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Chicken Carbonara is a beloved Italian dish that has captured the hearts and palates of food enthusiasts around the world. Known for its rich, creamy sauce and hearty ingredients, this classic dish is not just a meal but a celebration of flavors and culinary tradition. While traditional Carbonara typically features guanciale (cured pork cheek), the addition of chicken provides a delightful twist that elevates the dish to new heights.

Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara recipe! In just 30 minutes, you'll whip up a creamy, savory dish featuring succulent chicken, crispy pancetta, and rich Parmesan cheese, all tossed with spaghetti or fettuccine. This easy recipe is perfect for busy nights or special occasions. Serve it up with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra cheese for a meal that will impress your family and friends. A must-try for pasta lovers!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz (225 g) spaghetti or fettuccine

2 large chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces

4 slices of pancetta or bacon, chopped

2 large egg yolks

1 whole egg

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp olive oil

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Salt, to taste

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

    Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the diced chicken. Season with salt and pepper and cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

      Cook the Pancetta: In the same skillet, add the chopped pancetta or bacon. Cook until it becomes crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic in the last minute of cooking to fragrant but not burned.

        Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, whole egg, grated Parmesan cheese, and a generous amount of black pepper until well combined.

          Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the pancetta and garlic. Stir to mix everything together. Then, add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to combine.

            Create the Sauce: Remove the skillet from the heat. Quickly pour the egg mixture over the hot pasta while tossing everything together. The heat from the pasta will cook the egg and create a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.

              Serve: Divide the Chicken Carbonara into bowls. Top with additional grated Parmesan cheese and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for garnish.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | Serves 4