Why Make This Recipe
Chicken Carbonara is a delicious twist on the classic carbonara dish. This version adds tender chicken and crispy bacon to make it even more filling and satisfying. It’s perfect for a family dinner or an occasion when you want to impress your friends. Plus, it’s quick to make, taking just about 30 minutes from start to finish!
How to Make Chicken Carbonara
Ingredients:
- 200g pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
- 200g chicken breast, diced
- 100g bacon, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 50g Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 large eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the fat in the skillet.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Add the hot pasta to the skillet with the chicken. Remove from heat. Quickly pour in the egg mixture, stirring constantly to create a creamy sauce.
- Add the crispy bacon and mix well.
- Serve immediately, garnished with parsley.
How to Serve Chicken Carbonara
Serve Chicken Carbonara hot, garnished with fresh parsley. You can add extra Parmesan cheese on top for a richer taste. It pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Chicken Carbonara
If you have leftovers, store Chicken Carbonara in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for about 2 to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to bring back its creamy texture.
Tips to Make Chicken Carbonara
- Make sure to whisk the eggs with the cheese before adding them to the hot pasta. This helps to create a creamy sauce without scrambling the eggs.
- Use a good quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- For added depth, consider using smoked bacon or pancetta.
Variation
You can add vegetables like peas or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor. Another variation is to use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as penne or fusilli.
2. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat gently when you’re ready to eat.
3. Can I make this dish without bacon?
Absolutely! You can omit the bacon or replace it with a vegetarian option for a lighter version of the dish.
Chicken Carbonara
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 200 g pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
- 200 g chicken breast, diced
Bacon and Seasoning
- 100 g bacon, chopped Crispy bacon adds flavor and texture.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese and Eggs
- 50 g Parmesan cheese, grated Use good quality Parmesan for best flavor.
- 2 large eggs Whisk with cheese before adding to pasta.
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish when serving.
Instructions
Cooking Pasta
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cooking Chicken and Bacon
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the fat in the skillet.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Making the Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Add the hot pasta to the skillet with the chicken. Remove from heat. Quickly pour in the egg mixture, stirring constantly to create a creamy sauce.
- Add the crispy bacon and mix well.
Serving
- Serve immediately, garnished with parsley.