Best Chicken Carbonara Recipe – Ready in 30 Minutes

Introduction:

If you’re craving that ultra-creamy, glossy, restaurant-worthy pasta that hits every comfort-food craving at once, this chicken carbonara recipe is about to become your new obsession. It brings together tender chicken, crisp bacon, rich Parmesan, and that signature silky carbonara sauce — all cooked in one pan and ready in under 30 minutes.
Perfect for busy weeknights, cozy date nights, or those “I need something seriously good tonight moments”.

Ingredients List of Chicken Carbonara Recipe

For the Pasta

12 oz spaghetti (or fettuccine)
Salt for boiling water

For the Chicken carbonara

2 cups cooked chicken (grilled, sautéed, or rotisserie), chopped or sliced
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder

For the Carbonara Sauce

3 large eggs
1 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino
4–5 slices bacon or pancetta, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup reserved pasta water
Black pepper to taste
Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Cook the spaghetti in generously salted boiling water until it reaches al dente tenderness.. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.

2. Prepare the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add the chicken, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until warm and lightly browned. Set aside.

3. Cook the Bacon

In the same pan, cook the bacon until crispy. Add in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds — just until fragrant.

4. Make the Sauce Base

In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and grated Parmesan together until the mixture becomes smooth, creamy, and well combined. This creates the rich base that will coat your pasta and give your carbonara that classic silky texture.

5. Combine Everything

Add the hot cooked pasta to the pan with bacon and garlic. Remove from heat.
Slowly pour in the egg-cheese mixture while tossing non-stop.
Add splashes of pasta water until the sauce becomes silky and glossy — not scrambled.

6. Add the Chicken

Fold the seasoned chicken into the carbonara, letting it warm through the sauce.

7. Serve

Finish your chicken carbonara with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan, plenty of freshly cracked black pepper, and a touch of chopped parsley for color and freshness if you want to make it look extra fancy.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Swap regular bacon for turkey bacon.
Swap in whole-grain pasta or chickpea pasta to boost the fiber content and make the dish a bit lighter.
Replace 1 egg with 2 tbsp Greek yogurt for lighter creaminess.
Add veggies like peas, spinach, or zucchini.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad.
Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Drizzle with a little olive oil before serving for a glossy finish.

Storing Tips for chicken carbonara

Refrigerate:
Keep any leftovers sealed in an airtight container and they’ll stay fresh for about 3–4 days.

Reheat:
Warm in a skillet over very low heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Freeze:
Carbonara isn’t ideal for freezing due to the egg-based sauce — best enjoyed fresh.

Conclusion

This chicken carbonara recipe brings together all the comfort food vibes you crave — a velvety, creamy sauce, smoky bacon, and tender pieces of chicken that soak up every bit of flavor. It’s the kind of dish that feels restaurant-worthy but stays totally doable on a busy weeknight. Whether you’re trying to impress guests or just feeding the crew at home, this recipe delivers a rich, satisfying meal without any complicated steps. Each bite is packed with savory depth, and the whole thing comes together quickly, making it your new go-to pasta dish for both comfort and convenience try this chicken carbonara and enjoy