Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Carbonara takes all the flavors you love about traditional carbonara and adds a hearty, protein-packed twist with juicy chicken breasts. The creamy sauce clings beautifully to pasta, delivering a luxurious bite in every forkful. It’s quick enough for busy evenings yet sophisticated enough to serve at gatherings. Plus, it’s customizable with simple variations to suit your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine pasta
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.

2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken for about 6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces.

3. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth and creamy. Add chicken broth and adjust consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.

5. Return the sliced chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss gently until everything is coated in the sauce.

6. Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Swap spaghetti for linguine, rigatoni, or penne.

• Add peas, mushrooms, or spinach for extra vegetables.

• Try Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan for a sharper cheese flavor.

• Use grilled chicken for a lighter version.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk, cream, or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long, as the cream sauce can separate. Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy sauce may lose its texture.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, you can use leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken. Simply add it to the sauce just before tossing with pasta.

Can I make this without cream?

Yes, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.

What pasta works best?

Spaghetti or fettuccine are classic, but penne, rigatoni, or tagliatelle also work well.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Peas, spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus are great additions.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Keep the heat at medium-low when adding cream and cheese, stirring constantly to avoid overheating.

Can I make it ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance, then cook pasta fresh and combine everything before serving.

What can I substitute for Parmesan?

Pecorino Romano or Asiago are excellent alternatives with bold flavors.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet.

How do I make it spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne while sautéing garlic for a subtle kick.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double the ingredients. Make sure to use a large enough skillet to coat the pasta evenly.

Conclusion

Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara is a creamy, indulgent pasta dish that combines the comfort of Italian flavors with the heartiness of chicken. With its quick cooking time and customizable variations, it’s a versatile recipe you’ll want to keep on regular rotation. Serve it up for family dinners or special evenings, and it’s guaranteed to impress.

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