Creamy Parmesan Carbonara Chicken Recipe: Cheesy & Flavorful Dish

When I first tried making this creamy parmesan carbonara chicken, I was blown away by how delicious it turned out.

The crispy chicken with that silky, cheesy sauce quickly became my favorite kind of comfort food.

Every bite feels cozy and indulgent, yet it’s surprisingly simple to put together.

I love how it pairs with pasta, veggies, or even rice—it never fails to impress.

Honestly, this is one of those recipes I’ll keep making over and over again, and I bet you will too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything I used to make this dish taste incredible, plus a few pro tips.

4 medium chicken breasts – slice them into filets so they cook evenly and stay juicy.
3 tablespoons olive oil – the secret to a golden-brown sear.
2 tablespoons butter – adds richness and that classic restaurant flavor.
1/3 cup flour – for dredging; it gives the chicken a light, crisp crust.
1/3 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated – skip pre-shredded cheese; fresh melts better.
4 slices bacon – smoky, crispy, and adds depth to the sauce.
3 garlic cloves, minced – because garlic makes everything better.
1 small onion, chopped – balances the richness of the sauce.
1 ½ cups half-and-half or heavy cream – creates the creamy base.
1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional) – mix with water if you want a thicker sauce.

Note: This recipe makes 4 servings. Double up if you’re cooking for more people or want leftovers.

Variations

This recipe is flexible and easy to adjust to your lifestyle or taste.

Use almond flour instead of regular flour for a keto-friendly option.
Swap parmesan with Gruyère, provolone, or even aged cheddar for a flavor twist.
Stir in mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to add veggies and texture.
Replace cream with evaporated milk if you want a lighter version.

Cooking Time

Here’s how long it takes from start to finish:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Equipment You’ll Need

These tools make cooking so much easier:

Sharp knife – for slicing chicken evenly.
Mixing bowl – to coat the chicken with flour and cheese.
Large skillet – lets you cook everything in one pan.
Tongs – makes flipping chicken and handling bacon simple.

How to Make Creamy Parmesan Carbonara Chicken?

This recipe is easy once you break it into steps. Here’s how I make it at home.

Prepare the Chicken

I start by slicing each chicken breast into two filets. A little salt and pepper on both sides works perfectly. Then, I mix flour and parmesan in a shallow bowl and coat each piece of chicken until lightly covered.

Sear the Chicken

In my skillet, I heat olive oil and butter until hot. I cook the chicken filets for 4–5 minutes per side, until they’re golden and crispy. Once done, I set them aside so they stay juicy.

Cook the Bacon

In the same skillet, I fry the bacon until crispy. I remove it, but leave just a teaspoon of bacon drippings in the pan—that flavor makes the sauce incredible.

Sauté the Aromatics

I toss in garlic and onion, cooking for a few minutes until fragrant and soft. The kitchen smells amazing at this stage!

Create the Sauce

With the heat turned to medium-low, I pour in half-and-half and stir in parmesan. It melts into a creamy, velvety sauce. If it’s too thin, I add a cornstarch slurry until it reaches the right thickness.

Combine and Serve

Finally, I add the chicken back into the skillet, letting it soak up the sauce. Crumbled bacon goes over the top for extra flavor. Then it’s ready to serve with pasta, veggies, or rice.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

After making this recipe several times, here are my little tricks that always help:

I always grate parmesan fresh—it melts smoother and tastes sharper.
I keep an eye on the chicken while searing; overcooking makes it dry.
I season each step lightly (chicken, sauce, even veggies if added) so the flavors really layer together.

How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Carbonara Chicken?

Serving this dish is just as fun as making it. Here are my favorite ways:

Pair it with fettuccine, penne, or even spaghetti for a true comfort meal.
Add a side of roasted or steamed veggies like asparagus or zucchini noodles.
Sprinkle extra parmesan and fresh parsley on top—it makes the plate look beautiful.

creamy parmesan carbonara chicken recipe — Credit IG(cariannbrown)

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick breakdown per serving so you know what’s on your plate:

Calories: 301
Protein: 31g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fat: 15g

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is great for meal prep and leftovers.

Make Ahead: I sometimes cook the chicken and sauce separately, then store them up to 3 days and combine just before serving.

Storing Leftovers: Leftover chicken with sauce keeps well in an airtight container for 3 days in the fridge.

Reheating: I warm it gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk—it refreshes the sauce beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This creamy parmesan carbonara chicken is a dish I keep coming back to. Here’s why you’ll love it too:

Quick and Easy – Dinner’s ready in just 30 minutes!
Comforting and Creamy – That parmesan sauce is rich without being too heavy.
Flexible for Any Diet – Works for keto, low-carb, or lighter versions.
Family-Friendly – Bacon, garlic, and cheese are flavors everyone enjoys.
Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for weeknights, date nights, or even guests.

Ash Tyrrell