Chicken Carbonara with Bacon

Chicken Carbonara with Bacon is a rich, comforting, and indulgent pasta dish inspired by classic Italian flavors with a delicious twist. Traditionally, carbonara is made with eggs, cheese, and cured meat—but adding juicy chicken and crispy bacon makes this dish extra hearty and satisfying.

The creamy, velvety sauce coats every strand of pasta beautifully while the smoky bacon and savory Parmesan bring bold, irresistible flavor.

Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or just craving a restaurant-quality meal at home, this dish delivers both comfort and elegance in every bite.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings together simple, everyday ingredients and transforms them into a luxurious and impressive meal. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a silky parmesan-egg sauce creates the perfect balance of richness and texture.

With minimal effort and a short ingredient list, you end up with a gourmet pasta dish that feels like something straight from a high-end Italian restaurant. The smell alone is enough to make everyone gather around the table.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s creamy without needing heavy cream, flavorful without requiring hours of prep, and satisfies cravings for something rich and savory.

Each bite delivers warmth, flavor, and nostalgia. If you’re looking for a pasta recipe that feels special yet approachable, Chicken Carbonara with Bacon should be next on your menu.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Approx Calories: ~680 calories per serving

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
• 6–8 slices bacon, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large eggs
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup reserved pasta water (adjust as needed)
• ½ tsp black pepper (freshly cracked recommended)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Cooking Directions (Summary)

1. Cook pasta until al dente.
2. Season and cook chicken until golden.
3. Cook bacon until crispy.
4. Mix eggs, yolk, cheese, and pepper to make the sauce.
5. Combine the pasta, bacon, chicken, and egg mixture—add pasta water to create a creamy sauce.
6. Serve warm and garnish with Parmesan and parsley.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve ½–1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat oil in a skillet and cook until golden on both sides (about 5–6 minutes per side). Slice or cube.
3. Cook the Bacon:
   In the same pan, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and drain, leaving 1–2 tsp bacon fat.
4. Prepare Egg Mixture:
   In a bowl, whisk together eggs, egg yolk, Parmesan, and pepper until smooth.
5. Combine Everything:
   Return pasta to the warm pan (heat OFF). Add chicken, bacon, and garlic. Pour in egg mixture and toss gently, adding warm pasta water gradually until creamy.
6. Finish and Serve:
   Adjust salt and pepper, garnish with parsley and more Parmesan, and serve hot.

How to Serve

Serve immediately while creamy and warm. Pair with:

• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• A glass of white wine (optional)

Recipe Tips

• Never add eggs over direct heat or the sauce will scramble.
• Reserve extra pasta water—it helps fix thickness if pasta dries.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and melting.

Variations

• Mushroom Carbonara: Add sautéed mushrooms.
• Creamy Version: Add ¼–½ cup heavy cream.
• Spicy Carbonara: Add crushed red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning.
• Turkey Bacon Swap: Use turkey bacon for a lighter version.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerate: Up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• Freezing: Not recommended—the sauce may separate and become grainy.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Whisk
• Pasta pot
• Tongs for tossing pasta

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes — rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken works well.

Q2: Can I substitute the pasta type?
Absolutely — fettuccine, linguine, penne, or rigatoni all work.

Q3: Is there a dairy-free substitute?
Carbonara relies heavily on cheese, so swapping may alter texture—however, dairy-free hard cheese alternatives can work.

Conclusion

Chicken Carbonara with Bacon is a deliciously comforting pasta dish that’s rich, creamy, and full of bold flavor. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet special enough for guests. Each bite brings together the perfect balance of savory ingredients, creating a satisfying culinary experience you’ll want to make again and again.