🤤 Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe – Easy Instructions

Imagine this: it’s a weekday night, and you want a tasty, home-cooked dish. But, you don’t want to spend too long cooking. You recall your friend talking about a *creamy chicken carbonara* dish that’s both easy and delicious. You think, “Why not give it a shot?”

With a handful of basic ingredients and 15 minutes, you’re set for a memorable meal. This dish will make you feel like you’re dining in Rome.

What makes this dish so good? The use of the finest *Pecorino Romano* and *Parmigiano Reggiano* cheeses, for one. Plus, the perfect mix of whole eggs and yolks for a smooth, dreamy sauce. And don’t forget the secret step – cooking the *guanciale* just right. This brings a crisp, yet chewy texture to the dish.

Before you know it, you’re savoring authentic, mouthwatering *creamy chicken carbonara*. This recipe combines ease with a taste of luxury.

Key Takeaways

• High-quality *Pecorino Romano* and *Parmigiano Reggiano* are essential.
• Use a ratio of 1 whole egg to 3 yolks for a rich sauce.
• Fry *guanciale* for 4-5 minutes until crispy yet chewy.
• Finely grated cheese helps emulsify the sauce better.
• Serve the pasta in warm bowls to maintain its creamy texture.

Introduction to Chicken Carbonara

Chicken Carbonara puts a delicious twist on the classic Roman pasta. It adds creamy textures and bold flavors that people love in Italian food. Originally made in the 1950s, it has grown to be a favorite dish worldwide. While the traditional recipe uses guanciale, ours has juicy chicken breast for extra protein.

The authentic chicken carbonara way skips the heavy cream. Instead, it uses a smooth sauce made from eggs and Parmesan. This keeps the recipe close to its Roman roots. It’s creamy but not loaded with calories, making it a healthy choice too.

Our traditional chicken carbonara is perfect for everyone, no matter their cooking level. You’ll need 12 oz. of spaghetti, 8 bacon slices, 1 lb. of chicken breast, garlic, eggs, Parmesan, and lemon zest. Each helping has around 615 calories, 25g of fat, 62g of protein, and 33g of carbs. It’s a balanced meal that feels indulgent.

Making this chicken carbonara is fun and only takes about 40 minutes. Prep time is just 5 minutes, with 35 more for cooking. It’s great for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy dinner. This dish combines authenticity with an easy preparation.

Why Choose Our Creamy Chicken Carbonara?

Our creamy chicken carbonara is the perfect mix of old and new. It uses classic Italian ingredients, such as Pecorino Romano and Parmigiano Reggiano, but adds a modern touch. This dish is quick to make, fitting your fast-paced life while still offering true Italian taste.

Authentic Flavors with Modern Twist

This recipe takes the essence of Italy and upgrades it for today. With items like freshly ground black pepper and perfect parmesan egg mix, it’s truly special. The choice of guanciale or pancetta brings a rich, unique taste, keeping the dish’s Italian soul.

Quick and Easy Preparation

Ready in just 15 minutes, this recipe is both easy and delicious. It uses easy-to-find ingredients like chicken thighs and extra virgin olive oil. The method is simple from start to finish, making it great for everyone, no matter their cooking skill.

Ingredients Needed for Chicken Carbonara

To make a tasty chicken carbonara, you must use fresh, quality items. They add an authentic and yummy flavor.

Main Ingredients

Here are the main things you need:

• 12-14 ounces of linguine
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 4 strips of thick-cut bacon or pancetta
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 eggs (2 whole eggs and 2 egg yolks)
• 1 1/4 cups of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup of grated Pecorino Romano cheese
• Reserved pasta water (1/2 cup)
• Whole black peppercorns, freshly ground

Optional Add-ins

Make your chicken carbonara special by adding these ingredients:

• 1/3 cup of heavy cream for added richness
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Red pepper flakes for a hint of heat
• Extra minced garlic for a more intense flavor

With these ingredients, your chicken carbonara will have a perfect mix of creamy sauce, tasty meats, and delicious pasta. It will be a dish everyone will remember.

Preparation Steps for the Perfect Chicken Carbonara

Making homemade chicken carbonara is key to its great taste and texture. Start by cutting the guanciale into strips. Be sure to take off the tough part. Then, fry it until it’s nice and crispy. You can use pancetta if you can’t find guanciale.

Cut the chicken breasts into small pieces for the chicken carbonara pasta recipe. Next, finely chop or grate two cloves of garlic. Then, cook the chicken and garlic in the bacon drippings until the chicken is done. This careful handling of each ingredient is what makes the carbonara pasta stand out.

