Chicken Carbonara Recipe
Chicken Carbonara is a creamy, indulgent Italian pasta dish made with tender chicken, crispy pancetta (or bacon), eggs, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper. It’s a rich and satisfying meal that comes together quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
12 oz (340g) spaghetti or fettuccine
1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
For the Sauce:
2 large eggs
1 large egg yolk
1 cup (100g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
For the Chicken & Pancetta:
2 tbsp olive oil
2 small chicken breasts, diced
½ tsp salt (adjust as needed)
¼ tsp black pepper
4 oz (115g) pancetta or bacon, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
For Garnish:
Extra Parmesan cheese
Chopped parsley
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce
4. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, egg yolk, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper. Set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken & Pancetta
5. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 5-6 minutes). Remove and set aside.
6. In the same skillet, add another 1 tbsp olive oil and cook the pancetta (or bacon) until crispy (about 3-4 minutes).
7. Add minced garlic and saute for 30 seconds.
4. Combine Everything
8. Reduce heat to low. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
9. Add the drained pasta and toss with the pancetta and chicken.
10. Remove from heat and quickly pour in the egg-Parmesan mixture, tossing continuously to coat the pasta. (Tip: Use reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to make the sauce creamier.)
5. Serve & Garnish
11. Plate the pasta and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~650 kcal
Protein: 45g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 210mg
Sodium: 850mg
Fiber: 3g
Cooking Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Notes & Tips
Traditional Carbonara doesn’t use cream—eggs and cheese create the creamy texture.
Use high-quality Parmesan for the best flavor.
Work quickly when adding the egg mixture to avoid scrambling the eggs.
For a smoky flavor, substitute pancetta with smoked bacon.
Use spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine for the best results.
This dish is best served immediately but can be reheated gently with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Enjoy!