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Chicken Carbonara is a beloved Italian dish that has captured the hearts and taste buds of food lovers around the world. This creamy pasta dish is synonymous with comfort food, offering a delightful combination of rich flavors and satisfying textures. With its roots deeply embedded in Italian culinary tradition, Chicken Carbonara stands out as a family favorite, perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings alike. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also provides a hearty meal that brings everyone to the table.

Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara! Creamy and flavorful, this dish features tender chicken, crispy pancetta, and sweet peas all tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine or spaghetti. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this delightful meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Top with fresh parsley and extra Pecorino Romano for a delicious finish. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this easy recipe!

Ingredients
  

8 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Salt and black pepper, to taste

3 large eggs

1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (plus extra for serving)

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 ounces pancetta or bacon, diced

1 cup frozen peas

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

    Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 6-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

      Cook the Pancetta: In the same skillet, add the pancetta or bacon. Sauté until crispy and browned, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

        Combine Ingredients: Reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked chicken and peas to the skillet and stir to combine.

          Prepare the Carbonara Sauce: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the grated Pecorino Romano cheese. Add a pinch of salt and generous black pepper. Slowly incorporate some of the reserved pasta water into the egg mixture to temper the eggs (this prevents scrambling).

            Mix Everything Together: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the chicken and pancetta mixture. Immediately pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, stirring quickly to combine. The heat from the pasta will cook the eggs and create a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.

              Serve: Divide the chicken carbonara among plates. Garnish with extra Pecorino Romano cheese and chopped parsley. Enjoy your delicious creation!

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4