Chicken Carbonara Recipe
Chicken Carbonara is a tasty twist on the classic Italian pasta dish, Carbonara, which traditionally features eggs, cheese, pancetta, and pepper. This version incorporates tender, seasoned chicken breasts and crispy bacon, combined with a rich and creamy sauce made from heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and egg yolks. The result is a comforting, flavorful dish that's perfect for a hearty dinner. Whether you're cooking for family or entertaining guests, Chicken Carbonara is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 lb spaghetti or fettuccine
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest. Once cooled, slice it into thin strips.
Cook the Bacon:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy.
- Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.
Cook the Pasta:
- While the bacon is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and egg yolks until smooth.
Combine Everything:
- Return the skillet with the bacon fat to medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked pasta to the skillet.
- Pour the cream mixture over the pasta and toss to combine. Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Add the cooked bacon, sliced chicken, and peas (if using) to the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
Serve:
- Divide the pasta among serving plates.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!