Welcome to our delicious recipe for creamy chicken carbonara! This classic Italian pasta dish is the epitome of comfort food, combining succulent chicken with a rich and creamy sauce. Made with bacon or pancetta, whisked eggs, and hard cheese, this dish is bursting with flavour and perfect for a quick and delightful dinner. The creamy carbonara sauce, made with eggs, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, fresh herbs, and sometimes cream, creates a lusciously smooth and delectable pasta dish that is sure to impress.
Whether you’re a fan of easy carbonara recipes or simply adore creamy pasta dishes, this chicken carbonara recipe is a must-try. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and the velvety sauce will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. With its perfect blend of ingredients, this creamy chicken carbonara will become your go-to recipe for a quick and satisfying meal.
So, let’s dive into the details of how to make this irresistible dish that will delight your family and friends. Get ready for a culinary adventure that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy!
Chicken Carbonara Recipe Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 8 spaghetti
- 2 chicken breasts, skinless and boneless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 large egg yolks
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Olive oil
- bacon
- black pepper
Chicken Carbonara Recipe Instructions
Making chicken carbonara is a straightforward process that can be completed in approximately 30 minutes. Follow these steps to create a delicious and satisfying dish:
- Cook the bacon: Start by cooking thick-cut bacon in a skillet until crispy. Once cooked, set the bacon aside on a paper towel to drain excess grease.
- Prepare the chicken: In the same skillet, cook the chicken with garlic in the flavorful bacon fat. Sauté until the chicken is cooked through and has a golden brown color.
- Add the bacon and pasta: Return the cooked bacon to the skillet with the chicken. Cooked bacon, when added back to the skillet along with linguine or your choice of pasta, adds an additional layer of smoky flavor to the dish. Combine the ingredients well.
- Mix in the carbonara sauce: In a separate bowl, prepare the carbonara sauce by whisking together eggs, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and fresh basil until well combined. Pour the sauce over the chicken, bacon, and pasta in the skillet, stirring continuously.
- Infuse flavors: The hot pasta and warm skillet will gently cook the eggs in the carbonara sauce without scrambling them, resulting in a velvety texture. Allow the ingredients to simmer together, infusing the flavors of the sauce into the pasta.
- Finish and garnish: Serve the chicken carbonara with cracked black pepper, a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and a scattering of chopped basil. These final touches add a burst of freshness and enhance the overall presentation of the dish.
Enjoy your homemade chicken carbonara with its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta. Savor the blend of flavors in each forkful as you indulge in this classic Italian dish!
Variations of Chicken Carbonara
While the traditional chicken carbonara recipe calls for bacon or pancetta, there are variations that you can try to add a unique twist to this classic dish. One popular variation is adding chicken and bacon together, creating a mouthwatering combination of flavours in your carbonara. By including both chicken and bacon, you get the best of both worlds with tender chicken and crispy bacon complementing each other perfectly.
Another variation to consider is incorporating different types of pasta into your chicken carbonara. While spaghetti is the most commonly used pasta, you can experiment with other pasta shapes such as linguine, tagliatelle, or even penne to add some variety to your dish. Pasta carbonara with chicken can be equally delicious with different pasta options, giving your meal an interesting texture and appearance.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also explore adding additional ingredients to the carbonara sauce. For example, mushrooms are a popular choice that adds earthiness and depth to the dish. Alternatively, you can include peas for a burst of freshness and vibrant color. These additions not only enhance the flavour profile of your chicken carbonara but also provide a delightful contrast to the creaminess of the sauce.
Remember, there are no strict rules when it comes to cooking, so don’t hesitate to get creative with your chicken carbonara! By trying out different variations and experimenting with ingredients, you can tailor the dish to your taste preferences and create a personalised twist on the classic chicken carbonara recipe.
Try These Exciting Variations
- Chicken and bacon carbonara
- Pasta carbonara with chicken
- Chicken and mushroom carbonara
- Chicken carbonara with peas
- Chicken carbonara with sundried tomatoes
Preparation and Cooking Time
The preparation and cooking time for chicken carbonara is relatively quick. It takes about 30 minutes to make this delicious pasta dish from start to finish.
Before you begin, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. For this recipe, you will need chicken, bacon, linguine (or your choice of pasta), eggs, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and fresh basil.
Begin by cutting the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Similarly, cut the bacon into small strips. This prep work will ensure that everything cooks evenly and allows for easy incorporation into the carbonara sauce.
As you prepare the chicken and bacon, you can bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the linguine and cook according to the package instructions.
