Unleash the joy of effortless weeknight dining with our exquisite Chicken Carbonara recipe. This isn’t just any pasta dish; it’s a culinary experience featuring succulent, tender chicken breasts bathed in a rich, creamy sauce crafted from milk and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Enhanced with aromatic garlic, delicate shallots, and the irresistible crunch of crispy bacon, this savory pasta masterpiece comes together in approximately 30 minutes, making it the perfect solution for even your busiest evenings.
There’s something inherently comforting and convenient about a well-made pasta dish. For many, including myself, pasta is the ultimate savior on those hectic evenings when dinner inspiration is low, or time is short. It’s a universal crowd-pleaser, ensuring everyone at the table leaves satisfied. This makes pasta night a consistent win-win situation for any household.
My journey to perfecting this Chicken Carbonara began years ago when I stumbled upon a unique Carbonara recipe in a local magazine. What caught my attention was its inclusion of broccoli – a delightful departure from the traditional peas, which, frankly, I’m not a fan of. While I’ll endure peas for the sake of setting an example for my children, their texture has always been a challenge for me. That distinct “popping” sensation is just not my preference.
This recipe, however, became an instant favorite, largely because it embraces the vibrant flavors and textures of broccoli and fresh spinach. And, of course, no Carbonara would be complete without the savory addition of bacon. Seriously, what’s not to love about crispy, flavorful bacon intertwined with creamy pasta?
Discover the Delight of Chicken Carbonara
Our Chicken Carbonara, elevated with generous pieces of crispy bacon, is a guaranteed family favorite. Each forkful delivers a symphony of rich flavors, from the pungent garlic and subtle shallots to the sharp, salty notes of Parmesan cheese. It’s a deeply satisfying meal that, despite its gourmet appeal, can be effortlessly prepared on any busy weeknight. While some Carbonara recipes might call for pancetta, we find that the smoky, familiar taste of bacon truly shines in our kitchen, making it our preferred choice for this delectable dish.
Why Add Chicken to Your Carbonara?
Incorporating chicken transforms an already delicious pasta dish into a more substantial and hearty meal. It’s also an ingenious way to utilize leftover cooked chicken, whether you have some from a rotisserie chicken in your fridge or freezer. Simply dice the chicken, toss it into the luscious carbonara sauce, and pour it all over your favorite pasta for a complete, family-friendly meal that’s both comforting and satisfying.
If you’re a connoisseur of chicken pasta recipes, you’ll undoubtedly appreciate these other culinary creations: Easy Chicken and Mushroom Florentine, Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta, and Country Club Chicken and Pasta. Each offers a unique flavor profile while delivering the convenience and deliciousness of a chicken and pasta pairing.
Understanding Creamy Carbonara: Not to be Confused with Alfredo
When discussing Carbonara, it’s essential to distinguish it from Alfredo, a common point of confusion. Traditional Carbonara typically features cured pork like pancetta or guanciale, and its signature creamy texture often comes from an emulsion of eggs, hard cheese, and the rendered fat from the pork, sometimes thinned with pasta water. Our version of creamy Chicken Carbonara simplifies this by utilizing a milk and Parmesan cheese base, opting out of the egg mixture. This streamlines the cooking process, eliminating the need to separate egg whites from yolks, yet still delivers an incredibly creamy and satisfying sauce. In contrast, Alfredo sauce is predominantly made with heavy cream and Parmesan, without the inclusion of eggs or cured pork.
Essential Ingredients for Your Chicken Carbonara
Crafting this delicious Chicken Carbonara requires a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. For a detailed list with precise measurements and full instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
- Milk: The foundation of our creamy sauce. For the richest and most luxurious texture, whole milk is recommended, but any milk fat content will contribute to a delicious outcome.
- Parmesan Cheese: The soul of the sauce. Always opt for freshly grated Parmesan. Its superior flavor and melting quality are unmatched by pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce’s smoothness.
- Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a delightful warmth and subtle spice that complements the other flavors beautifully. Adjust to your personal taste.
- Linguine Noodles: We love the way linguine cradles the sauce, but this recipe is versatile. Feel free to use your favorite long pasta shape, such as fettuccine or spaghetti.
- Broccolettes: Also known as broccolini, these tender greens contribute a wonderful crunch, earthy flavor, and a vibrant pop of color to the dish.
- Spinach: Baby spinach is preferred for its delicate texture. Roughly chopped, it wilts perfectly into the hot pasta, adding a touch of freshness and nutrients.
- Bacon: Crispy bacon is key for that irresistible savory depth and textural contrast. While you can cook fresh bacon, using a quality packaged real bacon pieces makes for a quicker prep time.
- Shallot: Shallots provide a nuanced, sweeter, and milder onion flavor. If unavailable, a finely diced small onion can be used as a substitute.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is paramount for the best aromatic foundation. In a pinch, jarred minced garlic can work, but the fresh version truly elevates the flavor profile.
- Parsley: Freshly chopped parsley serves as an excellent garnish, adding a burst of herbaceous freshness and a touch of vibrant green.
- Chicken: Cubed chicken breasts are used here to make this pasta a truly hearty and satisfying main course.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is ideal for sautéing, imparting its characteristic fruity notes. However, any standard cooking olive oil will perform well.
Continue reading for invaluable tips, creative substitutions, and answers to frequently asked questions about mastering this delightful Chicken Carbonara recipe.
Crafting Your Chicken Carbonara: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this rich and flavorful Chicken Carbonara is surprisingly straightforward, involving just a few simple steps. Let’s walk through the process to ensure a perfect meal every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta and Broccolini. Begin by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your linguine noodles, ensuring they have enough space to move freely. Cook the pasta until it reaches an al dente texture – firm to the bite – following the package directions. It’s crucial not to overcook it, as it will continue to soften slightly when tossed with the hot sauce. In the final 3 minutes of the pasta’s cooking time, add the broccolini to the same pot. This ensures the broccolini is tender-crisp. Once cooked, drain the pasta and broccolini, then rinse briefly with cool water to halt the cooking process and prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken pieces and cook, stirring frequently, until they are beautifully golden brown on all sides and thoroughly cooked through. This searing step adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the chicken. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside, leaving any flavorful drippings in the skillet.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Bacon. Using the same skillet with the leftover chicken drippings, add the chopped shallots, minced garlic, and bacon pieces. Sauté for a few minutes over medium heat until the shallots are softened and fragrant, the garlic is golden (but not burnt), and the bacon is heated through and slightly crispy. These aromatics form the savory backbone of your carbonara sauce.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce. Whisk in the milk, freshly ground black pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet with the sautéed aromatics and bacon. Continue whisking gently until the cheese begins to melt and the sauce starts to come together smoothly. This is where the magic happens, creating that signature creamy consistency.
Step 5: Combine Chicken with Sauce. Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet with the bubbling sauce. Stir well, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly coated. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for a few minutes, giving it time to slightly thicken and for the flavors to meld beautifully. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 6: Toss with Pasta and Greens. Finally, add the drained linguine and broccolini mixture, along with the fresh baby spinach and chopped parsley, to the skillet. Gently toss all the ingredients together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy carbonara sauce and the spinach has wilted. The residual heat from the pasta and sauce will perfectly cook the spinach.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy. Serve your Chicken Carbonara immediately, ideally with extra Parmesan cheese on the side for those who love an added layer of cheesy goodness.
This exquisite pasta dish pairs wonderfully with a warm slice of {No Knead} Crusty Dutch Oven Bread, perfect for soaking up every last drop of that incredible creamy sauce.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers of this creamy pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best results, allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring it to the container. While you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months, be aware that the texture, particularly of the sauce and pasta, may become slightly softer upon thawing and reheating. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore its creamy consistency.
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If this easy Chicken Carbonara recipe has captured your heart, ensure you don’t lose track of it! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board now so it’s always handy for your next culinary adventure!
Creative Substitutions to Personalize Your Carbonara
Remember that the best recipes are often those you can make your own. When it comes to substitutions, don’t be afraid to get creative and tailor this Chicken Carbonara to your personal taste, dietary preferences, or simply what you have on hand. Make this recipe truly yours!
- Pork Alternatives: If you don’t have cooked bacon, cubed ham or even prosciutto can offer a delightful salty kick. For a truly authentic flavor profile, consider using guanciale or pancetta, diced and rendered until crispy.
- For a Richer Sauce: To achieve an even more indulgent and decadent sauce, substitute heavy cream for a portion or all of the milk. This will result in a thicker, richer consistency that’s undeniably luxurious.
- Cheese Varieties: While Parmesan cheese is classic, don’t hesitate to experiment with other hard, salty cheeses. Pecorino Romano offers a sharper, tangier bite, while Grana Padano provides a slightly milder, nuttier flavor. A blend of these can also be exquisite.
- Cooking Bacon from Scratch: If you prefer to cook fresh bacon rather than using pre-packaged pieces, you can easily cook bacon in an air fryer or a skillet until perfectly crispy, then crumble it into the sauce.
- Add Seafood: For a seafood twist, inspired by popular restaurant versions like Olive Garden’s Shrimp and Chicken Carbonara, try adding cooked shrimp to this recipe. Sauté the shrimp quickly before or after the chicken, then toss it in with the pasta and sauce.
- Vegetable Variations: While broccoli and spinach are fantastic, feel free to add other vegetables such as sautéed mushrooms, asparagus tips, or even sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic and shallots can introduce a subtle, pleasant heat to the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Carbonara Pasta
Let’s address some common queries about Chicken Carbonara to help you better understand and prepare this delightful dish.
- What exactly is Chicken Carbonara? Chicken Carbonara is a popular adaptation of the classic Italian pasta dish, Carbonara. While traditional Carbonara typically features cured pork (guanciale or pancetta), eggs, hard cheese, and black pepper, our Chicken Carbonara incorporates tender chicken breast and uses a milk and Parmesan cheese-based sauce for a rich, creamy, and family-friendly meal.
- What is chicken carbonara sauce made of in this recipe? In our recipe, the chicken carbonara sauce is made primarily with milk and Parmesan cheese, infused with the savory flavors of crispy bacon, garlic, and shallots. We’ve opted for a no-egg mixture to simplify the process while still achieving a wonderfully creamy consistency. Fresh black pepper and optional pasta water help perfect the sauce.
- What’s the difference between Chicken Alfredo and Carbonara? The main differences lie in their traditional preparations. Traditional Carbonara sauce typically relies on an emulsion of egg yolks, Pecorino Romano cheese, rendered pork fat, and pasta water, resulting in a lighter yet creamy coating. Alfredo sauce, on the other hand, is most often made with heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese, creating a much richer and thicker sauce. Our chicken carbonara is a modern take that shares some creaminess with alfredo but retains the distinct savory bacon and garlic profile of carbonara. Alfredo also rarely includes cured pork or chicken as integral components of the sauce itself, unlike carbonara.
- What is the sauce in traditional carbonara made of? The sauce in authentic Roman Carbonara is made from a precise emulsification of egg yolks (sometimes whole eggs), finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese, rendered fat from guanciale (cured pork jowl), and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper. The hot pasta and a little starchy pasta water are crucial for creating the creamy, velvety sauce without actual cream.
- What is the “golden rule” of cooking a carbonara? When making traditional Carbonara with eggs, the golden rule is to ensure the eggs don’t scramble. This is achieved by quickly tossing the egg and cheese mixture with the hot pasta off the heat, allowing the residual warmth to gently cook and thicken the eggs into a silky sauce rather than scrambling them. For our milk-based Chicken Carbonara, the golden rule is to cook the sauce gently and allow it to thicken naturally, avoiding high heat that could cause the milk to separate or burn the cheese. Adding pasta water can also help achieve the perfect consistency.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Absolutely! Simply substitute regular linguine noodles with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Ensure all other ingredients (like bacon) are certified gluten-free if strict dietary requirements are in place.
- What type of milk works best? While whole milk provides the richest and most luxurious sauce, you can use 2% or even skim milk for a lighter version. Keep in mind that lower-fat milk might result in a slightly less creamy sauce.
Expert Tips & Tricks for Perfect Chicken Carbonara
Elevate your Chicken Carbonara from good to absolutely unforgettable with these handy tips and tricks:
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: This is paramount for any pasta dish. Cooking your pasta until it’s al dente ensures it retains a pleasant chew and holds up well when tossed with the rich sauce and chicken. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and lose its appeal.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Always reserve at least a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. This starchy liquid is a chef’s secret weapon; it’s fantastic for emulsifying and thickening your sauce, helping it cling beautifully to the pasta, and adjusting the consistency if it becomes too thick.
- Fresh Herbs for Finish: Beyond parsley, topping your pasta with fresh basil or a sprinkle of oregano just before serving can add another layer of aromatic complexity and vibrant flavor.
- Don’t Rush the Sauté: Allow the shallots, garlic, and bacon to truly caramelize and become fragrant in the skillet. These foundational flavors are crucial for the overall depth of your carbonara.
- Grate Your Own Cheese: As mentioned, freshly grated Parmesan makes a world of difference. It melts smoothly and imparts a superior, more authentic flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- Serve Immediately: Carbonara is best enjoyed fresh off the stove. The creamy sauce is at its peak when warm, so gather everyone at the table as soon as it’s ready!
More Delicious Pasta Recipes to Love
If you’re a fan of quick and easy pasta dishes, you’ll adore our Lemon Basil Pasta, which comes together in a cinch with bright, fresh flavors. For something a bit different, try our unique Pasta Salad With Spam, or indulge in the comforting flavors of Pizza Pasta. If baked pasta is more up your alley, then our Creamy Baked Chicken Pasta With Bacon and Chicken and Spinach Pasta Bake are sure to become new favorites.
This Chicken Carbonara pasta is truly a dish bound to become one of your new favorite go-to recipes. It’s an easy-to-prepare meal that’s versatile enough for a special occasion yet simple enough for a casual family weeknight dinner. Enjoy every creamy, savory bite!
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Print Recipe
Chicken Carbonara Recipe
Equipment
- Stainless Steel Pasta Cooker Steamer Multipots, 12 Quart, Silver
- Cuisinart Stainless Steel Pasta Server
- Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet With Assist Handle, 10.25″, Black
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Parmesan Cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 pound linguine noodles
- 3 cups broccolini
- 2 cups baby spinach rough chopped
- 2.8 ounce package real bacon pieces
- 1 shallot chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 Tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 2 large chicken breasts cubed
- 2 Tablespoons Olive oil
Instructions
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook linguine according to package directions, (do not overcook) add broccolette last 3 minutes of cook time, drain and rinse with cool water, set aside.
- In a skillet, add olive oil, cook chicken pieces, stirring frequently. Remove chicken from pan, set aside.
- In the same skillet, add shallots, garlic and bacon pieces and saute for a few minutes.
- Whisk in milk, pepper and Parmesan cheese.
- Return chicken to the skillet. Stir into sauce. Let thicken for a few minutes.
- Add pasta/broccolettes, spinach and parsley. Toss with sauce.
- Serve.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted on May 5, 2015. It has been updated to improve user experience and reshared on May 22, 2024.