Best Chicken Carbonara Recipe – Creamy, Easy & Quick Dinner
Try this easy chicken carbonara recipe made with creamy pasta, crispy bacon, and juicy chicken. Perfect for quick family dinners!
Introduction
Craving a dinner that’s creamy, rich, and irresistibly comforting? Look no further than Chicken Carbonara! Imagine tender bites of chicken, crispy bacon, and sweet peas all tossed in a dreamy, Parmesan-infused sauce hugging each bow tie of pasta. It’s pure comfort food bliss, perfect for busy weeknights or weekend family feasts.
Did you know the classic Italian Carbonara was traditionally made with just eggs, cheese, and cured pork? This modern twist with chicken gives it a hearty, protein-packed boost that will make everyone at your table happy.
Why You’ll Love This
Creamy, cheesy comfort food
Quick 30-minute recipe
One-skillet magic
Kid-approved and family-friendly
Customizable with veggies and toppings
What is Chicken Carbonara?
Traditionally, Carbonara is a Roman pasta combining eggs, cheese, and cured pork. In this version, juicy chicken is added for more protein and a modern upgrade. It’s a dish that bridges Italian tradition and American comfort effortlessly.
Ingredients
2-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
5 strips of bacon
1-2 cups sweet peas (frozen or fresh)
16 oz box of bow tie pasta
1/4 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup milk
1 cup chicken broth
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Adobo seasoning (optional)
Tony’s Creole seasoning (optional)
Italian seasoning
Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder
Olive oil
Instructions
1. Cook Pasta:
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Add peas in the last 2 mins. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook Chicken:
Season chicken with your spice mix.
Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear chicken until golden and cooked through (5–7 mins per side). Let rest, then slice.
3. Fry Bacon:
In the same pan, cook bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towel and chop.
4. Make the Sauce:
Leave 1 tbsp bacon fat in pan. Add flour and stir for 1 min.
Whisk in chicken broth, then milk and cream. Simmer to thicken.
5. Assemble:
Stir Parmesan into the sauce until smooth.
Add peas, chopped bacon, and sliced chicken.
Mix in pasta and toss gently to coat.
6. Serve:
Adjust seasoning. Top with more Parmesan and Italian seasoning.
What to Serve With Chicken Carbonara
Garlic bread
Caesar salad
Roasted asparagus or broccoli
A glass of chilled white wine
Lemon sorbet or biscotti for dessert
Top Tips
Use thighs for juicier chicken
Spinach or bell peppers are great veggie swaps
Add more milk if sauce is too thick
Grate Parmesan fresh for best flavor
Don’t scramble the sauce! Keep the heat low
Storage & Reheating
Fridge: 3 days in an airtight container
Freezer: Up to 2 months (if not using cream)
Reheat: Add a splash of milk and heat gently in skillet
FAQs
Can I substitute the bacon?
Yes, try pancetta or turkey bacon.
Is bow tie pasta necessary?
No, use your favorite pasta.
How can I make this dairy-free?
Use oat milk, coconut cream, and vegan cheese.
Can I prep ahead?
Yes. Cook the parts separately and mix before serving.
Avoid overcooking chicken?
Use a meat thermometer; stop at 165°F.
Conclusion Chicken Carbonara is creamy, easy, and always satisfying. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or impressing guests, it’s the dish that never fails. Try it tonight, and for more tasty ideas, explore more pasta recipes on clickthec.com.
Recipe Title: Chicken Carbonara with Cheese & Parsley
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Instructions:
- **Cook the pasta:** Bring salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- **Prepare chicken:** Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. In a large skillet with olive oil, sear chicken 5–7 min per side. Remove and slice.
- **Cook bacon:** In same skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and chop.
- **Make the sauce:** Remove excess fat, leave 1 tbsp. Add flour and stir for 1 min. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, milk, and cream. Simmer until thickened.
- **Combine:** Add Parmesan, peas, bacon, and sliced chicken. Toss in cooked pasta. Mix well to coat.
- **Finish & serve:** Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with more Parmesan and fresh parsley.
Notes
• Swap bacon for turkey bacon or pancetta
• Use spinach or bell peppers instead of peas
• Control sauce thickness with extra milk or pasta water
• Use meat thermometer to avoid overcooking chicken (165°F) Keywords: *chicken carbonara*, *creamy pasta*, *easy dinner recipe*, *chicken and bacon pasta*, *Italian comfort food*