Creamy Chicken Carbonara is a luscious, comfort-filled pasta dish that blends classic carbonara flavors with a creamy twist. Featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce, this meal delivers indulgent flavor in every forkful. The sauce is silky and satisfying, perfectly clinging to strands of pasta and bringing everything together in true Italian-American comfort food fashion. If you’re craving a hearty meal that’s both simple to prepare and packed with restaurant-quality flavor, this recipe is your perfect match. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners or a cozy date night at home.
What Makes This Dish Special?
Traditional carbonara is already a beloved classic—but adding cream, chicken, and garlic takes it to the next level of comfort and satisfaction. The bacon adds a smoky crunch, while the chicken provides heartiness, making it a complete one-dish dinner. This creamy version keeps the essence of the original while embracing a richer, smoother texture that the whole family will love.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti (or fettuccine)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 5 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large egg yolks
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
2. Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Leave a small amount of bacon fat in the skillet.
3. Sauté the Chicken
Add olive oil to the skillet. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then cook until golden and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
4. Prepare the Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to low. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and smooth.
5. Temper the Egg Yolks
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks. Slowly whisk in a few spoonfuls of the hot cream sauce to temper the yolks, then pour the mixture back into the skillet, stirring constantly to avoid scrambling.
6. Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and bacon back into the skillet. Toss everything gently until well coated. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
7. Garnish and Serve
Plate the pasta and garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately for the best texture.
Variations
- Add Veggies: Try peas, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms for color and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- Cheese Swap: Use pecorino Romano or a blend of Italian cheeses.
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Small bowl (for tempering eggs)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs or pasta fork
Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)
- Calories: ~650
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 38g
- Protein: 38g
- Sugar: 2g
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk.
- Freezing: Not recommended due to the cream and egg-based sauce.
My Cooking Experience
I’ve made this creamy carbonara dozens of times, and it never fails to impress. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy, but comes together with basic ingredients and little effort. The silky sauce, crispy bacon, and tender chicken create a balanced and decadent meal that’s always a hit—especially on cooler nights when comfort food calls.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken Carbonara is a dreamy dinner that checks all the boxes: it’s comforting, flavorful, rich, and simple to make. It brings the soul of traditional carbonara into a more indulgent, creamy format that’s hard to resist. Once you try it, you’ll keep coming back to this go-to pasta night favorite.
creamy chicken carbonara
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Leave a small amount of bacon fat in the skillet.
- Add olive oil to the skillet. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then cook until golden and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to low. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and smooth.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks. Slowly whisk in a few spoonfuls of the hot cream sauce to temper the yolks, then pour the mixture back into the skillet, stirring constantly to avoid scrambling.
- Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and bacon back into the skillet. Toss everything gently until well coated. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Plate the pasta and garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately for the best texture.
Notes
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk.
