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Creamy Chicken Carbonara

Creamy Chicken Carbonara
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Creamy Chicken Carbonara is a rich and comforting pasta dish featuring tender chicken, silky spaghetti or fettuccine, and a luscious, traditional sauce made from egg yolks and Parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make recipe combines simple pantry staples into a savory, indulgent meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, with minimal cleanup and versatile options for dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless

Pasta

  • 8 ounces spaghetti or fettuccine

Sauce

  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking Fats

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Herbs & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, freshly cracked, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta to use later in the sauce.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and black pepper. Sauté chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and slice or dice.
  3. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, grated Parmesan cheese, and freshly cracked black pepper to form a creamy mixture.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Return drained pasta to the skillet over low heat. Quickly add the egg and cheese mixture, tossing vigorously to use residual heat to gently cook the sauce without scrambling the eggs. Gradually add reserved pasta water to reach a smooth, silky sauce consistency.
  5. Add the Chicken and Finish: Mix in the sautéed chicken and minced garlic, warming everything through for 1-2 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh egg yolks for best creamy consistency without curdling.
  • Reserve pasta cooking water to adjust sauce texture as needed.
  • Toss pasta and sauce off the heat quickly to prevent scrambled eggs.
  • Slice chicken thinly for better sauce absorption and even mixing.
  • Grate Parmesan fresh for optimal flavor and melting.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy Chicken Carbonara, Chicken Pasta, Carbonara Recipe, Italian Pasta, One-Pot Meal, Comfort Food

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/creamy-chicken-carbonara/