Chicken Carbonara Recipe: Creamy, Comforting, and Delicious

Craving a comforting, creamy pasta dish that’s easy to make? Look no further than this Chicken Carbonara recipe, a delightful twist on the classic Italian favorite.

Traditional carbonara can be intimidating with its delicate sauce and exact timing. But with a few simple tips, you can achieve that rich, silky sauce without any cream or stress.

In this recipe, I’ll show you how to combine tender chicken, crispy pancetta, and perfectly cooked pasta into a dish that’s both easy and impressive. Ready to master Chicken Carbonara? Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this mouthwatering Chicken Carbonara:

1 large chicken breast
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and black pepper (to taste)
14 ounces (400 grams) spaghetti (or fettuccine, linguine, or pappardelle)
3 large eggs
50 grams (1/2 cup) grated pecorino cheese
25 grams (1/4 cup) grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
100 grams (3.5 ounces) diced pancetta (or guanciale if you prefer)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
Grated parmesan cheese (for serving)
Black pepper (for serving)

Preparing the Chicken

To make sure your chicken is tender and flavorful, follow these simple steps:

Slice the Chicken: Place the chicken breast flat on a cutting board. Carefully slice through the middle horizontally to create two thin fillets. This will help the chicken cook evenly and quickly.
Season and Cook: Season the chicken fillets with a quarter teaspoon each of salt and black pepper. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken fillets and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning once, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and let them rest on a cutting board for a few minutes before slicing into strips.

Cooking the Pasta

While your chicken is resting, get the pasta ready:

Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add 14 ounces (400 grams) of spaghetti (or your preferred pasta) and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 10 minutes, until al dente.

Preparing the Sauce

While the pasta is cooking, you can prepare the flavorful sauce:

Mix the Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs, 50 grams (1/2 cup) of grated pecorino cheese, and 25 grams (1/4 cup) of grated parmesan cheese. This mixture will give the sauce its rich, creamy texture without needing any cream.
Cook the Pancetta: In the same frying pan used for the chicken, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of diced pancetta. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the pancetta starts to crisp up. If you prefer traditional guanciale, feel free to substitute it, but pancetta is a great, more accessible option.
Add Garlic: Once the pancetta is crispy, reduce the heat and add 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Combining the Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring everything together into a creamy, dreamy dish:

Transfer the Pasta: Using tongs, transfer the cooked pasta directly into the frying pan with the pancetta and garlic. Don’t worry about any excess pasta water; it will help create a smooth sauce.
Add the Chicken: Toss the sliced chicken into the pan with the pasta and mix well.
Create the Sauce: With the heat turned off, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to the pan. Gradually pour in the egg and cheese mixture while continuously lifting and lowering the pasta with the tongs. This step is crucial as it prevents the eggs from scrambling and ensures a creamy sauce. If needed, add a bit more pasta water to achieve your desired sauce consistency.

Serving Your Chicken Carbonara

Your Chicken Carbonara is now ready to enjoy! Here’s how to finish up:

Plate the Dish: Divide the pasta between bowls. Sprinkle with additional grated parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful twist on a classic carbonara. The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and crispy pancetta is sure to be a hit!

Conclusion

This Chicken Carbonara recipe is a fantastic, family-friendly twist on the traditional Italian dish. With tender chicken, crispy pancetta, and a silky smooth sauce, it’s a comforting and delicious meal that’s easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a weeknight dinner, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. Enjoy cooking and savor every bite of this creamy, satisfying dish from My Kitchen Talk!

Feel free to share your cooking experience with us or ask any questions you might have. Happy cooking!