will satisfy your cravings. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s a family favorite!
Ingredients
12 oz spaghetti
1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
6 slices bacon, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 large eggs
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon: In the same skillet, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
- Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet with the bacon fat and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream in a bowl.
- Combine Everything: Reduce heat to low. Return the chicken and bacon to the skillet, add the spaghetti, and toss to combine. Pour the egg mixture over the pasta, stirring quickly to create a creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
- Season and Garnish: Season with salt and black pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve: Serve immediately.
Notes
For a creamier sauce, add additional reserved pasta water as needed.
Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
