Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Carbonara
Description:
Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Carbonara is a rich and comforting pasta dish that combines juicy chicken, savory mushrooms, and a luxurious creamy egg-based sauce. Unlike traditional carbonara which uses pancetta, this variation features tender chicken breast and earthy mushrooms for a hearty, family-friendly twist. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this pasta brings together protein, umami, and a touch of indulgence in every bite.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
Pasta: 300g (10.5 oz) spaghetti or fettuccine
Chicken breast: 2 medium, sliced thinly
Mushrooms: 200g (7 oz), sliced (button or cremini work well)
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
Egg yolks: 3 large
Heavy cream: 1/2 cup (optional for extra creaminess)
Parmesan cheese: 1 cup grated
Olive oil: 1 tbs 1 tbsp
Salt & pepper: to tast
Fresh parsley: chopped, for garnish
Pasta water: 1/2 cup (reserved)
Instructions:
Total Time: 30–35 minutes
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20–25 minutes
Step-by-step:
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
Cook Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add chicken slices, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and fully cooked (about 5–6 mins). Remove and set aside.
Sauté Mushrooms & Garlic:
In the same skillet, add
Sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then add mushrooms.
Cook until mushrooms are golden brown and moisture evaporates (5–6 mins).
Make the Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, grated Parmesan, and cream (if using).
Combine:
Return chicken to the skillet with mushrooms.
Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together.
Remove from heat. Quickly pour in the egg-cheese mixture while tossing the pasta constantly (this prevents the eggs from scrambling).
Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until a silky sauce forms.
Serve:
Season with black pepper.
Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~620 kcal
Protein: 37g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fat: 31g
Saturated fat: 15g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 480m
Cholesterol: 240mg Questions & Answers
Is carbonara supposed to have cream?
Traditionally, no. Authentic Roman carbonara uses just eggs, cheese, pasta water, and pancetta. However, this version adds cream for extra richness and to balance the chicken and mushrooms.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicier and add more flavor.
How can I make it healthier?
Use whole-wheat pasta
Swap cream for Greek yogurt or skip it
Reduce cheese slightly and increase mushroom quantity
How to avoid scrambled eggs in the sauce?
Remove the skillet from heat before adding the egg mixture, and toss quickly. Gradually add pasta water to temper the eggs and achieve a creamy texture.
Can it be made vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken, and double the mushrooms or add spinach, zucc
hini, or peas.