Chicken Carbonara is a dish that perfectly blends comfort and elegance in one bowl. This recipe captures the rich creaminess of traditional carbonara, elevated by tender, juicy chicken and the smoky goodness of crispy bacon.
It’s no surprise that many home cooks search for a reliable Chicken Carbonara recipe—they want something quick yet indulgent, simple but impressive, and most importantly, satisfying.
The velvety sauce, made with egg yolks, Parmesan, and a touch of cream, creates a luscious texture that coats every strand of spaghetti, while the garlic adds just the right aromatic kick.
One cooking tip I’ve learned is to temper the eggs carefully to avoid scrambling, ensuring a silky sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
This attention to technique makes all the difference. This dish is trending because it offers a comforting weeknight dinner with a gourmet twist that’s easy enough for beginners yet impressive for guests.
Serve it alongside a refreshing Winter Fruit Salad or a zesty Grilled Grapefruit Paloma to brighten up the meal with fresh flavors.
This recipe balances indulgence with approachable ingredients—ideal for anyone wanting to enjoy restaurant-worthy food at home without fuss.
Give it a try, and let me know your favorite variations!
What’s So Special About This Dish?
- A Cozy Dinner Made Easy: I began making this recipe when I craved a comforting meal that didn’t take hours — it quickly became a go-to in my kitchen.
- Perfect Texture Combo: The creamy sauce paired with crispy bacon and tender chicken creates a satisfying mix that keeps every bite exciting.
- Quick and Convenient: It fits seamlessly into busy weeknights since it’s fast to prepare and uses ingredients you likely already have on hand.
- Seasoned to Perfection: Over time, I’ve adjusted the flavors to keep the dish balanced and fresh, ensuring richness without feeling too heavy.
- Simple Yet Satisfying: This recipe offers a comforting, indulgent meal that feels like a treat but without complicated cooking steps.
Try More Chicken Recipe!
- Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
- Easy & Delicious Chicken Yassa
- Best Cinnamon Chicken
- Sweet & Tangy Chinese Pineapple Chicken
Chicken Carbonara Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Tongs or pasta fork
- Grater (for Parmesan cheese)
Ingredients
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon chopped
- 6 large egg yolks
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 6 boneless skinless chicken tenders
- 1 pound dry spaghetti noodles 1 box
- 3 cloves garlic minced
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon until crispy; remove and drain on paper towels.
- Season chicken tenders with salt and pepper, then cook in the same skillet until golden and cooked through; slice and set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, heavy cream, grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté briefly until fragrant.
- Return pasta to skillet; remove from heat and quickly toss with egg mixture to create a creamy sauce (avoid scrambling eggs).
- Stir in cooked chicken and bacon pieces until well combined and heated through.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 981kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 89g |
| Protein | 52g |
| Fat | 45g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Sodium | 1145mg |
Flavor-Filled Variations To Spice Up Your Recipe!
- Swap the Pasta: Try using bucatini or rigatoni instead of spaghetti for a different texture that holds the sauce beautifully.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in fresh sage or thyme toward the end for an aromatic twist that complements the creamy sauce.
- Mushroom Boost: Sauté cremini or shiitake mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy depth that pairs well with the smoky bacon.
- Lemon Zest Brightness: A light sprinkle of lemon zest right before serving can cut through the richness and add a refreshing zing.
- Smoked Cheese Twist: Substitute part of the Parmesan with smoked provolone or smoked gouda for a subtle smoky undertone.
- Creamy Yet Lighter: Swap heavy cream for crème fraîche or mascarpone to maintain creaminess with a tangy richness.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking garlic to introduce gentle heat without overpowering the dish.
- Veggie Inclusion: Toss in blanched asparagus tips or peas for bursts of color and fresh flavor.
- Nutritional Upgrade: Use whole wheat or legume-based pasta for extra fiber and protein, making it a bit more nourishing.
- Bacon Alternatives: Try pancetta or guanciale if you want a more authentic Italian flair with deeper pork flavors.
These subtle yet impactful changes keep the heart of the recipe intact while letting you tailor it to your taste or occasion.
Quick Questions?
Can I use regular pasta instead of spaghetti?
Yes, fettuccine or linguine also work beautifully for this recipe.
How do I prevent the sauce from scrambling?
Temper the egg mixture by slowly mixing in some hot pasta water before combining it with the noodles.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can try substituting heavy cream with coconut cream and using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, but the flavor will be different.
