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Chicken and Bacon Carbonara – A Deliciously Rich Pasta Dish


  • Author: Andrew Recipes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A rich and flavorful take on the classic carbonara, made even heartier with tender chicken and fresh basil.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken & Pasta:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized strips
  • 1214 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