Best Chicken Carbonara Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy & Flavorful Dish

When I first made chicken carbonara, I honestly didn’t expect it to taste so incredible. The creamy sauce wrapped around every strand of pasta, while the smoky bacon and juicy chicken turned it into pure comfort food.

I felt like I had cooked something straight out of an Italian restaurant, right in my own kitchen.

The best part was how quickly it all came together! Now, this dish has become one of my go-to recipes whenever I want to impress without stress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything I used to make this dish taste perfect. Each ingredient really makes a difference, so I like to stick with fresh options whenever possible.

2 chicken breasts, cut into strips – tender and hearty, giving the pasta extra protein
500 g linguine (or spaghetti) – a long pasta works best to soak up the creamy sauce.
4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped – smoky and salty, adding depth of flavor.
2 garlic cloves, minced – brings warmth and fragrance to the dish.
2 large eggs – the secret to the silky carbonara sauce.
½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated – fresh grating melts beautifully (avoid pre-grated).
Salt and black pepper, to taste – balances all the flavors.
Fresh basil, chopped (optional) – adds brightness as a garnish.

Note: This recipe makes about 4 servings, perfect for a family meal or storing leftovers.

Variations

I love experimenting with this recipe to suit different tastes and diets. Here are some fun swaps you can try:

Swap chicken and bacon with sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a vegetarian twist.
Use Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan for a sharper, saltier flavor.
Replace pasta with zucchini noodles (zoodles) for a lighter, low-carb version.
Add peas, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini for extra color and nutrients.

Best Chicken Carbonara Recipe — Credit IG (kitchenswagger )

Cooking Time

This dish comes together in no time!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Equipment You’ll Need

Having the right tools makes everything easier.

Large pot – to boil pasta until perfectly al dente.
Skillet – for cooking bacon and chicken.
Mixing bowl – to whisk eggs and cheese together.
Tongs – to toss pasta with the sauce evenly.

How to Make Chicken Carbonara Recipe?

Making chicken carbonara is easier than it looks. Here’s exactly how I did it, step by step.

Cook the Pasta

I started by boiling a big pot of salted water and cooking the linguine until al dente. Before draining, I saved about half a cup of pasta water, which later helped create the creamy sauce.

Whisk the Creamy Sauce

While the pasta cooked, I whisked the eggs, Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth. Sometimes, I add a splash of cream for extra richness, but it’s not necessary. I kept this mixture ready for later.

Prepare the Bacon

Next, I cooked the chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. I removed it to drain on paper towels but left a little bacon fat in the pan—trust me, this makes the flavor incredible.

Cook the Chicken

In the same skillet, I cooked the chicken strips in the leftover bacon drippings until golden brown. During the last minute, I added minced garlic to release its fragrance without burning it.

Assemble the Carbonara

With the heat on low, I added the pasta and crispy bacon back into the skillet with the chicken. Then I poured in the egg-cheese mixture, tossing gently. A splash of the reserved pasta water made it silky and creamy without scrambling the eggs.

Garnish and Serve

Finally, I sprinkled fresh basil and more Parmesan over the top. I served it immediately while it was still warm and creamy—it tasted like heaven!

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

After making this dish a few times, here are my little secrets that always help:

I always lower the heat before adding the egg mixture so it doesn’t scramble.
Fresh Parmesan really makes a huge difference in flavor and creaminess.
Keeping a bit of pasta water handy helps me adjust the sauce perfectly.
I prepare everything before combining, because carbonara comes together fast!

How to Serve Chicken Carbonara Recipe?

Chicken carbonara is filling on its own, but I love pairing it with sides. A fresh green salad or warm garlic bread balances the richness perfectly. For a special dinner, I serve it with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio. A sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh basil on top makes it look as good as it tastes.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutrition per serving:

Calories: 706
Protein: 91.4 g
Carbohydrates: 37.2 g
Fat: 20.7 g

Make Ahead and Storage

Sometimes I like to prep parts of this dish ahead for busy days.

Make Ahead

I pre-cook the bacon and chicken, store them in the fridge for up to 2 days, then just reheat and toss everything together when I’m ready.

Storage

Leftovers keep well for about 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge.

Reheating

I reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or cream. This keeps the sauce creamy. I avoid the microwave since it can make the eggs overcook.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This chicken carbonara isn’t just tasty—it’s a keeper recipe for many reasons.

It’s quick and easy, perfect for weeknights when I don’t have much time.
The flavors are rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying.
I can easily customize it with different proteins, cheeses, or veggies.
It works both as a casual comfort meal or a special dinner.
Everyone loves it—this recipe never fails to impress guests or family.

Ash Tyrrell