Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe: How to Make It in 30 Minutes

Introduction

Creamy, dreamy, and ready in 30 minutes—this Chicken Carbonara recipe is the hero your weeknight dinners have been begging for! Imagine tender chunks of juicy chicken tossed with al dente pasta in a luxuriously velvety sauce, all kissed with the sharp tang of Parmesan and the warmth of black pepper. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent but comes together faster than you can binge a sitcom episode.

Did you know carbonara’s origins are as rich as its flavor? Legend says it was born in post-WWII Rome when American soldiers introduced eggs and bacon to pasta-loving locals. Our version swaps traditional pancetta for hearty chicken, making it a protein-packed twist your family will adore.chicken carbonara

Think of this as the cooler cousin of Fettuccine Alfredo—equally creamy but with a smoky, savory depth. It’s foolproof, family-friendly, and guaranteed to turn “What’s for dinner?” into “Can I have seconds?” Let’s ditch the takeout menus and whip up something unforgettable.

What is Chicken Carbonara?

Why carbonara? Does it involve charcoal? (Spoiler: No, but the specks of black pepper do look like “carbon” flecks—hence the name!) This dish is all about simplicity: pasta, eggs, cheese, and cured meat. Our twist? We’re using chicken instead of pancetta for a lighter, wallet-friendly spin.

There’s a saying: “The way to a person’s heart is through their stomach.” Well, this recipe is a direct love letter. It’s creamy without heavy cream, fancy without fuss, and ready before your date’s Uber arrives. Ready to make magic? Grab your skillet—your taste buds are in for a treat.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Carbonara

1. Creamy Perfection in Minutes: The sauce—a silky blend of eggs, Parmesan, and starchy pasta water—clings to every noodle. No cream, no guilt, just pure comfort.
2. Budget-Friendly Brilliance: Skip the $25 restaurant plate! This dish costs a fraction to make and tastes even better.
3. Flavor Bombs Galore: Garlic, crispy chicken, and a crack of black pepper add layers of flavor. It’s like a cozy blanket for your soul.

Love our Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi? This carbonara brings the same “wow” factor with pantry staples. Ready to impress? Let’s cook!

How to Make Chicken Carbonara

Quick Overview

30 minutes. One pan. Zero stress. This dish hinges on timing: cook the chicken, boil the pasta, whip up the sauce, and toss it all together. The result? A restaurant-worthy meal that’s weeknight-easy.

Key Ingredients (Serves 4)

Ingredient	Quantity	Weight
Spaghetti	8 oz	227 g
Boneless chicken breasts	2 (medium)	12 oz / 340 g
Large eggs	3	150 g (total)
Grated Parmesan cheese	1 cup	100 g
Garlic cloves	4	20 g (minced)
Black pepper	1 tsp	2.3 g
Olive oil	2 tbsp	27 g / 30 ml
Salt	To taste	–
Fresh parsley (optional)	For garnish	–

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken:
   • Heat 2 tbsp (27 g) olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
   • Season 12 oz (340 g) diced chicken with salt. Cook until golden (5–7 minutes).
   • Add 20 g minced garlic and 2.3 g black pepper. Sauté for 1 minute.
2. Boil the Pasta:
   • Cook 8 oz (227 g) spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup (240 ml) pasta water!
3. Make the Sauce:
   • Whisk 3 eggs (150 g) and 100 g Parmesan in a bowl.
   • Slowly temper the eggs with ¼ cup (60 ml) hot pasta water to prevent scrambling.
4. Combine Everything:
   • Toss drained pasta into the skillet with chicken. Remove from heat.
   • Pour in the egg mixture and stir vigorously for 1–2 minutes. Add reserved pasta water as needed for creaminess.
5. Serve:
   • Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Mangia!

What to Serve With Chicken Carbonara

• Garlic Bread: For sauce-mopping duty.
• Crisp Caesar Salad: Balances the richness.
• White Wine: A chilled Pinot Grigio cuts through the creaminess.

Top Tips for Perfecting Chicken Carbonara

• Temper the Eggs: Add pasta water slowly to avoid scrambled eggs.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded won’t melt as smoothly.