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Easy Creamy Chicken Carbonara

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A quick and comforting chicken carbonara recipe ready in just 35 minutes, featuring a creamy sauce with bacon, chicken, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights and satisfying dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 6–8 slices bacon, chopped
  • 12 ounces spaghetti or fettuccine pasta
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (100 g)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340g) of spaghetti or fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup (240ml) of pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, cut 1 pound (450g) of boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through, flipping occasionally. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add 6-8 slices of chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove bacon bits with a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered fat in the pan. Add minced garlic (3 cloves) and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, careful not to burn.
  4. Lower heat to medium. Pour in 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream, stirring to combine with bacon fat and garlic. Let simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in 1 cup (100g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  5. Return cooked chicken and bacon to the skillet. Toss in the drained pasta. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach a creamy consistency that coats the noodles beautifully.
  6. Taste and adjust salt and black pepper as needed. Remove from heat.
  7. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best texture and flavor. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Cook chicken evenly by heating pan well and cooking in a single layer. Avoid high heat when adding cream and cheese to prevent curdling. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken carbonara, creamy chicken pasta, easy chicken dinner, quick carbonara recipe, bacon pasta, weeknight dinner, creamy sauce pasta

Find it online: https://emacrave.com/easy-creamy-chicken-carbonara-recipe-ready-in-35-minutes-for-perfect-dinner/