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Classic Chicken Carbonara Pasta Recipe Easy Homemade 30-Minute Dinner

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A quick and easy classic chicken carbonara pasta dish that combines tender chicken, smoky bacon, and a creamy cheese and egg sauce for a comforting Italian-inspired meal ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or fettuccine
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 oz (115 g) diced bacon or pancetta
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup (240 ml) pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 oz (115 g) diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  3. Season 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces, with salt and pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and cook in bacon fat over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to brown evenly. Remove from heat once done.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs, 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan, ½ cup (50 g) Pecorino Romano, and a pinch of black pepper. Set aside.
  5. Return the skillet with chicken and bacon to low heat. Add the drained pasta and toss to combine. Slowly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta while tossing quickly with tongs or a fork. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce seems too thick.
  6. Stir in 2 cloves minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, just until fragrant (be careful not to burn it).
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley if using. Serve immediately.

Notes

Toss the egg and cheese mixture with pasta off the heat or on very low heat to avoid scrambling the eggs. Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother sauce. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Cook chicken and bacon separately for best texture and flavor. Serve immediately for best creamy texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken carbonara, classic carbonara, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, creamy pasta, chicken pasta, Italian pasta, bacon carbonara

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/classic-chicken-carbonara-pasta-recipe-easy-homemade-30-minute-dinner/