Description
Creamy, rich, and packed with flavor, this Best Ever Chicken Carbonara recipe is perfect for a quick dinner idea, indulgent comfort food, or a cozy weekend treat. With juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and pasta coated in a silky Parmesan cream sauce, this is one of the most satisfying and easy dinner recipes you’ll make. Great for anyone looking for easy pasta food ideas, creamy chicken meals, or comforting dinner ideas.
Ingredients
6 slices bacon, chopped
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
12 oz linguine
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 egg yolks
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 6 slices of chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.
2. Season 2 chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In the same skillet, cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked, about 6–7 minutes per side. Remove and let rest before slicing.
3. Meanwhile, cook 12 oz linguine in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
4. In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute over medium heat until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
5. Reduce heat to low. Whisk together 3 egg yolks, 1 cup heavy cream, and 1 cup grated Parmesan. Slowly pour into the skillet while stirring constantly. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
6. Add the pasta, crispy bacon, and sliced chicken back to the skillet. Toss everything to coat evenly in the sauce. Heat for 1–2 minutes.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and a generous crack of black pepper. Serve immediately with more Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce thickens too much after combining.
Always stir continuously when adding the egg yolk mixture to avoid scrambling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 695
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 245mg
Keywords: creamy chicken carbonara, easy pasta recipe, chicken bacon pasta