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Chicken Carbonara

Creamy spaghetti with chicken, bacon, eggs, and Parmesan cheese.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta:
  • 12 ounces dry spaghetti
  • 6 ounces bacon sliced
  • 1 pound chicken cooked and shredded
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Method
 

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until just tender. Reserve about one cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.
  2. Cook the Bacon: Place bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until crisp and golden. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  3. Warm the Chicken: Add shredded chicken to the skillet with the bacon fat. Stir and cook for a few minutes until heated through and lightly coated in flavor.
  4. Add the Garlic: Stir minced garlic into the pan. Cook briefly until fragrant, keeping the heat gentle so it stays sweet.
  5. Mix the Sauce Base: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, egg yolks, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. The mixture should look thick and creamy.
  6. Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet with chicken and garlic. Toss well so everything mixes evenly.
  7. Create the Sauce: Remove the pan from heat. Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta. Toss quickly and continuously so the eggs turn silky instead of scrambling. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce looks smooth.
  8. Finish and Serve: Stir in the crispy bacon. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve right away while the sauce stays glossy and warm.