Description
This Best Ever Chicken Carbonara is a quick dinner winner packed with rich flavors and creamy textures. Juicy chicken thighs, silky egg yolks, and freshly grated Parmesan come together in a luscious, cream-free sauce that clings perfectly to al dente pasta. Ideal for those looking for easy dinner ideas, quick comfort food, or a weeknight pasta recipe that’s impressive yet fast. Whether you’re after a hearty easy recipe or classic Italian dinner ideas, this dish is the answer.
Ingredients
400g spaghetti or fettuccine
500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs
4 egg yolks
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, sear for 6–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Rest and chop into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, Parmesan, salt, and lots of black pepper to create the sauce base.
4. Reduce heat to low. Add drained pasta and chicken to the pan. Pour in the egg mixture and toss vigorously. Add pasta water gradually to get a glossy sauce.
5. Garnish with parsley and more Parmesan. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
Be sure to toss the egg mixture off the heat to avoid scrambling.
Freshly grated cheese melts better and gives the best texture.
Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 215mg