Go Back
+ servings
Creamy Carbonara with Crispy Chicken & Bacon

Creamy Carbonara with Crispy Chicken & Bacon Bliss

Creamy Carbonara with Crispy Chicken & Bacon is a total crowd-pleaser, perfect for cozy dinners and quick gourmet meals.
Print Pin
Course: Main Dishes
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Bacon, comfort food, Creamy Carbonara, Crispy Chicken, pasta, Weeknight Meals
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 650kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • large skillet
  • Cutting Board
  • Whisk

Ingredients

For the Pasta

  • 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine

For the Protein

  • 3 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 6 oz thick-cut bacon

For the Sauce

  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

For Garnish

  • 2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Cooking Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the spaghetti or fettuccine. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of starchy pasta water.
  • Season the chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and let rest.
  • In the same skillet, add diced thick-cut bacon and cook until crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds.
  • Lower the heat and whisk in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until cheese melts and sauce is smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Slice the rested chicken and return it to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss gently, coating pasta with the creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until desired creaminess is achieved.
  • Plate the carbonara and garnish with chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, cook pasta al dente and use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 650kcal | Carbohydrates: 65g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 150mg | Sodium: 800mg | Potassium: 600mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 500IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 400mg | Iron: 2mg