Creamy, smoky, and packed with comforting flavor, this Best Ever Chicken Carbonara is a dinner you’ll crave again and again. Tender spaghetti is coated in a silky parmesan egg sauce, tossed with crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and a generous touch of garlic. It brings restaurant-quality indulgence straight to your kitchen.

Whether you’re cooking for a cozy date night or a weeknight dinner with family, this dish is always a hit. The blend of savory bacon, tender pasta, and creamy sauce makes it feel luxurious without being fussy. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes—yes, really!

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Spaghetti is traditional and works beautifully here, but feel free to swap in fettuccine or bucatini. The key is to use a pasta that can hold the luscious sauce well. Avoid delicate pastas like angel hair, which tend to overcook and break.

Ingredients for the Best Ever Chicken Carbonara

12 oz spaghetti
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 chicken breasts, diced
Salt and black pepper, to taste
6 slices bacon, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 large eggs
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

How To Make the Best Ever Chicken Carbonara

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet. Season diced chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Crisp the Bacon

In the same skillet, add chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Turn off heat.

Step 4: Whisk the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together eggs and Parmesan cheese until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the hot, drained pasta to the skillet with bacon and garlic. Quickly pour in the egg and cheese mixture, tossing vigorously to coat the pasta and create a creamy sauce (off the heat). Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired creaminess.

Step 6: Add Chicken and Serve

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together. Top with chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

How to Serve and Store Chicken Carbonara

Serve Chicken Carbonara piping hot with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley. A crisp side salad or roasted veggies make the perfect companion.

To store leftovers, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of milk or water to bring back the creamy texture. Avoid microwaving too long to prevent scrambling the eggs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add more flavor and stay juicier. Just adjust the cook time as needed.

Is it safe to eat eggs in the sauce?

Yes, the residual heat from the pasta cooks the eggs into a safe and silky sauce—no raw egg here!

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best fresh, but you can prep the chicken and bacon ahead. Cook the pasta and mix everything just before serving.

What can I use instead of Parmesan?

Pecorino Romano is a great substitute with a sharper, saltier flavor.

How do I keep the sauce from scrambling?

Be sure to remove the skillet from heat before adding the egg mixture and toss quickly to create that perfect creamy finish.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you love this Chicken Carbonara, you’ll probably enjoy these other creamy and satisfying dinners:

Marry Me Chicken Pasta for rich sun-dried tomato flavor.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts if you crave garlic-packed creaminess.
Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta for a hearty one-skillet dinner.
Cheese Shrimp Penne with Spinach if you want seafood flair.
Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti for a fuss-free, slow-cooked option.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s easy to find when you need a comfort meal fast.

Tried it? Let me know in the comments how you made it your own! Did you use pancetta instead of bacon? Maybe added mushrooms? I’d love to hear your twist.

You can also follow my daily dishes on Pinterest @NinaDishes—more inspiration awaits!

Best Ever Chicken Carbonara

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Best Ever Chicken Carbonara is a creamy, savory Italian-inspired pasta dish that combines crispy bacon, juicy chicken, garlic, and parmesan in a luscious sauce. It’s fast, comforting, and perfect for weeknights or special dinners.

Instructions

1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.

2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet. Season diced chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, add chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Turn off heat.

4. In a bowl, whisk together eggs and Parmesan cheese until smooth.

5. Add the hot, drained pasta to the skillet with bacon and garlic. Quickly pour in the egg and cheese mixture, tossing vigorously to coat the pasta and create a creamy sauce (off the heat). Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired creaminess.

6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together. Top with chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately.