There's nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Creamy Chicken Carbonara to turn an ordinary evening into something special. The silky sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta create a dish that's as comforting as it is indulgent. It's a meal that feels fancy but comes together effortlessly, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and dinner parties alike.
I first discovered this recipe while experimenting with classic pasta dishes, looking for a version that would be both family-friendly and quick to prepare. What began as a kitchen experiment has now become a staple in our home, loved by kids and adults alike. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so irresistible.
Why You'll Love This Creamy Chicken Carbonara
Get ready to meet your new favorite pasta dish. This Creamy Chicken Carbonara is simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor, making it a must-have recipe for any home cook.
First, this recipe comes together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, it requires minimal prep and uses everyday ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
Second, it’s incredibly versatile. Whether you prefer chicken breast or thighs, or want to mix up the type of pasta you use, this dish is easily adaptable to suit your preferences and pantry.
Third, the creamy, cheesy sauce is nothing short of a dream. Made with fresh cream, egg yolks, and parmesan, it coats every strand of pasta in velvety goodness, ensuring every bite is a delight.
Finally, it's a dish the whole family will love. From picky eaters to adventurous palates, the combination of tender chicken and creamy pasta is always a crowd-pleaser.
With so much going for it, this dish is destined to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Creamy Chicken Carbonara lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this recipe shine.
Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the protein. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and maximum tenderness. If you have leftover roast chicken, that works wonderfully too!
Pasta: Traditional carbonara often calls for spaghetti, but fettuccine, linguine, or penne work just as well. Choose a shape you enjoy, and cook it al dente for the best texture.
Cream and Egg Yolks: The combination of heavy cream and egg yolks creates the rich, luscious sauce that defines this dish. Be sure to whisk them together thoroughly to ensure a smooth consistency.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan is essential for the best flavor. It adds a salty, nutty depth to the sauce and helps thicken it to the perfect texture.
Garlic: A few cloves of minced garlic add aromatic depth to the dish without overpowering the other flavors.
Olive Oil and Butter: This combination creates a flavorful base for cooking the chicken and garlic, ensuring every bite is rich and satisfying.
You’ll also need a large skillet and a pot for boiling the pasta. A fine-mesh strainer or colander will come in handy for draining the pasta while reserving some of the starchy water for the sauce.
How To Make This Creamy Chicken Carbonara

Making this Creamy Chicken Carbonara is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table in no time.
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat a tablespoon of olive oil and a knob of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter melts, add your chicken pieces, seasoning them with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can turn bitter.
Next, whisk together the cream, egg yolks, and grated parmesan cheese in a bowl. Slowly pour this mixture into the skillet, stirring constantly. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water to help the sauce reach a silky consistency.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring it into the sauce until fully coated. Add the drained pasta, tossing everything together so that the sauce clings to every strand or piece.
Cook for another 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with additional parmesan and freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
This dish takes just about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy evenings without sacrificing flavor.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (though that’s rare with this dish!), they can be stored easily for another meal.
To store, transfer the cooled Creamy Chicken Carbonara to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb some of the sauce over time, but it will still be delicious.
Reheating is simple. Add a splash of cream or milk to the pasta before warming it in a skillet over low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure the sauce becomes creamy again without drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, it can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about Creamy Chicken Carbonara is its adaptability. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
- Cheese Swap: Try pecorino romano instead of parmesan for a slightly sharper flavor, or add a touch of mozzarella for extra creaminess.
- Protein Variations: Swap the chicken for turkey, shrimp, or even tofu for a unique twist on this classic dish.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish accessible to everyone.
With a little creativity, this Creamy Chicken Carbonara can suit any taste or occasion. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own signature twist!
PrintCreamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe
This creamy chicken carbonara recipe is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender chicken, a luscious creamy sauce, and pasta cooked to perfection.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 300g spaghetti or fettuccine
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large egg yolks
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until golden and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese is fully melted.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks with a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to temper them. Slowly add the mixture to the skillet, stirring continuously.
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
- Use freshly cracked black pepper for a more robust taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (¼ of recipe)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
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