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creamy chicken carbonara
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creamy chicken carbonara

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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: chicken
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

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

Method
 

  1. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.
Freezing: Not recommended due to the cream and egg-based sauce.