Chicken Carbonara is a comforting and hearty pasta dish that combines fettuccine with crispy bacon, tender chicken strips, and a rich, creamy sauce. This recipe adds sautéed chicken breasts to the traditional carbonara, providing extra protein and making it an ideal choice for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. If fettuccine isn’t available, you can substitute it with spaghetti, bucatini, linguine, or capellini.
Ingredients:
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12 oz. fettuccine
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4 slices bacon
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
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Kosher salt
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Freshly ground black pepper
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4 large eggs, beaten
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3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
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1/3 cup freshly chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
Directions:
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In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and return the pasta to the pot.
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While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the bacon for about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking until the bacon is crispy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes more. Transfer the bacon and garlic to a bowl and drain half of the fat from the skillet.
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Increase the heat to medium-high and add the chicken strips to the skillet. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is no longer pink, about 10 minutes.
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Reduce the heat to low and return the bacon and garlic to the skillet. Toss to combine, then add the cooked pasta and mix until well combined.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, and 1/3 cup chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
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Pour the egg mixture over the pasta, tossing quickly to ensure the eggs don’t scramble. Add the reserved pasta water a couple of tablespoons at a time until the sauce reaches a creamy consistency. Add more pasta water as needed.
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Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and parsley before serving. Serve immediately.
Nutrients (per serving):
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Calories: 600–700 kcal
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Protein: 40–50 g
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Carbohydrates: 50–60 g
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Fat: 20–30 g
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Saturated Fat: 8–10 g
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Cholesterol: 200–250 mg
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Sodium: 600–800 mg
Why Chicken Carbonara?
Traditional carbonara recipes are known for their simplicity, using a few key ingredients to create a flavor-packed dish. This Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara recipe adds a modern twist by including boneless, skinless chicken breasts, making it more filling and adding an extra dose of protein.
The addition of chicken in this version not only transforms the carbonara into a more substantial meal but also introduces a new depth of flavor. Chicken breasts, when cooked properly, are tender and juicy and serve as a perfect contrast to the crispy bacon. The combination of savory bacon and creamy sauce, with the lean protein from chicken, creates a balanced dish that satisfies all tastes and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight dinner or a dish that impresses guests at a dinner party, this chicken-enhanced carbonara fits the bill.
The Key Components of Chicken Carbonara
While the focus here is on the addition of chicken, several key ingredients elevate this dish to something truly extraordinary. Understanding these ingredients will help you make the best choice when preparing your version of Chicken Carbonara.
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Fettuccine: Fettuccine is the traditional pasta used for this dish, providing a broad, flat surface that allows the rich carbonara sauce to cling to each noodle. However, pasta substitution is a great option, and linguine, spaghetti, or bucatini can work as well. Choosing a pasta shape with a sturdy texture is important, as it holds up well to the creamy sauce without becoming mushy.
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Bacon: Bacon is a popular substitute for the traditional guanciale or pancetta found in carbonara. The crispy bacon bits provide that perfect crunch and smoky flavor, which complements the tender chicken and silky sauce. You can even experiment with thick-cut bacon or pancetta for a more authentic Italian flavor.
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Eggs: The use of eggs as a base for the sauce is what makes carbonara stand out from other pasta dishes. The eggs, when tossed with hot pasta, create a creamy and luxurious sauce that coats the noodles. To avoid scrambling the eggs, it’s important to toss them quickly with the pasta while the heat from the noodles gently cooks them.
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Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds an extra layer of savory depth to the sauce. It melts into the egg mixture and gives the carbonara its signature richness. While Parmesan is often used, Pecorino Romano is another option for those who prefer a sharper, more tangy cheese.
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Garlic and Parsley: A bit of minced garlic adds aromatic depth to the dish, while parsley gives the carbonara a refreshing burst of color and flavor. Fresh herbs brighten up the richness of the dish and can be used as a garnish as well.
Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Carbonara
To ensure that your Chicken Carbonara turns out as delicious as possible, here are a few tips and tricks:
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Cook the Chicken Properly: For the juiciest chicken, make sure not to overcook the strips. Chicken breasts can become dry if they’re cooked too long, so aim for a golden-brown exterior and juicy interior. Don’t hesitate to adjust the heat and cooking time based on the thickness of your chicken strips.
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Timing is Key with the Eggs: The most important aspect of making carbonara is timing. You want to toss the egg mixture into the hot pasta while stirring vigorously to prevent the eggs from scrambling. The residual heat of the pasta is all it takes to cook the eggs into a creamy, velvety sauce.
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Pasta Water is Your Friend: Always reserve some pasta water before draining your noodles. The starchy water can be added gradually to the carbonara sauce, helping to achieve the perfect creamy consistency. Add a little at a time and toss, adjusting the sauce as needed until it coats the pasta smoothly.
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Don’t Skimp on Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano is key to creating that rich, velvety sauce. Pre-grated cheese may not melt as well and can affect the texture of the sauce. For the best flavor and texture, take the extra step to grate your own cheese.
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Be Mindful of Salt: Bacon and Parmesan cheese are both salty, so be careful with how much additional salt you add. It’s always best to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go, especially after adding the pasta water, as it can change the overall saltiness of the dish.
Customizing Your Chicken Carbonara
One of the wonderful aspects of this Chicken Carbonara recipe is its versatility. While the basic ingredients form the foundation of the dish, there are a variety of ways to customize it to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
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Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian take, omit the chicken and bacon and replace them with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus. Mushrooms, in particular, offer a rich, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy carbonara sauce.
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Gluten-Free Option: If you follow a gluten-free diet, simply swap the regular pasta for gluten-free pasta. There are many excellent gluten-free pasta options available, including ones made from rice flour or chickpeas, which will work well in this recipe.
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Dairy-Free/Non-Dairy Options: For those who are lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free lifestyle, substitute the Parmesan cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative and use a dairy-free milk or cream substitute in place of the eggs and cheese mixture.
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Spicy Twist: If you like a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the bacon and garlic when sautéing for an extra kick. This adds a layer of complexity and flavor that pairs nicely with the richness of the carbonara sauce.
Conclusion
Chicken Carbonara is a comforting, satisfying dish that elevates the traditional carbonara with the addition of tender chicken and crispy bacon. The creamy, egg-based sauce envelops the pasta and creates a rich, velvety texture that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re preparing it for a special dinner or a quick weeknight meal, this dish is sure to impress.
By following a few simple tips and tricks, you can perfect your Chicken Carbonara and customize it to suit any dietary preference or taste. With its blend of flavors and textures, Chicken Carbonara will quickly become a family favorite on your dinner table.
So, next time you’re craving something hearty and delicious, give this Chicken Carbonara recipe a try. It’s an easy-to-make, yet indulgent, pasta dish that combines the best of both worlds—classic carbonara flavors with the added protein and heartiness of chicken. It’s comfort food at its finest, with a twist!