This Chicken Carbonara recipe offers a delicious twist on the classic Italian dish by adding tender strips of chicken. The creamy sauce made with eggs and Parmesan blends perfectly with pasta and crispy turkey bacon, delivering a rich and satisfying meal
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Creamy, rich texture with simple ingredients.
- Combines protein from chicken and turkey bacon.
- Quick and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Fettuccine pasta (12 oz.)
- Turkey bacon (4 slices)
- Chicken breasts (½ lb., boneless and skinless)
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
- Eggs (4 large)
- Parmesan cheese (¾ cup, grated)
- Fresh parsley (⅓ cup, chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Chicken Carbonara:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cook the pasta: Start by cooking the fettuccine according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, saving some pasta water.
- Cook the turkey bacon: In a large skillet, cook the turkey bacon until crispy. Remove, chop, and set aside.
- Sauté the chicken: In the same skillet, sauté chicken strips seasoned with salt and pepper until fully cooked.
- Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together eggs and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Combine: Add the cooked fettuccine and turkey bacon back into the skillet with the chicken. Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, tossing everything together. Add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to create a silky, creamy sauce.
- Finish: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Helpful Tips:
- Stir continuously when adding the sauce: This prevents the eggs from scrambling.
- Reserve pasta water: Use this to adjust the sauce’s consistency.
Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: High-protein
Notes:
- Eggs should not scramble: Turn off the heat before adding the sauce to avoid this.
- Substitute pasta: Use spaghetti, linguine, or your favorite pasta type.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use regular bacon?: Yes, regular bacon can be used instead of turkey bacon.
- Can I make this ahead?: Carbonara is best enjoyed fresh, as the sauce can thicken when reheated.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a bit of reserved pasta water or broth to maintain creaminess.
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Conclusion:
This Chicken Carbonara is a creamy and comforting dish perfect for any pasta lover. With minimal ingredients and quick preparation, it’s an ideal recipe for a weeknight dinner or a special meal. Enjoy the rich flavors with your favorite pasta!
PrintBest-Ever Chicken Carbonara
Description
This Chicken Carbonara recipe offers a delicious twist on the classic Italian dish by adding tender strips of chicken. The creamy sauce made with eggs and Parmesan blends perfectly with pasta and crispy turkey bacon, delivering a rich and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- Fettuccine pasta (12 oz.)
- Turkey bacon (4 slices)
- Chicken breasts (½ lb., boneless and skinless)
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
- Eggs (4 large)
- Parmesan cheese (¾ cup, grated)
- Fresh parsley (⅓ cup, chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Start by cooking the fettuccine according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, saving some pasta water.
- Cook the turkey bacon: In a large skillet, cook the turkey bacon until crispy. Remove, chop, and set aside.
- Sauté the chicken: In the same skillet, sauté chicken strips seasoned with salt and pepper until fully cooked.
- Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together eggs and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Combine: Add the cooked fettuccine and turkey bacon back into the skillet with the chicken. Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, tossing everything together. Add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to create a silky, creamy sauce.
- Finish: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Eggs should not scramble: Turn off the heat before adding the sauce to avoid this.
- Substitute pasta: Use spaghetti, linguine, or your favorite pasta type.