Description
Creamy Chicken Carbonara
This rich and indulgent twist on the classic Italian pasta dish is perfect for a cozy dinner. Creamy Chicken Carbonara combines succulent chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy egg-based sauce that clings perfectly to each strand of pasta. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a quick weeknight meal, this comforting dish will soon become a family favorite.
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
8 oz spaghetti
4 slices of bacon, diced
2 large eggs
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp black pepper
Salt, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped
Directions:
1. Cook spaghetti until al dente, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. Cook bacon until crispy. Set aside.
3. Cook chicken with olive oil until golden brown, season with salt and pepper.
4. Sauté garlic until fragrant.
5. Whisk eggs, cream, Parmesan, and pepper.
6. Mix pasta with sauce off heat, add chicken and bacon.
Prep Time: 15 min
Kcal: 540
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect Creamy Chicken Carbonara every time. Begin by gathering all ingredients. Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Before draining, carefully reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. While the pasta cooks, dice the bacon and cook it in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Drain most of the bacon fat, leaving about one tablespoon in the skillet. Add the sliced chicken breasts to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, add the olive oil and minced garlic, sautéing for just 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not browned. In a medium bowl, vigorously whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and black pepper until smooth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this rich pasta immediately for the best texture. Plate the carbonara in warmed bowls to keep it hot. Garnish generously with extra grated Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of the reserved crispy bacon, and a handful of freshly chopped parsley. For a complete meal, pair it with a simple side salad of arugula with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also perfect for soaking up any remaining sauce.
How-to Summary
To summarize, the key steps are: cook and drain pasta (saving water), cook bacon and chicken separately, sauté garlic, whisk the egg and cream sauce, then combine everything off the heat, using pasta water to adjust creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream? For best results, do not substitute. The heavy cream stabilizes the egg sauce, preventing curdling and creating the signature rich texture. Milk will make the sauce thin and unstable.
How do I prevent the eggs from scrambling? The critical step is to mix the sauce off the direct heat. Remove the skillet from the burner and let it cool slightly before adding the egg mixture, tossing constantly with the hot pasta to cook it gently.
What other pasta shapes work well? Fettuccine, linguine, or rigatoni are excellent alternatives. The key is using a shape that can hold the creamy sauce.
Can I make this ahead of time? Carbonara is best served immediately. The sauce can thicken and congeal as it sits. Prepare all your ingredients in advance for quick assembly at dinner time.
Is it safe to eat raw eggs? The eggs are cooked by the residual heat of the hot pasta and skillet, reaching a safe temperature without scrambling. Use fresh, high-quality eggs for added safety.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding the egg sauce to the pan while it’s still on the heat, which causes scrambling.
- Skipping the pasta water, which is essential for creating a silky, cohesive sauce that clings to the pasta.
- Using pre-grated Parmesan cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents and doesn’t melt as smoothly as freshly grated.
- Overcooking the garlic, which turns it bitter and can ruin the sauce’s delicate flavor.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken Carbonara is a luxurious yet approachable dish that elevates a classic with tender chicken and a velvety sauce. By following this detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can confidently create a restaurant-quality meal at home. Its combination of simple ingredients and deep, comforting flavors is sure to impress and satisfy any craving for a hearty, delicious pasta dinner.