Description
Looking for a quick dinner that feels like a restaurant treat? Lazy Day Chicken Carbonara Skillet is the answer. This easy recipe is loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and pasta wrapped in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for weeknights when you need dinner ideas that come together fast but taste like you spent hours. It’s comforting, creamy, and full of flavor—exactly what you want from a satisfying, easy dinner recipe. Whether you’re searching for food ideas for picky eaters, hearty comfort meals, or a cozy skillet dish, this one’s a guaranteed win. Serve it as a quick dinner, make-ahead lunch, or even a cozy date night dish.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, chopped
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Bring salted water to a boil and cook pasta until just shy of al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat butter or oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken and cook until golden and done. Remove from skillet.
- Add chopped bacon to the same skillet and cook until crispy. Remove and drain.
- Discard most bacon fat, leaving a small amount. Add butter and garlic, cook until fragrant.
- Stir in cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Slowly whisk in Parmesan until smooth.
- Add pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Use pasta water to loosen if needed.
- Return chicken to the pan and simmer 2–3 minutes.
- Top with crispy bacon, parsley, and optional red pepper flakes. Serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes