Chicken Carbonara
A creamy and comforting Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring tender chicken and a rich carbonara sauce made with eggs, cheese, and pancetta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 4 oz pancetta or bacon, diced
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain pasta.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add pancetta and cook until crisp. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and toss with pancetta and garlic. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and quickly pour in the egg and cheese mixture, tossing continuously to create a creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired sauce consistency.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
For a smokier flavor, try substituting pancetta with smoked bacon. Serve with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal.