Indulge in the creamy, savory goodness of this Creamy Chicken Carbonara recipe that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a luscious, cheesy sauce.

This dish elevates the traditional Italian favorite with the addition of succulent chicken breasts, making it a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.

Serve it with a fresh salad or crusty bread for a complete meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 pound spaghetti
8 strips of bacon, diced
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup grated pecorino romano cheese
4 egg yolks
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: In a large pan, cook diced bacon over medium heat until crispy.

Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.

Step 3: Cook chicken breasts in the same pan for 4-5 minutes per side, or until browned.

Remove from the pan and let rest.

Step 4: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan.

Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 5: In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, parmesan cheese, pecorino romano cheese, and egg yolks to form the sauce.

Step 6: Cut cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and return to the pan.

Pour the cream mixture over the chicken and stir to combine.

Step 7: Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan, tossing to coat the pasta in the sauce.

Stir in crispy bacon, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, substitute spaghetti with fettuccine, penne, or linguine. Use a pasta that holds the creamy sauce well.

2. How do I prevent the eggs from scrambling in the sauce?

Ensure the pan is not too hot when adding the egg mixture. Continuously stir while incorporating the pasta to temper the eggs.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Creamy Chicken Carbonara is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare it ahead and reheat with a splash of cream or milk to restore its texture.

4. Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

Yes, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives. Note the flavor will differ slightly.

5. Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly. Just cut it into bite-sized pieces and add when mixing the sauce.

6. How can I make this dish healthier?

Opt for whole wheat pasta, turkey bacon, and light cream or half-and-half to make this dish lighter while still delicious.