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!
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Season liberally with salt.
Heat a large skillet over medium. Add the bacon and cook until crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove it. Drain on a paper towel.
6 slices thick-cut bacon
While the bacon cooks, add egg yolks, parmesan cheese, cream, salt, and pepper to a medium bowl. Whisk to combine.
6 large egg yolks, 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup heavy cream, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
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.
6 boneless, skinless chicken tenders
While the chicken cooks, drop the pasta into the water. Cook until just under al dente (it will continue to cook when you toss the pasta with the sauce.)
1 pound dry spaghetti noodles
Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. Lower the heat to medium and add garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3 cloves garlic
Use tongs to transfer the pasta to the pan with the garlic and bacon fat. Toss to combine. Reserve ½ cup of the 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!
Video
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.
Storage: Store chicken carbonara in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.