There’s something magical about a plate of creamy carbonara with crispy chicken and bacon. Imagine twirling strands of pasta coated in a luscious sauce, topped with crunchy bacon bits and golden chicken. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, tickling your senses and making your stomach rumble with anticipation. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings comfort and joy to any dinner table. For more inspiration, check out this chewy caramel coconut cookies recipe.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I make creamy carbonara with crispy chicken and bacon gluten-free?
- What can I use instead of eggs in this recipe?
- How do I prevent my sauce from curdling?
- 📖 Recipe Card
I still remember the first time I made creamy carbonara with crispy chicken and bacon for my friends. Their eyes lit up like kids on Christmas morning, and the compliments flowed as freely as the wine. Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dip This dish quickly became our go-to for cozy gatherings or a casual weeknight feast. Now, let me share this delightful recipe that guarantees to impress everyone around your table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This creamy carbonara is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners
- The rich flavors create an indulgent experience while being visually appealing on the plate
- Versatile enough to customize with different proteins or veggies, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion
- The crispy chicken and bacon add a satisfying crunch that elevates the classic dish to new heights
When I first whipped up this creamy delight, my family devoured it in record time, leaving only a few noodles behind as evidence of its deliciousness.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Spaghetti or Fettuccine: Choose your favorite pasta; it should be long enough to twirl around your fork easily.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust based on how many people you’re feeding.
- Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for extra crispiness and rich flavor; it pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm garlic cloves for robust flavor; sauté them until fragrant for maximum impact. For more inspiration, check out this garlic butter green beans recipe.
- Heavy Cream: This ingredient makes your sauce luxuriously creamy; don’t skimp on quality here!
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese adds depth of flavor; save some for garnishing at the end.
- Black Pepper: Freshly cracked pepper enhances the dish’s richness; use generously for that perfect kick.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley not only brightens up the dish but also adds color and freshness when sprinkled on top.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti or fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while saving a cup of pasta water.
Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper before adding them to the skillet. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side.
Add Bacon and Garlic: Remove chicken from skillet and let it rest. In the same skillet, add diced bacon and cook until crispy, then toss in minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Sweet Garlic Chicken Lemon Garlic Butter Cod.
Create the Sauce: Lower heat to medium-low before whisking in heavy cream into the skillet along with Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until combined into a velvety sauce.
Toss Everything Together: Slice cooked chicken into strips and return it to the pan along with drained pasta. Toss everything together well, adding reserved pasta water gradually until you reach desired creaminess.
Garnish and Serve!: Plate your creamy carbonara with crispy chicken and bacon generously garnished with parsley and extra Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy immediately while hot!
Now that you have this delightful recipe ready to go, gather your loved ones around the table (or just indulge solo if you’re feeling fancy). Oven Fried Chicken Recipe Creamy carbonara with crispy chicken and bacon is sure to become a cherished favorite in no time!
You Must Know
- A successful creamy carbonara with crispy chicken and bacon relies on timing
- Cook the pasta just right for that perfect al dente texture, and remember to reserve pasta water for a silky sauce
- The aroma of sizzling bacon will make your mouth water!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken until golden brown, then prepare the pasta while making the sauce. This sequence ensures everything is hot and ready to enjoy together.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or add vegetables like peas for a twist. You can also adjust the cheese type to create a unique flavor profile.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover carbonara in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary for creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a rich flavor, use high-quality pancetta or guanciale instead of regular bacon
- Timing is crucial; avoid overcooking the pasta to ensure it remains firm
- Always reserve some pasta water before draining; it helps achieve that perfect creamy consistency
Cooking this creamy carbonara with crispy chicken and bacon has become my go-to dish during family gatherings. Everyone can’t stop asking for seconds!
FAQ
Can I make creamy carbonara with crispy chicken and bacon gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute regular pasta with gluten-free options available at most stores.
What can I use instead of eggs in this recipe?
For a vegan option, try using silken tofu blended until smooth; it mimics creaminess beautifully.
How do I prevent my sauce from curdling?
To avoid curdling, mix off-heat and gradually incorporate hot pasta water into your sauce.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Creamy Carbonara with Crispy Chicken and Bacon
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Creamy carbonara with crispy chicken and bacon is a comforting dish that combines rich flavors and satisfying textures. With silky pasta enveloped in a velvety sauce, topped with crunchy bacon and tender chicken, this recipe will delight your taste buds. Perfect for any gathering or a cozy weeknight dinner, it’s easy to customize and sure to impress everyone at your table.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 6 oz thick-cut bacon
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and let rest.
- In the same skillet, cook diced bacon until crispy, then add minced garlic for about 30 seconds.
- Lower heat to medium-low, whisk in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until combined into a creamy sauce.
- Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet along with drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water gradually until desired creaminess is achieved.
- Serve garnished with parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 670
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
