Description
A rich and flavorful take on the classic carbonara, made even heartier with tender chicken and fresh basil.
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Pasta:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized strips
- 12–14 ounces linguine
- 4 strips thick-cut bacon (or pancetta), chopped into ½-inch pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Carbonara Sauce:
- 4 eggs
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil (plus more for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Prepare the sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, basil, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
3️⃣ Cook the bacon:
Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet and discard the rest.
4️⃣ Cook the chicken:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chicken strips. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through.
5️⃣ Combine everything:
Return the bacon to the skillet. Add the warm linguine and toss with the chicken and bacon. Turn the heat to low and let the skillet cool for 2-3 minutes (this prevents scrambling the eggs in the next step).
6️⃣ Add the sauce:
Slowly pour the egg mixture into the skillet, tossing quickly to coat the pasta evenly. Stir in 2-3 tablespoons of reserved pasta water to create a creamy consistency.
7️⃣ Serve:
Plate the pasta immediately, garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Enjoy warm!
Notes
✅ Don’t scramble the eggs: Let the skillet cool slightly before adding the egg mixture to maintain a creamy texture.
✅ Use fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese won’t melt as smoothly.
✅ Adjust the creaminess: Add more reserved pasta water if needed to get the perfect consistency.
✅ Bacon vs. Pancetta: Traditional carbonara uses pancetta, but bacon works just as well for a smoky flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes