If you are on the hunt for a pasta dish that combines comforting creaminess with savory, tender chicken and crispy bacon, this Crave-Worthy Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. It captures the essence of traditional carbonara but adds a rich, velvety sauce that wraps every strand of spaghetti in indulgent flavor. Perfectly balanced with a hint of garlic, a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, and a fresh parsley finish, this recipe delivers a warm, satisfying dinner anyone can enjoy any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each bringing unique texture, flavor, and color to the dish. From the golden-browned chicken strips to the creamy sauce and crispy bacon bits, every element plays a starring role.
- 12 oz spaghetti: The perfect pasta base that soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully while remaining al dente.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps cook the chicken to a golden perfection.
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin: Provides tender, succulent protein throughout the dish.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring out all the flavors.
- 4 slices bacon, chopped: Brings irresistible smoky crunch that satisfies every bite.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with a fragrant, savory punch.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates that ultra-luxe, creamy sauce that makes this recipe so crave-worthy.
- 3 large egg yolks: Adds richness and helps thicken the sauce without scrambling.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Gives a sharp, nutty depth and melts into silky goodness.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Offers a subtle heat for those who like a little kick.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Brightens the dish with fresh color and flavor contrast.
How to Make Crave-Worthy Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. Don’t forget to reserve one cup of the pasta water before draining—it’ll come handy later to adjust the sauce’s consistency. Perfectly cooked pasta is the backbone of your creamy chicken carbonara, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the thinly sliced chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper for balanced flavor and sauté them for 5 to 6 minutes. You’re aiming for a golden, juicy finish that’s cooked through but still tender inside. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside—it’s important to keep those savory juices locked in.
Step 3: Crisp the Bacon and Sauté Garlic
In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon and cook it until crisp and lightly browned. The rendered bacon fat adds rich flavor to the dish. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant, stirring gently so the garlic doesn’t burn. This step layers in that irresistible aroma that signals something special is happening.
Step 4: Whisk Together the Cream Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk the heavy cream, egg yolks, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and well combined. This luscious mixture will become the creamy sauce that envelops your pasta and chicken, so take a moment to make sure everything is well blended.
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
Add the drained pasta back into the skillet with the bacon and garlic, then return the cooked chicken strips on top. Now, remove the pan from heat—this is a crucial move, so the egg yolks won’t scramble. Quickly pour the cream mixture over everything while stirring constantly to create a smooth, rich sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, slowly stir in reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach that perfect silky texture.
Step 6: Season and Finish
If you enjoy a bit of spice, stir in the crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle warmth. Toss everything gently so the flavors meld beautifully. Your Crave-Worthy Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe is now ready to be plated and enjoyed!
How to Serve Crave-Worthy Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your creamy chicken carbonara with freshly chopped parsley adds a crisp pop of green and fresh herbal brightness, balancing the richness of the sauce. For those who want even more indulgence, a generous sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top never hurts and enhances the savory experience.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing sides such as a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables to add some crunch and variety. A crusty garlic bread or warm focaccia is also perfect to soak up every bit of that incredible creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pasta twirled into elegant nests on individual plates for a restaurant-quality look. For informal gatherings, a big rustic bowl with chopped herbs sprinkled on top invites cozy, family-style dining. You can even experiment with adding sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover creamy chicken carbonara in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because this dish has a rich cream-based sauce, it’s best enjoyed promptly for optimal texture and flavor.
Freezing
While freezing this dish isn’t ideal due to the cream and egg yolks, you can freeze the cooked chicken and bacon separately. Thaw and combine with freshly cooked pasta and sauce when ready to serve. This approach keeps the texture intact and avoids curdling the sauce.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the carbonara on low heat in a skillet, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from separating. Adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water while reheating helps restore the creamy consistency without thinning it out too much.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe, offering a juicier and slightly more flavorful option. Just be sure to slice them thinly and cook until fully done.
Is it necessary to remove the pan from the heat before adding the cream mixture?
Yes, removing the pan from the heat is crucial to prevent the eggs from scrambling. Stirring the mixture off heat allows the sauce to thicken smoothly for that classic carbonara creaminess.
Can I substitute half-and-half for heavy cream?
Yes, using half-and-half is a lighter alternative that still yields a creamy sauce, though it might be a little less rich. Just keep an eye on the sauce’s thickness as you cook.
What can I use instead of bacon?
Pancetta is a traditional substitute and offers an authentic Italian flavor. For a non-pork alternative, crispy smoked turkey bacon or mushroom bacon can also add a smoky touch.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick or too thin?
The reserved pasta water is your best friend here. Add it gradually to loosen up the sauce if it becomes too thick. If it turns out too thin, cook it gently on low heat while stirring to allow it to thicken slightly.
Final Thoughts
Making the Crave-Worthy Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe at home is like treating yourself and your loved ones to a warm hug on a plate. Its comforting textures, savory flavors, and the ease of bringing it all together mean it will become a staple in your recipe rotation. So go ahead, gather those simple ingredients, and enjoy every creamy, delicious forkful. I promise you’ll be coming back for seconds!
Print
Crave-Worthy Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Crave-Worthy Creamy Chicken Carbonara recipe is a rich and comforting Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a luscious creamy sauce made with Parmesan and egg yolks. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, this pasta combines classic flavors in a quick, stovetop preparation that yields a delicious, creamy carbonara with a hint of spice and fresh parsley garnish.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti
- Salt, to taste (for pasta water)
Chicken and Bacon
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
Sauce
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Additional freshly grated Parmesan (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the spaghetti and set the pasta aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Cook the chicken strips for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate to rest.
- Cook the Bacon and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon and cook over medium heat until it becomes crisp. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg yolks, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti and reserved chicken back into the skillet with the bacon and garlic. Remove the skillet from heat to avoid scrambling the eggs. Quickly pour in the cream mixture while stirring constantly to create a silky, creamy sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water a little at a time, stirring gently until you reach your desired creamy consistency. Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes if using for a subtle kick.
- Serve: Plate the creamy chicken carbonara immediately. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Pancetta can be used in place of bacon for a traditional flavor.
- Always remove the pan from heat before adding the egg mixture to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
- Reserve pasta water to help adjust the sauce thickness as needed.
