Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara

Introduction:
Chicken Carbonara is the perfect combination of creamy pasta, crispy bacon, tender chicken, and a rich sauce made with eggs and Parmesan. It’s a restaurant-quality dish you can make at home in under 30 minutes. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress!

Ingredients Breakdown:

• For the Chicken Carbonara:
  • 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
  • 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, diced)
  • 6 slices bacon (cut into small pieces)
  • 4 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Recipe:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti or fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon and Chicken:
   • While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
   • In the same skillet, add the olive oil and cook the diced chicken until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Prepare the Carbonara Sauce:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and a pinch of black pepper. Set the mixture aside.
4. Combine Everything:
   • Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
   • Lower the heat and return the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it to coat in the garlic.
   • Remove the skillet from the heat and quickly stir in the egg mixture, tossing the pasta continuously to create a creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
   • Stir in the cooked chicken and bacon, tossing to combine everything.
5. Serve:
   • Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Carbonara:

1. Don’t Overcook the Eggs:
   Remove the skillet from the heat when adding the egg mixture to avoid scrambling the eggs. The residual heat from the pasta will cook the eggs to the perfect creamy texture.
2. Reserve Pasta Water:
   Always save some pasta water before draining. It helps to adjust the sauce’s thickness and adds a silky finish.
3. Use Fresh Parmesan:
   Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts more smoothly and gives the sauce a better flavor than pre-grated varieties.

Variations and Customizations:

1. Add Vegetables:
   Sautéed spinach, peas, or mushrooms make great additions to this dish.
2. Switch the Meat:
   Swap the chicken for shrimp, or try pancetta instead of bacon for a more traditional carbonara.
3. Low-Carb Option:
   Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash in place of the pasta for a low-carb twist.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value:

• Calories: Each serving has approximately 650-700 calories depending on portion size and ingredients.
• Protein-Rich: This dish provides a good amount of protein thanks to the chicken and eggs.

FAQ:

1. Can I make Chicken Carbonara ahead of time?
   Carbonara is best served fresh, but you can reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to revive the sauce.
2. How do I store leftovers?
   Store leftover chicken carbonara in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
3. Can I substitute the bacon?
   Yes, you can use turkey bacon, pancetta, or even omit the bacon for a lighter version.