This delicious and creamy chicken carbonara is a wonderful 30 minute meal that everyone will love! Easy to make with a few simple ingredients, it’s comforting, hearty and so delicious!
I always look forward to pasta night in our house and this chicken carbonara often makes an appearance! This easy 30 minute meal comes together so easily and there are never any leftovers!
If you are looking for more 30 minute dinners that your family will love, be sure to check out my Easy Chicken Curry and Balsamic Chicken.
Why you will love this chicken carbonara!
- Deliciously creamy: This spaghetti dinner is made with heavy cream and egg yolks that create the most wonderful sauce that coats each strand of pasta.
- Tender chicken: I used chicken tenders in this dish, they are low in fat and full of flavor.
- So flavorful: This dish comes alive with flavors from bacon, parmesan and garlic. It is amazingly fragrant and delicious to eat!
Can you use chicken breast or thighs?
I like to use tenders in this recipe, but you can use breast or thighs if that’s what you have. Just be aware that they will require a slightly longer cooking time.
Can you reheat the leftovers?
As with most pasta dishes, this chicken carbonara is best enjoyed as soon as you’ve made it. The pasta will absorb the sauce if it sits in it for too long. If you do have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge and they will keep for up to 3 days.
The best way to reheat it is on a stovetop in a pot. Add in a little water to loosen the sauce and cook it on a low heat until the chicken is heated through.
What’s the best pasta to use?
When it comes to carbonara, spaghetti is the best choice. If you are in a pinch, another long pasta like linguini will work well. You can also use whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti in this dish, just adjust the cooking time according to the package.
More Recipe Notes and Tips
- Be sure to reserve some other the pasta cooking water. It will help to loosen up the sauce and make it silky smooth.
- This chicken carbonara is a perfect meal by itself, but goes great with a side of garlic bread or sautéed veggies.
- Cook the pasta al dente. It will continue cooking in the sauce, so take care not to overcook it.
Chicken Carbonara Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon chopped
- 6 chicken tenders
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 6 egg yolks
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup pasta water
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Season liberally with salt.
- Heat a large skillet to a medium heat. Add bacon. Cook bacon until is crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove. Drain on a paper towel.
- While the bacon cooks, add egg yolks, parmesan cheese, cream, salt, and pepper to a medium bowl. Whisk to combine.
- Season chicken tenders with salt and pepper on both sides. Add to the rendered bacon fat and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Set aside and slice.
- While the chicken cooks, drop the pasta into the water. Cook until just under aldente (it will continue to cook when you toss the pasta with the sauce.)
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. Lower the heat to medium and add garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Use the tongs to transfer the pasta to the garlic and bacon fat. Toss to combine. Reserve starchy cooking liquid.
- Remove the pan from the heat and while tossing the pasta, pour in the egg, cream, and cheese mixture. Toss together and place back over a low flame. Continue to toss the pasta until the cheese melts and the sauce is thick, about 2-3 minutes. Do not turn the heat up too high or you could curdle the eggs, a very low heat works great. Add the bacon back in and toss again. If needed, add pasta water ¼ cup at a time to reach desired consistency of sauce.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper. Arrange chicken on top. Serve!
Notes
- Cook the pasta al dente. It will continue cooking in the sauce, so take care not to overcook it.
- Be sure to reserve some other the pasta cooking water. It will help to loosen up the sauce and make it silky smooth.
- It’s a perfect meal by itself, but goes great with a side of garlic bread or sautéed veggies.
Alex says
There’s no cream in carbonarra. I’m thinking this is going to make you feel bloated an hour after you eat…
Tom Jones says
No cream in this dish and bacon can be used but it’s not the classic recipe that uses pork jowls. Also you can mop all the bacon grease up. With al the cream and bacon grease you should call this chicken cardiac.
Becky Hardin says
Thank you for the name suggestion, but I think I will stick to what I have now! Have a great day, Tom!
Tracey Beard says
I loved the recipe and we added fresh spinach.. Even my two year old twins loved it.. Will be trying it with shrimp and fresh basil next time.
Becky Hardin says
Thanks for sharing, Tracey!
Ann says
This was a hit with the entire family- truly delicious entree
Becky Hardin says
Thanks for sharing, Ann!
Staci Kelemen says
Sooo good! I will make this again for sure!
Becky Hardin says
Thanks for sharing!
Monica says
This was delicious and not too difficult to make. My husband loves carbonara and he enjoyed it. I will definitely make this again. And no, we did not get bloated an hour after eating this. Lol! However I used regular bacon instead of thick cut.
Becky Hardin says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Monica! Thanks so much for stopping by!