There's nothing quite like the comforting embrace of Creamy Chicken Carbonara after a long day. This dish combines tender chicken, smoky bacon, and perfectly al dente pasta, all coated in a rich, creamy sauce that feels like a hug in a bowl.

I first discovered this recipe during a busy week when I needed something quick yet indulgent. It’s now a family favorite, and my kids practically cheer every time it’s on the menu. Let’s dive into why this recipe deserves a spot in your weekly rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Carbonara
Get ready to fall head over heels for your new go-to dinner. This Creamy Chicken Carbonara isn’t just delicious—it’s an absolute lifesaver on those busy weeknights.
First, it's incredibly quick and easy to make. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table without breaking a sweat.
Second, the flavors are out of this world. The smoky bacon pairs perfectly with the creamy, garlicky sauce, while the chicken adds hearty, satisfying protein. Each bite is a perfect balance of savory and creamy goodness.
This recipe is also wonderfully versatile. You can swap out the chicken for shrimp, add extra veggies, or adjust the creaminess to suit your taste. It’s a great way to use up pantry staples and fridge leftovers.
Lastly, it’s a hit with the whole family. Picky eaters? Not a problem! Everyone loves the comforting, indulgent flavors of this dish.
Ready to whip up this crowd-pleaser? Let’s start with the ingredients.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of Creamy Chicken Carbonara lies in its blend of simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what makes this dish shine:
- Pasta: Classic spaghetti or fettuccine works beautifully here, as their texture helps the sauce cling to every strand. For a fun twist, try penne or rigatoni.
- Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs add extra juiciness, but breasts cook quickly and are just as delicious.
- Bacon: Smoky, crispy bacon is a star player in this recipe. Pancetta or turkey bacon can work as substitutes if needed.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential for building flavor. Don’t skimp—it adds depth to the creamy sauce.
- Cream and Cheese: Heavy cream creates the luxurious base for the sauce, while Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, salty kick. Freshly grated Parmesan is ideal for the best texture and flavor.
- Egg Yolks: These are whisked into the sauce for that authentic carbonara creaminess. Be sure to temper them to avoid scrambling.
- Seasonings: A sprinkle of salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and parsley ties everything together beautifully.
For equipment, you’ll need a large skillet, a pot for boiling pasta, and a whisk to ensure a silky sauce.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Carbonara

Creating this mouthwatering dish is easier than you might think. Let’s break it down step by step:
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining—it’s key for adjusting the sauce later.
- Prepare the chicken: While the pasta cooks, season your chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and let it rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
- Crisp the bacon: In the same skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
- Sauté the garlic: Lower the heat slightly and add minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Make the sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg yolks, and grated Parmesan. Slowly pour this mixture into the skillet, stirring constantly to create a smooth sauce. Gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Combine and serve: Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and bacon back into the skillet, tossing to coat everything in the sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan, then serve immediately.
In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a creamy, dreamy dish ready to enjoy!
Storage Options
This Creamy Chicken Carbonara is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored and reheated with ease.
- Refrigeration: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: While freezing is possible, the sauce may separate when reheated. If freezing, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce's creamy texture.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is endlessly adaptable. Here are some fun ways to make it your own:
- Swap the protein: Replace chicken with shrimp, sausage, or even tofu for a different spin on this dish.
- Add veggies: Stir in cooked peas, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrition and color.
- Lighten it up: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or reduce the cheese for a lighter version.
- Gluten-free: Opt for gluten-free pasta to make this dish celiac-friendly.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
No matter how you customize it, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Experiment and make it your own!
There you have it—a foolproof recipe for Creamy Chicken Carbonara that’s as easy as it is delicious. Whether you're making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to impress. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!
PrintCreamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe
This creamy chicken carbonara recipe is a hearty, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, Parmesan, and a rich, velvety sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish combines the classic flavors of carbonara with a creamy twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and sliced
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add cooked chicken and bacon, stirring to combine.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, heavy cream, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Slowly add reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce.
- Toss drained pasta into the skillet with chicken and bacon. Remove from heat and mix in the egg mixture until creamy.
- Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Ensure the skillet is off the heat when adding the egg mixture to avoid scrambling the eggs.
- You can substitute spaghetti with fettuccine or linguine for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
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