While the pasta is cooking, you can move on to making the carbonara sauce. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. This simple yet flavourful sauce will give the dish its creamy texture.
In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Once cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, cook the chicken in the bacon fat until it’s golden brown and cooked through.
By this point, the pasta should be ready. Drain the cooked linguine and add it directly to the skillet with the chicken. Toss everything together to evenly distribute the chicken and pasta.
Finally, pour the carbonara sauce over the pasta and toss it all together, making sure each strand of pasta is coated. The heat from the pasta and skillet will cook the eggs in the sauce, creating a creamy and delicious coating for the pasta.
For a finishing touch, sprinkle some freshly chopped basil and cracked black pepper over the dish. This will add a pop of colour and freshness to the final presentation.
And there you have it! A tasty and satisfying chicken carbonara in just under 30 minutes. It’s a perfect recipe for those busy weeknights when you want a quick yet delicious dinner. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Chicken carbonara is a versatile dish that can be served in various delightful ways.
- Serve it with your choice of pasta, such as linguine, spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne, for a classic presentation of this creamy carbonara recipe.
- For a healthier option, serve it over zucchini noodles or with steamed vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower, adding a nutritious twist to your chicken carbonara.
- If you prefer a heartier meal, accompany it with rice or garlic bread, perfect for soaking up the delicious carbonara sauce.
Regardless of your serving choice, don’t forget to garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, elevating the flavors of your chicken carbonara to new heights.
Nutrition Details
When it comes to enjoying a delicious chicken carbonara recipe, it’s important to be aware of the nutrition details. The specific ingredients and portion sizes used can vary, but a typical serving of chicken carbonara contains approximately 706 calories, 37.2g of carbohydrates, 91.4g of protein, and 20.7g of fat. These values are estimates and may differ based on individual ingredients and cooking methods. To get a more accurate understanding of the nutritional content in your dish, consulting a nutritionist or using a food tracking app is recommended.
Incorporating chicken carbonara into your diet provides a hearty and protein-packed meal. With 91.4g of protein per serving, it’s a satisfying option that can help meet your daily protein requirements. However, it’s important to be mindful of the fat content as well, with 20.7g of fat per serving. Balancing the nutritional aspects of the dish with other healthy food choices throughout the day is key.
Conclusion
Chicken carbonara is a mouthwatering pasta dish that encapsulates the essence of authentic Italian cuisine. With its creamy carbonara sauce and tender chicken, this recipe is the ideal choice for those seeking a quick and delectable dinner option. Whether you prefer the traditional carbonara or want to explore variations with additional ingredients, chicken carbonara offers versatility that caters to everyone’s taste. So why not give this recipe a try and treat yourself to a luscious and genuinely Italian carbonara experience?
FAQs
What is chicken carbonara?
Chicken carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish made with succulent chicken, creamy carbonara sauce, and bacon or pancetta.
What are the nutrition details of chicken carbonara?
The nutrition information for chicken carbonara can vary, but a typical serving contains approximately 706 calories, 37.2g of carbohydrates, 91.4g of protein, and 20.7g of fat.
Is chicken carbonara an authentic Italian dish?
Yes, chicken carbonara is inspired by the traditional Italian pasta dish carbonara.
Chicken Carbonara Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 chicken breasts skinless and boneless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cloves of garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 large egg yolks
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
- Olive oil
- bacon
- black pepper
Instructions
- Start by cooking thick-cut bacon in a skillet until crispy. Once cooked, set the bacon aside on a paper towel to drain excess grease.bacon, Olive oil
- In the same skillet, cook the chicken with garlic in the flavorful bacon fat. Sauté until the chicken is cooked through and has a golden brown color.2 cloves of garlic
- Return the cooked bacon to the skillet with the chicken. Cooked bacon, when added back to the skillet along with linguine or your choice of pasta, adds an additional layer of smoky flavor to the dish. Combine the ingredients well.2 chicken breasts, 8 oz spaghetti
- In a separate bowl, prepare the carbonara sauce by whisking together eggs, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and fresh basil until well combined. Pour the sauce over the chicken, bacon, and pasta in the skillet, stirring continuously.3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 3 large egg yolks, Salt and pepper to taste, black pepper
- The hot pasta and warm skillet will gently cook the eggs in the carbonara sauce without scrambling them, resulting in a velvety texture. Allow the ingredients to simmer together, infusing the flavors of the sauce into the pasta.1 cup heavy cream
- Serve the chicken carbonara with cracked black pepper, a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and a scattering of chopped basil. These final touches add a burst of freshness and enhance the overall presentation of the dish.Fresh parsley
