Best Chicken Carbonara Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Carbonara is a creamy, comforting pasta dish that combines tender grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich Parmesan sauce. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, this recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 5 strips bacon, cooked and diced
• 2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, fresh minced
• ¾ cup milk
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons flour
• ¾ cup Parmesan shavings
• 2 tablespoons parsley
• 1 small box bowtie pasta

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the bacon strips in a pan until crispy. Remove and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and cook the chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper until fully cooked. Set aside and slice once cooled.
3. Step 3: Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. Step 4: For the sauce, sauté minced garlic in the pan until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Whisk together the milk, heavy cream, chicken broth, and flour; add this mixture to the pan with garlic. Cook on low heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
6. Step 6: Stir in the Parmesan shavings. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more chicken broth to reach desired consistency.
7. Step 7: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss well to coat evenly.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle in the parsley, and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
9. Step 9: Mix the diced chicken and bacon into the pasta and sauce, tossing to combine thoroughly.
10. Step 10: Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your creamy chicken carbonara.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and a smoother sauce.
• Substitute bowtie pasta with fettuccine or penne if preferred.
• For added richness, stir in a beaten egg yolk just before serving, off the heat.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or peas for extra texture and color.

Storage

Store leftover chicken carbonara in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce as needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can swap bowtie pasta for other shapes like penne, fettuccine, or even spaghetti depending on your preference. The sauce pairs well with most pasta types.

Is it necessary to grill the chicken?

No, grilling adds a nice flavor, but you can also pan-cook or bake the chicken breasts. Just ensure they are fully cooked before adding to the pasta.

Best Chicken Carbonara Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 77 reviews

• Author: Zoe
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Best Chicken Carbonara Recipe combines tender grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy Parmesan sauce tossed with bowtie pasta, creating a rich and comforting Italian-inspired dish perfect for any dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein

• 5 strips bacon, cooked and diced
• 2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced

Dairy

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup Parmesan shavings

Pasta & Grains

• 1 small box bowtie pasta (approximately 12 ounces)

Vegetables & Herbs

• 3 cloves garlic, freshly minced
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped

Pantry

• 1 cup chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons flour
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook Bacon: In a pan over medium heat, cook 5 strips of bacon until crisp. Remove, drain excess fat on paper towels, and dice the bacon. Set aside.
2. Prepare Chicken: Season 2 chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In the same or another pan, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat and cook the chicken breasts until fully grilled through, about 6-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Slice into strips and set aside.
3. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. Make Sauce: In the pan, sauté 3 cloves of freshly minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add milk, heavy cream, chicken broth, and flour to the pan, whisking continuously until smooth. Reduce heat to low and cook the sauce, stirring often, until it thickens to coating consistency, about 5-7 minutes. If too thick, add additional chicken broth to loosen.
5. Add Cheese & Herbs: Stir in 3/4 cup Parmesan shavings until melted into the sauce. Add chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Toss Pasta & Meat: Add drained bowtie pasta to the sauce and toss to coat thoroughly. Then add the sliced grilled chicken and diced bacon, mixing gently until everything is well combined and heated through.
7. Serve: Serve the chicken carbonara hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or parsley if desired. Enjoy this creamy and flavorful dish immediately.

Notes

• Divide into 6 equal servings for portion control.
• If the sauce thickens too much upon standing, stir in a little more chicken broth or milk to loosen.
• For extra richness, you can add an egg yolk to the sauce off heat and whisk quickly, but this is optional.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and smooth melting.
• Bowtie pasta can be substituted with fettuccine or penne if preferred.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: Chicken Carbonara, Creamy Pasta, Grilled Chicken, Bacon, Parmesan Sauce, Bowtie Pasta, Italian Recipe