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When it comes to Italian cuisine, few dishes evoke the same level of comfort and satisfaction as Carbonara. This iconic pasta dish hails from Rome and is deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of Italy. Traditionally made with just a handful of ingredients, including eggs, cheese, cured pork, and black pepper, Carbonara is a celebration of simplicity and flavor. Its creamy texture and rich taste have made it a beloved classic, not only in Italy but around the world.

Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara

Indulge in the creamy goodness of this Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara recipe! With tender chicken, crispy pancetta, and a rich egg and cheese sauce, this classic dish is a crowd-pleaser. Perfectly paired with fettuccine or spaghetti, it’s quick to make—ready in just 30 minutes! Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan for an elegant touch. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at the table!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

4 oz pancetta or thick-cut bacon, chopped

3 large eggs

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

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

    Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced chicken. Season with salt and pepper, and sauté until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

      Cook Pancetta or Bacon: In the same skillet, add the chopped pancetta or bacon and cook until crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

        Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined. Season with a bit of salt and black pepper.

          Combine Everything: Reduce the heat to low, then add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the pancetta and garlic. Toss everything together to ensure it's well coated.

            Add the Sauce: Remove the skillet from the heat and pour the egg and cream mixture over the pasta, quickly tossing to coat. The residual heat will cook the eggs and form a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.

              Serve: Divide the carbonara among plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

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