This Chicken Carbonara Pasta is creamy and comforting, featuring tender chicken pieces wrapped in rich sauce and tossed with spaghetti. It’s a total crowd-pleaser!
You won’t believe how easy this dish is to whip up. I love that it feels fancy but is ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for any night of the week! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: This classic pasta is perfect for Carbonara. You can also use fettuccine or linguine if that’s what you have. Gluten-free pasta works too, just cook it according to the package instructions.
Chicken: Boneless chicken breasts are great, but you can use thighs for more flavor. If you’re vegetarian, try substituting with sautéed mushrooms or a store-bought meat substitute.
Pancetta or Bacon: Pancetta gives a rich flavor, but you can swap it for turkey bacon or even prosciutto. Just adjust the cooking time as prosciutto is more delicate.
Cheese: Parmesan cheese is a must for flavor, but Pecorino Romano is another tasty option. Nutritional yeast makes a good dairy-free substitute.
Heavy Cream: This adds creaminess, but you can leave it out for a lighter dish or use a plant-based cream if you prefer. A splash of milk can also work.
How Do You Create a Creamy Carbonara Sauce Without Scrambling the Eggs?
Making a creamy Carbonara sauce is key and requires a bit of technique. The goal is to cook the pasta so it’s hot enough to cook the eggs without scrambling. Here’s how to do it:
- Cook the spaghetti in salted water until al dente, then reserve some pasta water before draining.
- Remove the skillet from the heat after combining pasta, chicken, and pancetta. This is when you need to act quickly!
- Pour the egg and cheese mixture onto the hot pasta, stirring rapidly. The heat from the pasta will gently cook the eggs, forming a creamy sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve the desired creaminess.
Practice makes perfect! Don’t worry if it takes a few tries. Enjoy learning and savoring your delicious Carbonara!
How to Make Chicken Carbonara Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 oz (115 g) pancetta or bacon, diced
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Carbonara Pasta recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking, totaling around 25-30 minutes. It’s a quick and easy meal to satisfy your cravings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Spaghetti:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, don’t forget to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining it!
2. Cook the Pancetta/Bacon:
While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta (or bacon) and cook until it’s nice and crispy. Once done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside, leaving some delicious fat in the pan.
3. Cook the Chicken:
In that same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the chicken pieces and cook until they’re golden brown and fully cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic in the last minute, stirring gently. Once done, take it off the heat.
4. Make the Egg Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream (if you’re using it). Season generously with freshly ground black pepper.
5. Combine Everything:
Add the hot drained spaghetti to the skillet with the cooked chicken and crispy pancetta. Toss everything together to mix well.
6. Create the Sauce:
Now, here’s the key step: Remove the skillet from the heat and quickly pour the egg mixture over the hot pasta. Stir rapidly to coat the spaghetti and create a creamy sauce without cooking the eggs too much. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
7. Season and Serve:
Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and fresh black pepper if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley or thyme if you like. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Carbonara Pasta!
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, you can use fettuccine, linguine, or even penne. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
What If I Don’t Have Pancetta?
No worries! You can substitute pancetta with diced bacon, turkey bacon, or even prosciutto. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary with different types of meat.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Cream?
Definitely! The cream is optional. If you prefer a lighter dish, you can leave it out and rely on the eggs and cheese to create the sauce. It’ll still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the microwave in short intervals or warm gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or milk to revive the sauce.
