Description
A modern twist on the classic Italian dish, Chicken Carbonara combines creamy pasta with tender chicken for a comforting, rich, and satisfying meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions!
Ingredients
Scale
- 300g spaghetti
- 2 chicken breasts (or thighs), cooked and sliced
- 2 large eggs
- 1 egg yolk
- 100g freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or Pecorino Romano)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt (plus extra for pasta water)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked (about 6-7 minutes per side). Let rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips or cubes.
- Make the Sauce Base: In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, egg yolk, and grated cheese until smooth. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Cook the Garlic: In the same pan used for the chicken, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (do not brown).
- Combine Everything: Reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked spaghetti and chicken to the pan with the garlic. Remove from heat, then pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta. Stir vigorously to coat the pasta, adding a little reserved pasta water at a time to achieve a creamy consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Plate the pasta and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional cheese if desired.
Notes
- Temper the Eggs Carefully: When mixing the egg and cheese sauce, ensure you add some hot pasta water slowly to temper the eggs. This prevents them from scrambling and ensures a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano melts better and adds a richer, more authentic flavor compared to pre-grated options.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is crucial for achieving the perfect sauce consistency. Add it gradually while tossing the pasta to create a silky, restaurant-quality sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min