Name: Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized strips; 12-14 ounces linguine or spaghetti; 4 strips thick-cut bacon, guanciale, or pancetta, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces; 2 cloves garlic, very finely grated; 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil; Salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste; 4 eggs (2 yolks only, 2 whole); 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese or Pecorino Romano; Salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste; 1/3 cup heavy cream (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 24 reviews

If you crave a dish that bridges classic comfort with a touch of culinary elegance, this Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Inspired by its Italian roots but made heartier with juicy chicken strips and a cloud-like, velvety carbonara sauce, this recipe will win over a date, impress family, or simply delight your tastebuds on a cozy night in. Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of creamy richness, the faint smokiness of bacon, and fresh basil for a bright finish—satisfaction, guaranteed!

Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each element is essential for achieving genuine depth of flavor, lush texture, and that signature golden hue that radiates from every bowl. Don’t skimp—these all matter!

Chicken Breast: Bite-sized strips of boneless, skinless chicken soak up all the carbonara goodness and make this a real meal.
Linguine or Spaghetti: Long noodles like these capture every drop of creamy sauce, so choose your favorite or whatever’s in the pantry.
Bacon, Guanciale, or Pancetta: Smoky, salty, and crispy—these pork options bring authentic Italian flair and rich flavor to the dish.
Garlic: Finely grated, it melts into the sauce and elevates every savory bite.
Fresh Basil: Adds color and a hint of peppery brightness you’ll love layered on top.
Salt & Fresh Cracked Pepper: Don’t be shy—season generously to make every ingredient shine.
Eggs: The combination of yolks and whole eggs forms the traditional, creamy foundation of the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese or Pecorino Romano: Grated cheese helps create the iconic creamy texture and sharp, nutty flavor.
Heavy Cream (Optional): For an extra lush sauce, just a splash of cream takes things over the top—totally up to you.
Olive Oil: Just a little to help sauté and infuse the chicken and garlic with flavor.
Reserved Pasta Water: The starchy water makes the sauce beautifully cling to your pasta strands.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a fierce boil. Drop in your linguine or spaghetti and cook until al dente—just tender with a little bite left in the center. Before you drain, ladle out about half a cup of that starchy pasta water; trust me, you’ll use it to make the sauce gorgeously creamy later.

Step 2: Whisk the Carbonara Sauce

While the pasta bubbles away, grab a mixing bowl. Crack in your eggs and egg yolks, whisk with grated Parmesan (or Pecorino), a generous pinch of salt and pepper, and if you’re feeling luxurious, add that splash of heavy cream. Beat it all together until smooth and pale. This is where the Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe gets its crave-worthy silkiness.

Step 3: Sauté the Bacon

Heat up a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium. Add your chopped bacon, guanciale, or pancetta, and let it sizzle until it turns golden and deliciously crispy. Scoop out the bacon and set it on paper towels, leaving behind just a tablespoon or two of that glorious fat in the pan.

Step 4: Brown the Chicken

Add your chicken strips into that same skillet, season with a little salt and plenty of cracked black pepper. Let the chicken brown in the smoky bacon drippings until cooked through and irresistibly golden—about 5 to 7 minutes. In the final minute, add the finely grated garlic and a small drizzle of olive oil, just until fragrant but not browned.

Step 5: Combine & Create the Sauce

Turn your heat down low and let the pan cool just a bit—you want warmth, not searing heat. Toss the crispy bacon back in, then slide in your cooked pasta. Quickly pour in the egg and cheese mixture, along with about 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Toss well, letting the eggs gently thicken into a glossy, silky sauce that hugs every noodle. If your sauce feels too thick, splash in a little more pasta water until it’s just right.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Scatter in the fresh basil and give everything one last toss. Taste for seasoning, then heap the pasta into bowls. Serve immediately, with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of basil for good measure. This is the Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe at its absolute best—savor every forkful while it’s piping hot!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe

Garnishes

Finish your Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe with classic touches: a tumble of extra grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano, a handful of torn fresh basil leaves, and maybe a few twists of freshly cracked black pepper. For a special flourish, a drizzle of top-notch olive oil or some lemon zest will bring it over the top.

Side Dishes

This dish is rich and luscious, so contrast that creamy, cheesy sauce with simple sides. Think crisp green salads with a tart vinaigrette, garlicky roasted broccoli, or sautéed spinach. If you’re feeling indulgent, warm, crusty bread is perfect for swooping up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Present your Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe in individual pasta bowls for a restaurant feel, or pile it high on a vintage platter if you’re feeding a crowd family-style. For date night, nestle a poached egg on top for an extra luxe touch, or go rustic by serving it straight from the skillet with big spoons—no rules, just joy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep leftover Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe at its best, pop it into an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of serving. It will stay delicious in the fridge for up to three days—perfect for lunchboxes or midnight cravings.

Freezing

While carbonara is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Just know that cream sauces are sometimes prone to separating. Spoon any cooled pasta into a freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat your carbonara in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water or cream to loosen the sauce. Stir patiently until everything is warmed through and creamy again. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the sauce separate or dry out.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! While linguine or spaghetti are total classics in this Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe, feel free to try fettucine, rigatoni, or whatever you have on hand. Just remember: long, sturdy shapes cradle sauce the best.

Is it necessary to add heavy cream?

The cream is purely optional. Traditional carbonara relies on eggs and cheese for creaminess, but a splash can add ultra-silkiness—your call. The recipe shines either way!

Can I substitute the chicken or omit it?

Certainly! You can swap in shrimp, turkey, or even keep it vegetarian by skipping the meat entirely. The carbonara sauce and pasta combo is satisfying however you make it.

What wine pairs nicely with this recipe?

A crisp, fruity white wine like Pinot Grigio or a classic Chianti Classico from Italy works beautifully alongside the richness of Creamy Chicken Carbonara. You really can’t go wrong!

How can I keep the eggs from scrambling?

Let your skillet cool down a bit before adding the egg mixture, and always use warm—not piping hot—pasta. Toss everything quickly and gently so the heat thickens the sauce, but never scrambles the eggs.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe is pure weeknight bliss—quick, full of flavor, and guaranteed to steal the spotlight at your dinner table. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it your own. Whip up a batch, share it with someone you love, and let every bite remind you how fabulous pasta night can be!