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When it comes to beloved Italian cuisine, few dishes evoke the same level of comfort and satisfaction as Carbonara. This traditional pasta dish hails from Rome and has captured the hearts of food lovers around the globe with its rich flavors and creamy texture. While the classic Carbonara recipe typically features guanciale (cured pork cheek), eggs, cheese, and black pepper, our take on this timeless favorite introduces a delightful twist: tender, juicy chicken. The result is a Creamy Dreamy Chicken Carbonara that maintains the essence of the original while adding a hearty protein element that makes it perfect for a satisfying meal.

Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara Recipe

Discover the ultimate comfort food with our Creamy Dreamy Chicken Carbonara recipe! This delightful twist on the classic Italian dish substitutes tender chicken for traditional pork, resulting in a rich and creamy pasta experience. Enjoy a step-by-step guide that covers everything from choosing the right pasta to creating a luscious sauce. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
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Ingredients
  

8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), diced

4 oz pancetta or bacon, diced

2 large eggs

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup heavy cream

4 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 tbsp olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Extra Parmesan for serving

Freshly cracked black pepper for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti or fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

    Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

      Sauté the Pancetta: In the same skillet, add the diced pancetta (or bacon) and cook until crispy. This should take about 4-5 minutes. Add in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

        Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

          Combine Ingredients: Reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet with the pancetta and garlic. Pour the cream mixture over the top and quickly toss everything together to coat the pasta. The heat from the pasta and chicken will gently cook the eggs, creating a creamy sauce. If it's too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until reaching desired consistency.

            Serve: Plate the creamy chicken carbonara in bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and a generous sprinkle of cracked black pepper.

              Enjoy: Serve immediately while the dish is still warm and creamy!

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4