From my home in LA, I have had the pleasure of eating amazing food from all over the world. Let me tell you, there isn’t anything much better than a perfect forkful of pasta. Italian pasta dishes range from delicate and simple to impossibly cheesy and creamy, right where chicken carbonara falls. For many, Italian food is synonymous with fancy restaurants and romance. But this recipe captures that magic in your own kitchen, and you won’t believe how comforting it is. The richness you crave with the saltiness and tanginess to bring it all together.
Recipe Ingredients
Sauce Pasta
How to Make Chicken Carbonara
Cook the Pasta – Boil a large pot of salted water and cook spaghetti as instructed on the package. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water. Make the Sauce – While the pasta cooks, combine eggs, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, basil, lemon zest, and Italian seasoning in a medium bowl. Whisk thoroughly until fully combined and set aside. (Photos 1-2) Render the Bacon – Cook bacon in a cast iron skillet over medium heat until golden brown and crispy. Remove all but two tablespoons of bacon grease from the skillet. (Photo 3) Cook the Chicken – Add sliced chicken to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and saute until chicken is slightly browned and fully cooked (about 8 minutes). Transfer chicken from the skillet to a plate and set aside. (Photos 4-5) Saute Veggies – Add 2 tablespoons of olive (or reserved bacon grease) to the hot skillet. Then add onion and garlic to the skillet and saute on medium until the onion is translucent and fragrant (2-3 minutes). (Photo 6) Assembly – Add spaghetti to the skillet and toss to combine. Cut the heat, add the sauce to the skillet, and then stir until the sauce has fully coated the spaghetti. (Photo 7) Meat – Add the bacon and chicken to the spaghetti and combine. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water and continue cooking until creamy, for 2-3 minutes. (Photo 8) Garnish with basil and serve immediately with extra parmesan cheese.
Recipe Variations
Tips and Tricks
Make-Ahead Instructions
This dish comes together fairly quickly, but prepping the bacon and chicken by pre-cutting or pre-cooking saves lots of time. If you want to make the dish to serve later, store it in the refrigerator and reheat it in a saucepan, adding a splash of water, milk, or cream to recover the creaminess.
Serving and Storage Instructions
Chicken carbonara is best served hot right out of the skillet because that’s when it is most creamy and delicious. Then top it with your favorite fresh herbs and, of course, lots of grated Parmesan. Leftover carbonara will last in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can freeze carbonara sauce separately from the spaghetti for up to 3 months.
What to Serve With Chicken Carbonara
After a fabulicious Italian meal, why not enjoy a decadent dessert? Zeppole (Italian Donuts) is an excellent finisher for this meal if you want to keep with the classic Italian theme. Italian cream cake and tiramisu are also perfect complements to a delicious pasta main course.
More Incredible Pasta Recipes to Try
Conclusion
This chicken carbonara recipe is awesome for pasta lovers who want a luxurious and creamy indulgence fast. Want to add this delicious meal to your monthly meal plan? Make sure to save it on Pinterest! 😋
