Chicken Carbonara: A Quick and Easy Dinner You’ll Love

If you’ve been searching for a comforting, delicious dinner that won’t take hours to prepare, then let me introduce you to Chicken Carbonara. This dish has become a go-to in our house, and I bet it will be in yours too once you give it a try. It’s rich, creamy, and full of savory flavors that are guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds. Best of all, it comes together in under 30 minutes, so you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home without the hassle.

I can still remember the first time I tried making carbonara. I was a little nervous because I’d heard so many things about how tricky it can be to get the sauce just right. You know, the whole egg and pasta thing. It seemed like it would be a disaster if the eggs scrambled or if the sauce didn’t come together. But after a few attempts and a lot of taste-testing, I figured out how to make it foolproof. And today, I’m sharing that recipe with you! Trust me, it’s easier than you think, and it’s totally worth it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chicken Carbonara is that it doesn’t require a lot of fancy ingredients. You don’t need to go hunting for anything special; most of these items are pantry staples that you likely already have at home. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer dark meat)
• 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or whatever you have on hand)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 slices of bacon (because, really, bacon makes everything better, right?)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (don’t skimp here – the cheese is key to a creamy sauce)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional, but it adds a nice touch!)

Pro Tip: If you’re pressed for time or want to save on cooking, you can easily use leftover chicken or pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. It’ll still taste amazing and cut down on your prep time.

How to Make Chicken Carbonara

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. I like to add a generous pinch of salt to the water because it helps flavor the pasta. Once it’s boiling, add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Be careful not to overcook the pasta – you want it to be al dente, or firm to the bite, since it will finish cooking in the sauce.

When the pasta is done, reserve about a cup of the pasta water (trust me, you’ll want it later to adjust the sauce), and then drain the rest. Set the pasta aside for a minute.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. While that’s heating, season both sides of your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. You can check doneness by cutting into the thickest part of the chicken to make sure it’s no longer pink.

When the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the chicken tender. Trust me, it makes a difference!

Step 3: Cook the Garlic

Now for the fun part. In the same skillet (don’t clean it out – you want all those flavorful chicken bits left behind), smoky flavor to the sauce that makes this carbonara even more irresistible.

Next, add your minced garlic to the hot skillet and cook it for about 30 seconds. Garlic cooks quickly, so be careful not to let it burn. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s fragrant and golden.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Carbonara Sauce

Now, we’re getting to the best part: the creamy sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, and whisk until everything is well combined. The egg mixture will give the sauce that silky smooth texture, and the Parmesan brings a wonderful depth of flavor. It’s the kind of sauce you want to just scoop up with a spoon.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

At this point, your pasta should be ready, your chicken should be slice. Here’s where the magic happens. Add your cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic . Toss the pasta around to coat it in the garlic and leftover chicken flavor.

Next, pour the egg and cream mixture over the pasta. Quickly toss everything together so the eggs cook evenly with the heat of the pasta and skillet. The key here is to move fast so the eggs don’t scramble but instead create a creamy coating around the pasta. If the sauce looks too thick, don’t worry! Just add a little bit of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Once everything is coated in that creamy goodness, add the sliced chicken. Toss it all together to combine, and give it a taste. If it needs a little extra seasoning, go ahead and add more salt and pepper.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

This is the moment you’ve been waiting for. Serve the Chicken Carbonara immediately while it’s hot and fresh. Garnish with some fresh parsley for a pop of color (and because it looks pretty), and maybe a little extra Parmesan on top if you’re feeling fancy.

The creamy sauce, the tender chicken, – it’s a meal that’s so comforting, it’s like a hug on a plate. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Carbonara Recipe

I love this Chicken Carbonara recipe because it’s so quick and easy to make, yet it feels indulgent. There’s something about the creamy sauce that just makes you want to dig in, and the best part is it’s all done in less than 30 minutes. You don’t have to be a gourmet chef to pull off a meal this good – it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.

What’s even better is that this recipe is customizable. If you don’t have chicken, you can swap it for shrimp or use leftover roasted vegetables for a vegetarian version. The base sauce will still be the same, and it’s versatile enough to go with just about anything. You could even throw in some peas or mushrooms for extra flavor if you like.

Final Thoughts

I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are easy, delicious, and family-friendly, and this Chicken Carbonara definitely checks all the boxes. It’s creamy, comforting, and full of flavor, but it’s also quick enough to make on a busy night. Plus, it’s a great way to use up pantry staples and leftover chicken, which is always a win in my book.

So, if you’re in the mood for a dinner that’s easy, amazing, and sure to please everyone around the table, give this Chicken Carbonara a try. I can promise you won’t be disappointed. And if you make it, I’d love to hear how it turns out – let me know in the comments or tag me on social media. Happy cooking!