Chicken Carbonara

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or fettuccine
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat.
  4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream (if using).
  5. Return the pasta and chicken to the skillet with the bacon and garlic. Pour the egg mixture over the pasta, tossing quickly to coat. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce is silky and coats the pasta.
  6. Season with additional salt and black pepper if needed.
  7. Serve immediately, topped with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

If you’d like, I can help you adjust this for a lighter or dairy-free version — just let me know!

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