Craving a dinner that’s creamy, rich, and irresistibly comforting? Look no further than Chicken Carbonara! Imagine tender bites of chicken, crispy bacon, and sweet peas all tossed in a dreamy, Parmesan-infused sauce, hugging each bow tie of pasta. It’s pure comfort food bliss, perfect for busy weeknights or weekend family feasts. Did you know the classic Italian Carbonara was traditionally made with just eggs, cheese, and cured pork? This modern twist with chicken gives it a hearty, protein-packed boost that will make everyone at your table happy.
What makes this dish really shine is how easy and approachable it is—30 minutes, a single skillet, and no fancy ingredients! If you’ve loved my Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta, then Chicken Carbonara will be your new favorite. It’s a foolproof meal that comes together with pantry staples, and the clean plates at the end will say it all. Gather your family and get ready to fall in love with a new dinnertime classic!
What is Chicken Carbonara?
Have you ever wondered why it’s called Chicken Carbonara? I mean, “Carbonara” sounds fancy, but did someone sneak a chicken into an old Italian kitchen by accident? Traditionally, Carbonara is a sumptuous Roman pasta combining eggs, cheese, and cured pork. Here, we added juicy chicken to boost the flavor and protein—because why not make a good thing even better? It’s said, the way to a man’s (or anyone’s!) heart is through their stomach, and Chicken Carbonara truly delivers on that old saying. Ready to taste what happens when comfort food meets Italian inspiration? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This
Chicken Carbonara isn’t just another pasta dish—it’s the ultimate comfort food! The number one standout is its irresistibly creamy sauce, packed with bacon’s smoky flavor, sweet pops of peas, and satisfying chicken in every bite. Making this at home saves you a bundle compared to restaurant prices, and you get to customize it exactly the way you like, with as much cheese, spice, or veggies as you want. Plus, it features toppings like freshly shredded Parmesan and a sprinkle of aromatic Italian seasonings that truly set it apart from basic chicken pasta. If you enjoy my Creamy Tuscan Chicken, you’ll absolutely adore this recipe. Now’s your chance—try making Chicken Carbonara tonight for a family-friendly dinner that never disappoints!
How to Make Chicken Carbonara
Quick Overview
Chicken Carbonara is a weeknight hero in disguise—delicious, hearty, and done in about 30 minutes. All you need are simple ingredients, a single pan, and a little kitchen confidence! This recipe shines with its creamy sauce (no eggs required!), the irresistible combo of bacon and chicken, and a hint of Parmesan in every forkful. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, you’ll love how easy it is to create this restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients
2-4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
5 strips of bacon
1-2 cups sweet petite peas (frozen or fresh)
1 box bow tie pasta (about 16 ounces)
1/4 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup milk
1 cup chicken broth
3 tablespoons flour
3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Adobo seasoning (optional, to taste)
Tony’s Creole seasoning (optional, to taste)
Italian seasoning (optional, to taste)
Paprika (optional, to taste)
Garlic powder (optional, to taste)
Onion powder (optional, to taste)
Olive oil (for cooking)
Step-by-Step
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Prepare Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts generously with Adobo, Tony’s, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat a large skillet over medium-high with a drizzle of olive oil. Sear the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes per side). Transfer to a plate and let rest before slicing.
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Cook Bacon: In the same skillet, add the bacon strips and cook until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
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Make the Sauce: Remove some bacon fat if there’s excess, leaving just a tablespoon in the pan. Lower heat to medium, whisk in the flour, and stir for about a minute. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking to remove any lumps, then add the milk and heavy cream. Bring to a slow simmer, letting the sauce thicken.
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Assemble: Stir the Parmesan cheese into the sauce until melted and smooth. Toss in the sweet peas, chopped bacon, and sliced chicken. Add the cooked pasta and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
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Season & Serve: Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and a dash of Italian seasoning before serving.
What to Serve Chicken Carbonara With
Chicken Carbonara is a star on its own, but it pairs beautifully with fresh sides and drinks. Try a crisp Caesar salad, classic garlic bread, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for extra flavor and balance. A chilled glass of white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, makes dinner feel a touch more special. Round off the meal with a light dessert—lemon sorbet or Italian cookies work perfectly!
Top Tips for Perfecting Chicken Carbonara
- Protein Choice: Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer richer, juicier meat.
- Mix Up the Veggies: No peas? Try chopped spinach or roasted bell peppers instead.
- Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, stir in a bit more milk or pasta water. Too thin? Simmer a few extra minutes to reduce.
- Timing: Prep all your ingredients before starting—the dish comes together quickly!
- Cheese Quality: Grate your own Parmesan from a block for the best melt and boldest flavor.
Common mistakes include scrambling the sauce on high heat, overcooking the pasta, or overloading with seasonings. Keep attention on the sauce’s heat, and taste as you go!
Storing and Reheating Tips
To store leftovers, let Chicken Carbonara cool to room temperature. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For freezing, portion into airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months (skip freezing if you used cream for the sauce as it can separate).
For best reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth and warm the Carbonara over low heat in a skillet, stirring until it regains its creamy consistency. If microwaving, cover loosely and heat on medium in 60-second intervals, stirring between each.
FAQs
Can I substitute the bacon?
Absolutely! Pancetta or turkey bacon also work well and deliver a similar salty depth.
Is bow tie pasta required?
Not at all. Feel free to use spaghetti, fettuccine, or any pasta you love.
How can I make this dairy-free?
Try using unsweetened oat milk, coconut cream, and a vegan cheese alternative.
Can I make Chicken Carbonara ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the components in advance and toss together right before serving for the freshest taste.
What’s the best way to avoid overcooking the chicken?
Use a meat thermometer and pull the chicken when it reaches 165°F—juicy and perfect every time.
Conclusion
Chicken Carbonara is your new best friend for weeknight dinners—quick, simple, and packed with comforting flavor. It’s easy enough for beginners yet special enough for guests, bringing creamy, cheesy goodness to your table in every bite. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or delighting pasta enthusiasts, this is a recipe to make again and again. For more crave-worthy dishes, check out my other pasta recipes! Ready to make dinner unforgettable? Grab your ingredients, follow these steps, and enjoy a delicious plate of Chicken Carbonara tonight.
Chicken Carbonara
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2-4 pieces Chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 5 strips Bacon
- 1-2 cups Sweet petite peas (frozen or fresh)
- 16 ounces Bow tie pasta
- 1/4 cup Heavy cream
- 3/4 cup Milk
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons Flour
- 3/4 cup Shredded Parmesan cheese
- Adobo seasoning (optional, to taste)
- Tony’s Creole seasoning (optional, to taste)
- Italian seasoning (optional, to taste)
- Paprika (optional, to taste)
- Garlic powder (optional, to taste)
- Onion powder (optional, to taste)
- Olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Prepare Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts generously with Adobo, Tony’s, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat a large skillet over medium-high with a drizzle of olive oil. Sear the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes per side). Transfer to a plate and let rest before slicing.
- Step 3: Cook Bacon: In the same skillet, add the bacon strips and cook until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 4: Make the Sauce: Remove some bacon fat if there’s excess, leaving just a tablespoon in the pan. Lower heat to medium, whisk in the flour, and stir for about a minute. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking to remove any lumps, then add the milk and heavy cream. Bring to a slow simmer, letting the sauce thicken.
- Step 5: Assemble: Stir the Parmesan cheese into the sauce until melted and smooth. Toss in the sweet peas, chopped bacon, and sliced chicken. Add the cooked pasta and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
- Step 6: Season & Serve: Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and a dash of Italian seasoning before serving.