Now, move on to the cheese. Grate it as fine as snow. This makes the sauce smooth and creamy, a must for true carbonara. Freshly ground pepper gives a special zing when toasted. This step is very important. The original carbonara is all about the eggs, cheese, and pasta water for creaminess. Heavy cream is an extra touch for a richer taste, but not a must.

Focusing on prep helps finish the homemade chicken carbonara in just 30 minutes. It’s budget-friendly and loved by many. Perfect for nights when you need something quick or for celebrating. Just follow the steps to enjoy a delicious carbonara, keeping the old recipe alive with a new twist.

Cooking the Pasta to Perfection

Making pasta just right is key when you’re cooking a delicious chicken carbonara pasta recipe. You want the pasta to be cooked al dente. This means it’s not too soft but still a bit firm. It should be a bit chewy and soak your sauce in just the right way. Start by boiling a big pot of water with salt. Cook the pasta for 8-10 minutes or as the box says, stirring now and then.

When the pasta is just right (al dente), drain it. Save a bit of the pasta water. This starchy water will help make your sauce perfect. Then, mix the drained pasta right into the carbonara sauce. Doing this lets the pasta soak up all the delicious flavors. This makes your traditional chicken carbonara taste even better.

Adjusting the sauce is important. You slowly mix in some of the pasta water. This makes the sauce just the right thickness. You want it to be creamy but not too thick. This careful step makes your chicken carbonara pasta recipe stand out. It gives you a true and delicious eatery feel.

The Role of Cheese in Chicken Carbonara

Cheese is key in the best chicken carbonara. It brings creaminess and rich flavor. A great chicken carbonara mixes eggs’ richness with cheese’s sharp, salty taste. This makes a dish that’s both creamy and unforgettable.

Choosing the Right Cheese

To make a delicious creamy chicken carbonara, pick top-notch cheeses. The classic Pecorino Romano and Parmigiano Reggiano are the usuals. But sometimes, chefs use Asiago and Parmesan. These cheeses add sharpness that perfectly balances the eggs and bacon, making every bite tasty.

Grating Techniques

The way you grate the cheese matters to get the right texture. For a smooth, creamy sauce, grate it finely. Use the fine side of your grater to get it like snow. This makes the cheese blend in smoothly, giving your carbonara a creamy finish.

Picking and grating your cheeses thoughtfully can turn your Chicken Carbonara into a gourmet delight. It will be known for its perfect balance and creamy finish.

Creating the Creamy Sauce without Cream

In creamy chicken carbonara, the sauce is rich and velvety without any cream. It uses egg yolks and certain methods. This way is both true to the classic recipe and healthier than using cream.

The Importance of Egg Yolks

Egg yolks are key in making the perfect creamy sauce. They add richness and mix well with everything. Their protein and fat blend with guanciale fat and pasta water. This creates a creamy sauce that perfectly coats the spaghetti.

Mixing Techniques

To make the best creamy chicken carbonara, mixing the sauce is important. First, whisk the egg yolks well. Save some pasta water after cooking to help the sauce. Mix the yolks with the pasta slowly, adding the water as you go.

This way, the sauce won’t curdle. It will become smooth and creamy. It gets its perfect texture without using cream.

This recipe keeps the traditional taste of carbonara. It also makes easy chicken carbonara that tastes great.

How to Perfectly Cook Chicken for Carbonara

Getting the best chicken carbonara means cooking the chicken just right. For this dish, slice chicken breasts in half to make 4 filets. This way, it cooks evenly and stays juicy.

To make it rich, consider these ingredients:

• 8 ounces (250 grams) of bacon: Cut the fat off and slice it thinly.
• Parmesan cheese: Use 3 tablespoons to coat the chicken. Add another 1/2 cup for the sauce.
• Half and half: You’ll need 1-1/2 cups. If you want, you can use lighter cream or milk.

For less carbs, coat the chicken with Parmesan cheese or don’t coat it at all. You can also thicken the sauce with a mix of cornstarch and water.

Heat a skillet on medium heat. Then, cook the chicken filets for 5 minutes on each side. They should be golden brown and fully cooked but still tender.

By paying close attention, your chicken will be just right for the creamy sauce. These steps are key in making a memorable chicken carbonara dish, whether you go for full flavor or something lighter.

Combining All Ingredients Seamlessly

Moving from prepping to the final dish of easy chicken carbonara is both careful and clear. First, make sure your pasta is just right. It should be cooked al dente. This means it’s chewy yet soft and will mix perfectly with the sauce.

In a big bowl, combine two large eggs and Parmesan cheese. After your pasta is cooked, put it in this mix while it’s hot. This warms the mix just enough to make a creamy sauce without cooking the eggs too much.

Add in the chicken next, making sure each piece gets coated with the sauce. Bacon or pancetta brings a rich flavor. Toss in some pasta water to make the sauce smoother and cover every pasta strand well.

Timing is key. Move fast but mind the details to make a perfect homemade chicken carbonara.

To end, sprinkle black pepper and more Parmesan. This simple step brings out the best in every ingredient, giving you a tasty and refined homemade chicken carbonara.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Chicken Carbonara Recipe

Crafting a top-notch chicken carbonara relies on superb ingredients and precise methods. Here’s advice from the pros to guide you. They’ll help ensure your chicken carbonara is authentic and impressive.

Using Fresh Ingredients

Start by choosing fresh items. Grated Parmesan cheese, chicken strips, and minced garlic make the flavors perfect together. Your dish should include:

• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 eggs for the carbonara sauce
• 4 strips of thick-cut bacon or pancetta chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced or grated

Only fresh ingredients will make your chicken carbonara creamy and tasty.

Maintaining the Right Temperature

The heat control is crucial for real chicken carbonara. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Cook the Chicken: Sauté the chicken till just done. Don’t overdo it or it’ll dry up.
2. Cook Pasta Al Dente: Pasta should be just right, helping sauce stick to it well.
3. Mixing the Sauce: Warm the cheese and egg mix with pasta water to avoid egg clumps.
4. Temperature Control: Keep the heat low-medium after mixing to keep eggs smooth as sauce thickens.

By following these steps, your sauce will be smooth without any problems. You’ll nail the true flavor you’d find at a top Italian eatery.

Use these suggestions to make your chicken carbonara outstanding each time. With fresh ingredients and proper heat management, your carbonara will be a hit.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the best chicken carbonara, watch out for common pitfalls. These can hurt the dish’s taste. Keep an eye on:

Overcooking Chicken

Over-cooking the chicken is a big mistake. It makes the chicken dry and not so tasty. For the best quick chicken carbonara, cook the chicken just right. It will keep the dish moist and tender. This way, the chicken and the sauce will match perfectly.

Adding Too Much Salt

Too much salt is another mistake to avoid. Guanciale and cheeses like Pecorino Romano are already salty. So, be careful with how much extra salt you add. Adding too much salt can overpower the dish’s other flavors. It throws off the whole taste. When making your chicken carbonara, add salt little by little. Taste as you season to prevent this mistake.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Carbonara

To enjoy your chicken carbonara pasta, it’s key to serve it right away while it’s still warm. Using a warmed bowl helps. This keeps the creamy sauce smooth and stops it from getting thick. The classic chicken carbonara is full of flavor. It goes well with many different dishes.

• Steamed Vegetables: A healthy and vibrant accompaniment, offering a crisp contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb option, replace traditional pasta with zucchini noodles that bring a refreshing twist.
• Garlic Bread: This classic side complements the savory elements of the carbonara, making each bite more satisfying.
• Caesar Salad: Light and crisp, this salad balances the dish’s richness with fresh greens and a tangy dressing.
• Sautéed Spinach: Adds a nutritious element with its slight bitterness, which contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
• Stuffed Mushrooms: Perfect for adding an earthy depth, enhancing the overall indulgence of the meal.
• Bruschetta: A refreshing tomato and basil treat that cleanses the palate between bites of creamy pasta.

If you want to make the best chicken carbonara, think about what you serve with it. You can keep it traditional or try something new. These ideas help make sure your meal is balanced and yummy.

Have fun making this chicken carbonara pasta recipe. Add one of our suggested sides to make your meal cozy and special.

How to Store Leftovers

Want to keep your chicken carbonara leftovers fresh? Place them in an airtight container when they’re cool. This will keep them tasting great for up to three days in the fridge.

Reheating Instructions

Ready to eat your chicken carbonara again? Heat it slowly on the stove. Use a bit of water in the pan and cook on low. Make sure to stir now and then. This brings back the creamy texture so it’s just as good as before.

Freezing Tips

While not ideal, you can freeze chicken carbonara. Cut it into small portions first. Then, thaw it in the fridge before reheating. Just know, it might not be as creamy after freezing.