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Best-Ever Chicken Carbonara

A creamy, cheesy, and comforting twist on the classic carbonara — with tender chicken, crispy pancetta, and a luscious egg-Parmesan sauce that’s pure Italian perfection.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Italian
Calories: 620
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 chicken breasts thinly sliced
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 oz pancetta or bacon diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 eggs large
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream optional
  • 0.5 cup reserved pasta water
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp parsley chopped

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Pasta pot
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve pasta water and drain.
  2. Season and cook chicken until golden and cooked through; set aside.
  3. Cook pancetta in same pan until crisp; remove and drain.
  4. Add garlic; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Whisk eggs, Parmesan, and cream together in a bowl.
  6. Add pasta to pan; remove from heat, then toss with egg mixture quickly.
  7. Add pasta water gradually for creaminess; stir in chicken and pancetta.
  8. Finish with butter, parsley, and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.

Notes

For authenticity, omit cream and use Pecorino Romano. Use freshly cracked black pepper for best flavor.