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Chicken Carbonara

Freshly prepared Chicken Carbonara served on a clean white plate

Chicken Carbonara is a creamy and savory Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring tender chicken, crispy pancetta, and a rich egg-based sauce for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz spaghetti
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 oz pancetta or bacon, diced
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook until crisp, then remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through. Add minced garlic in the last minute of cooking.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together eggs and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
  5. Reduce skillet heat to low. Return pancetta to skillet with chicken. Add the drained pasta, then quickly pour in the egg and cheese mixture, tossing continuously to create a creamy sauce without scrambling the eggs.
  6. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  7. Season with additional salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For a smoky flavor, try using smoked pancetta or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.