Description
Looking for a quick dinner idea that feels indulgent yet easy? This Creamy Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 40 minutes. A classic pasta favorite with a creamy twist, it features golden-seared chicken, crispy pancetta, and a luscious sauce made with eggs, Parmesan, and a touch of cream. Perfect for easy dinner nights, comfort food cravings, or when you just need a satisfying, hearty meal. It’s a crowd-pleasing, creamy pasta recipe that brings warmth and richness to your table with every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 strips pancetta or thick-cut bacon, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 whole egg
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 oz spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine
- Salted water for boiling
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- Fresh chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, and red chili flakes for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Sear chicken in olive oil over medium heat until golden and cooked through (165°F). Rest and slice.
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain.
- In the same pan, cook pancetta until crispy. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds. Remove from heat.
- In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, whole egg, Parmesan, cream (if using), and black pepper. Temper with warm pasta water.
- Add pasta to skillet and toss with bacon mixture. Slowly pour in egg mixture, tossing quickly to coat and thicken.
- Add pasta water as needed to reach creamy consistency.
- Plate pasta, top with sliced chicken, and garnish as desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes