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Chicken Carbonara

Freshly prepared chicken carbonara plated

A creamy and comforting Italian-inspired dish combining tender chicken, crispy pancetta, and a rich egg-based sauce tossed with pasta for an easy weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 200g spaghetti or fettuccine
  • 100g pancetta or bacon, diced
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the rest.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook until crispy. Remove and set aside.
  3. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In the same skillet, cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove and slice thinly.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream until smooth.
  5. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  6. Return the pasta to the skillet along with the pancetta and sliced chicken. Remove from heat.
  7. Quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, tossing constantly to create a creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
  8. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For extra richness, use guanciale instead of pancetta, and serve with extra grated Parmesan on the side.