Creamy, smoky, and irresistibly savory, Chicken Carbonara is a comforting Italian-inspired dish that combines the richness of eggs, Parmesan cheese, and crispy pancetta with tender strips of chicken and perfectly cooked pasta.
Chicken Carbonara
4
servings10
minutes25
minutesThis dish is a fusion twist on the traditional Roman carbonara—elevated with juicy, pan-seared chicken to create a hearty main course that feels both luxurious and satisfying. Ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without the fuss!
Ingredients
12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
4 oz pancetta or bacon, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 large eggs
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup reserved pasta water
Fresh parsley (optional), chopped for garnish
Directions
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water and drain.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook chicken slices over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through (about 5–6 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add butter and pancetta. Sauté until crispy. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs and Parmesan cheese. Slowly mix in a few tablespoons of the warm reserved pasta water to temper the eggs.
- Return the cooked pasta to the skillet. Turn off the heat. Quickly stir in the egg mixture, tossing rapidly to create a creamy sauce. Add pasta water little by little to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir in the cooked chicken.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan, black pepper, and parsley. Serve hot!
