Description
Craving a quick dinner idea that feels indulgent but comes together in under 30 minutes? This Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara is your answer. Packed with golden seared chicken, crispy bacon, and a velvety egg-and-cheese sauce that coats every strand of pasta, this recipe is rich in flavor and comfort. It skips the cream and sticks to the roots of true Italian carbonara while adding satisfying protein for a complete, hearty meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy weekends, or when you need a show-stopping yet easy recipe for guests. It’s the kind of easy dinner that turns into a family favorite. Creamy, savory, and irresistibly good — this is your new go-to food idea.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Reserved pasta water (at least 1 cup)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet. Season chicken with salt and pepper and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Optionally add garlic during the last minute. Drain some fat but leave a bit for flavor.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, grated cheese, and black pepper until smooth.
- Add the drained pasta and cooked chicken to the skillet with the bacon. Remove from heat.
- Quickly pour in the egg and cheese mixture, tossing rapidly to create a creamy sauce.
- Gradually add pasta water a bit at a time while tossing, until desired sauce consistency is reached.
- Garnish with parsley, more cheese, and black pepper. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes