There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of Creamy Chicken Carbonara. Imagine twirling silky pasta coated in a rich, creamy sauce, with bites of tender chicken and crispy pancetta in every forkful. This recipe brings all the indulgence of a restaurant-quality dish straight to your kitchen – and it’s easier than you think!

I first tried chicken carbonara at a cozy trattoria and was instantly hooked. Recreating it at home has become a favorite pastime, and this version, with its creamy twist, has earned rave reviews from friends and family. Let’s dive in and make your next meal unforgettable!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Carbonara
Get ready to fall in love with a dish that’s as impressive as it is easy to make. Here’s why Creamy Chicken Carbonara will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation:
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute guests.
- Luxuriously Creamy: The addition of cream takes traditional carbonara to the next level, creating a sauce that’s rich yet perfectly balanced.
- Protein-Packed: With tender chicken and crispy pancetta, this dish is hearty and satisfying.
- Family-Friendly: Classic flavors of garlic, Parmesan, and cream make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
Whether it’s a busy Tuesday night or a romantic dinner for two, this recipe delivers every time.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Creamy Chicken Carbonara lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients that come together to create bold flavors.
- Pasta: Spaghetti is the classic choice, but fettuccine or linguine also work well.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are perfect. Slice them thinly to ensure quick, even cooking.
- Pancetta: Crisp, salty pancetta is essential for authentic flavor, but you can substitute it with bacon if needed.
- Egg Yolks: The yolks create the base of the sauce, giving it a luscious texture and golden hue.
- Heavy Cream: Adds a creamy twist to the traditional recipe without overpowering the other flavors.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is a must for its nutty, salty flavor.
- Garlic: A clove or two of minced garlic adds depth and aroma to the dish.
You’ll also need black pepper and a touch of olive oil. A large skillet or sauté pan is ideal for cooking the pancetta, chicken, and sauce all in one place.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Carbonara

Creating this decadent dish is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps for perfect Creamy Chicken Carbonara every time:
- Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook your spaghetti until al dente, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. - Prepare the Chicken and Pancetta
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add thinly sliced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Sauté until golden and cooked through, then remove from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add diced pancetta. Cook until crispy, then lower the heat and stir in minced garlic, cooking just until fragrant. - Make the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together egg yolks, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Season with black pepper for a touch of spice. - Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta and reserved chicken to the skillet with the pancetta. Remove the skillet from the heat, then slowly pour the sauce mixture over the pasta, tossing quickly to coat. The residual heat will cook the egg yolks, creating a creamy sauce without scrambling them. Add a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired consistency. - Serve and Garnish
Plate the pasta and sprinkle with additional Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color, and serve immediately.
This indulgent dish is best enjoyed fresh, so dig in while it’s hot!
Storage Options
If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat your Creamy Chicken Carbonara for the best results:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheating Tips: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Avoid overheating to prevent the sauce from separating.
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but it can still make a delicious next-day meal with proper storage.
Variations and Substitutions
Creamy Chicken Carbonara is a versatile dish that you can customize to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:
- Protein Swap: Use shrimp, salmon, or grilled vegetables instead of chicken for a different spin.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the pancetta with sautéed mushrooms or roasted cherry tomatoes for a meat-free version.
- Gluten-Free: Swap the pasta for gluten-free spaghetti to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diners.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with pecorino romano or asiago cheese for a unique flavor twist.
Feel free to experiment – this recipe is a fantastic canvas for creativity!
This Creamy Chicken Carbonara is the perfect blend of indulgence and simplicity, ideal for everything from weeknight dinners to special occasions. It’s rich, satisfying, and guaranteed to leave everyone at the table asking for seconds. Enjoy!
PrintCreamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe
This Creamy Chicken Carbonara recipe is a decadent twist on a classic Italian dish, featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a velvety cream sauce. It's the perfect dinner for pasta lovers!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 3 egg yolks
- 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 pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the grease in the pan.
- Add olive oil to the skillet. Cook diced chicken with salt and pepper until golden and fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese. Set aside.
- Reduce skillet heat to low, and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add cooked pasta, chicken, and bacon to the skillet. Pour the cream mixture over and toss quickly to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Use pancetta instead of bacon for a more authentic flavor.
- Make sure the skillet is off the heat when adding the cream mixture to avoid scrambling the eggs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
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