Classic Creamy Chicken Carbonara – A Comforting Twist on an Italian Favorite

If you love rich, creamy pasta dishes with bold flavors, this Creamy Chicken Carbonara is about to become your new favorite recipe! Combining perfectly cooked linguine, crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and a velvety Parmesan sauce, this dish brings comfort food to a whole new level.

Unlike traditional carbonara, which relies on eggs, Parmesan, and pasta water for creaminess, this version adds a touch of heavy cream for extra richness. The result? A silky, luscious sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.

And the best part? It’s ready in just 35 minutes! Perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels like a restaurant-quality meal.

Let’s dive into this deliciously creamy, bacon-packed carbonara that’s guaranteed to impress!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pasta & Chicken:

✔️ 12-14 oz linguine – Classic for carbonara, but you can also use spaghetti or fettuccine.
✔️ 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized strips – Adds heartiness to the dish.
✔️ 4 strips thick-cut bacon (or pancetta), chopped – The salty, crispy star of carbonara.
✔️ 2 cloves garlic, minced – A must for added depth of flavor.
✔️ Salt & pepper, to taste – Enhances every bite.

For the Carbonara Sauce:

✔️ 4 eggs – The key ingredient for the creamy, silky sauce.
✔️ ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds nuttiness and depth.
✔️ ⅓ cup heavy cream – For a little extra richness.
✔️ ¼ cup chopped fresh basil – Brings a pop of freshness to balance the richness.

Quick Prep & Cooking Time

⏳ Total Time: 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook)
🍽 Servings: 4

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1️⃣ Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2️⃣ Add the linguine and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
3️⃣ Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta, then set aside.

💡 Pro Tip: Reserving pasta water is essential—it helps emulsify the sauce, creating a silky, restaurant-quality texture.

Step 2: Make the Carbonara Sauce

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the rich and creamy sauce.

1️⃣ In a medium bowl, whisk together:
✔️ 4 eggs
✔️ ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
✔️ ⅓ cup heavy cream
✔️ ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
✔️ A pinch of salt and pepper

2️⃣ Whisk thoroughly until smooth and well combined.

💡 Pro Tip: Let the sauce sit at room temperature while you cook the rest of the dish—this helps it blend more smoothly into the pasta!

Step 3: Cook the Bacon & Chicken

Now, it’s time to cook the crispy bacon and juicy chicken.

1️⃣ Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
2️⃣ Add the chopped bacon (or pancetta) and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
3️⃣ Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and leave about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
4️⃣ Add the minced garlic and sliced chicken to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the chicken is fully cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).

🔥 At this point, your kitchen will smell AMAZING!

Now that we have our crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and perfectly cooked linguine, it’s time to bring everything together with that silky, Parmesan-rich carbonara sauce. This step is where the magic happens—where simple ingredients transform into an incredibly creamy, comforting dish that’s packed with flavor.

Let’s finish making this delicious homemade carbonara!

Step 4: Combine the Pasta, Chicken & Bacon

Now that the chicken is fully cooked, it’s time to bring everything back together.

1️⃣ Return the crispy bacon to the skillet with the chicken.
2️⃣ Add the warm, drained linguine to the pan and toss everything together.
3️⃣ Turn the burner down to low and let the skillet cool slightly for 2-3 minutes.

💡 Why cool the skillet? If the pan is too hot, adding the egg mixture too soon can scramble the eggs instead of creating a creamy sauce. Letting the pan cool slightly ensures a smooth, velvety texture!

Step 5: Stir in the Carbonara Sauce

Now comes the most important step—combining the eggs and Parmesan mixture with the pasta to create that signature creamy carbonara sauce.

1️⃣ Slowly pour the egg mixture over the pasta, chicken, and bacon, tossing continuously to coat every strand.
2️⃣ The residual heat from the pasta and skillet will cook the eggs gently, creating a rich, silky sauce without scrambling.
3️⃣ If the sauce seems too thick, stir in 2-3 tablespoons of reserved pasta water to loosen it up and make it even creamier.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep tossing the pasta quickly while adding the sauce—this helps distribute the heat evenly and prevents clumping!

Step 6: Serve & Garnish

Your Creamy Chicken Carbonara is now ready to serve!

✔️ Divide into bowls and top with extra grated Parmesan for an extra cheesy touch.
✔️ Garnish with fresh basil for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
✔️ Serve immediately while the pasta is warm, creamy, and perfect!

💡 Serving Suggestion: Pair this dish with garlic bread or a light side salad for a complete meal!

Fun Variations & Customizations

Want to switch things up? Here are some easy ways to customize your carbonara:

✔️ Make it spicy – Add ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
✔️ Swap the protein – Try using shrimp, pancetta, or even mushrooms for a different twist.
✔️ Lighten it up – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a slightly lighter version.
✔️ Extra veggies – Toss in peas, spinach, or roasted cherry tomatoes for added texture and flavor.

Your Creamy Chicken Carbonara is plated, steaming hot, and bursting with flavor from the crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and silky Parmesan sauce. If you haven’t already taken a bite, you’re definitely tempted!

Before we wrap up, let’s go over some frequently asked questions about making this dish ahead of time, storing leftovers, and customizing the recipe to fit your preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Chicken Carbonara ahead of time?

Carbonara is best enjoyed fresh because the creamy sauce can thicken as it sits. However, you can:
✔️ Prep the ingredients ahead – Cook the bacon and chicken, and store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days.
✔️ Reheat pasta with extra liquid – If making ahead, save extra pasta water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce when reheating.

2. How do I store leftovers?

✔️ Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
✔️ Freezing: Not recommended, as the sauce may separate and lose its creamy texture when thawed.

3. How do I reheat without drying it out?

✔️ Stovetop: Reheat on low heat with a splash of reserved pasta water, chicken broth, or cream to bring back the creaminess.
✔️ Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring and adding a bit of liquid as needed.

4. Can I use a different pasta?

Yes! While linguine works beautifully, you can also use:
✔️ Spaghetti or fettuccine – Classic carbonara choices.
✔️ Penne or rigatoni – Holds the sauce well.

5. What can I use instead of heavy cream?

If you prefer a lighter version, try:
✔️ Half-and-half – A great substitute for a slightly less rich sauce.
✔️ Greek yogurt (mixed with a little milk) – Adds creaminess while reducing fat.

6. Can I make this without bacon?

Absolutely! If you prefer a bacon-free version, try:
✔️ Turkey bacon or pancetta – A lighter alternative.
✔️ Sautéed mushrooms – Adds a rich umami flavor in place of the bacon.

7. How do I prevent the eggs from scrambling?

✔️ Let the skillet cool slightly before adding the egg mixture.
✔️ Toss the pasta continuously while adding the sauce to ensure even distribution.
✔️ Use reserved pasta water to help create a smooth, silky sauce.

Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Carbonara

This Creamy Chicken Carbonara is everything you want in a comforting pasta dish—rich, creamy, packed with flavor, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a date night, or a special occasion, it’s sure to be a hit!

✔️ Quick & easy – Ready in just 35 minutes with simple ingredients.
✔️ Rich & creamy – A luxurious Parmesan sauce coats every bite.
✔️ Customizable – Swap proteins, add veggies, or adjust the spice level.
✔️ Perfect for pasta lovers – A hearty, filling dish that feels like a restaurant meal at home.

So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turned out! Did you stick with the classic version, or did you add your own twist? Drop a comment below and share your delicious creations!

Happy cooking! 🍝✨

Print