I was craving something rich and comforting, but I also wanted a dish that was quick and easy to make. That’s when I thought of Chicken Carbonara—a creamy, cheesy pasta dish with crispy bacon and juicy chicken.

It’s a twist on the classic Italian Carbonara, but with an extra protein boost. The result is a deliciously satisfying meal that feels fancy but is simple enough for a weeknight dinner. I’m sharing this recipe because it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and you can make it in just 30 minutes!

I love how this dish combines creamy, salty, and savory flavors. The crispy pancetta (or bacon) gives it a smoky richness, the Parmesan and egg mixture create a velvety sauce, and the tender chicken makes it extra hearty.

It’s comfort food at its best—indulgent, but still easy to prepare. Whether you’re making it for yourself or serving it to guests, it’s a dish that always impresses.

I used to serve this pasta on its own, but now I love pairing it with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of white wine also goes perfectly with the creamy, cheesy sauce.

No matter how you serve it, Chicken Carbonara is a dish that brings warmth and comfort to the table every time.

What Is Chicken Carbonara?

Chicken Carbonara is a creamy and rich pasta dish inspired by the classic Italian Carbonara. Traditional Carbonara is made with pasta, eggs, cheese, and pancetta, but this version includes chicken for extra protein.

The sauce is made by mixing eggs and Parmesan cheese, which creates a smooth, velvety texture when combined with hot pasta. It’s a simple yet indulgent dish that’s packed with flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 12 oz spaghetti (or fettuccine)
• 4 oz pancetta or bacon, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or saucepan
• Pasta pot
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Colander

How to make Chicken Carbonara

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the pancetta (or bacon) and cook until crispy. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked.

Step 3

In a bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream (if using). Set aside.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and pancetta to the skillet. Quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta while tossing continuously to coat everything evenly. Add some reserved pasta water if needed to create a creamy texture.

Step 5

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Chicken Carbonara

• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoothest sauce. Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as well.
• Cook the pancetta (or bacon) until crispy to add a smoky crunch to the dish.
• Season the chicken well before cooking to build flavor from the start.
• Whisk the eggs and cheese together before adding them to the pasta to create a creamy, lump-free sauce.
• Save some pasta water before draining to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
• Cook pasta until al dente so it doesn’t become too soft when mixed with the sauce.
• Remove the skillet from heat before adding the egg mixture to prevent scrambling the eggs.
• Toss the pasta quickly after adding the egg mixture to ensure an even, creamy coating.
• Use a good-quality pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine to hold the sauce well.
• Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley for a final touch of flavor and presentation.

What to Eat with Chicken Carbonara?

I like to pair this dish with warm garlic bread. The crispy, buttery bread is perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce.

Another great option is a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette. The freshness balances out the richness of the pasta.

For a heartier meal, I recommend roasted vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes. Their slight sweetness adds a great contrast to the salty, cheesy flavors of the Carbonara.

How to Store Leftovers?

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken, so when reheating, add a little milk or cream to bring back the creamy texture.

For freezing, place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently over low heat, stirring to mix the sauce well.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of pasta? – Yes! Spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine all work well. You can also use penne or rigatoni if you prefer a thicker pasta.

Can I make this dish dairy-free? – You can try dairy-free cheese alternatives, but the traditional Carbonara relies on Parmesan for its flavor and texture. You may also use coconut cream for a different twist.

What can I use instead of chicken? – You can leave out the chicken or replace it with shrimp for a seafood twist. Some people also enjoy adding mushrooms or extra vegetables for a vegetarian version.

How do I prevent the eggs from scrambling? – Remove the pan from heat before adding the egg mixture and toss quickly to create a smooth sauce. Using warm but not overly hot pasta helps prevent the eggs from cooking too fast.

Can I use store-bought grated Parmesan? – Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives the best flavor, but store-bought can work in a pinch. If using pre-grated, make sure it has no additives that prevent melting.

Can I make this ahead of time? – It’s best served fresh, but you can store leftovers and reheat gently. The sauce may thicken, so add a little reserved pasta water when reheating.

Can I add mushrooms or peas? – Yes! Sautéed mushrooms or peas add extra texture and flavor to the dish. You can also add spinach for a fresh, slightly earthy taste.

Is Carbonara supposed to have cream? – Traditional Italian Carbonara does not include cream, but some variations (like this one) add a small amount for extra richness.

Can I make this dish spicy? – Yes! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or use spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken for a different take.

Conclusion

This Chicken Carbonara is a creamy, savory pasta dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a quick meal, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in just 30 minutes.

Chicken Carbonara

Recipe by Food by AyakaCourse: MainCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

650

kcal

Chicken Carbonara is a creamy and rich pasta dish with crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and a Parmesan-egg sauce. It’s an easy and delicious meal perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 12 oz spaghetti (or fettuccine)

• 4 oz pancetta or bacon, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Directions

• Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
• Cook the Chicken and Pancetta: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the pancetta (or bacon) and cook until crispy. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked.
• Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream (if using). Set aside.
• Combine Everything: Reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and pancetta to the skillet. Quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta while tossing continuously to coat everything evenly. Add some reserved pasta water if needed to create a creamy texture.
• Final Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and serve immediately.