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Easy Creamy Chicken Carbonara in One Pan

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Easy Creamy Chicken Carbonara in One Pan is a rich, comforting pasta dish combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, garlic, and Parmesan in a creamy sauce—all cooked in one pan for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal.

Ingredients

  1. 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced or cubed
  2. 6 slices bacon, chopped
  3. 2 large eggs
  4. 3/4 cup heavy cream
  5. 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  6. 3 cloves garlic, minced
  7. 1/2 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
  8. 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
  9. 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
  10. Salt and black pepper, to taste
  11. Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  12. Optional: 1/2 cup peas or 1 cup spinach

Instructions

Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving drippings in the pan.
  2. Add olive oil or butter to the pan if needed. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper, then remove and set aside.
  3. Add garlic (and onion, if using) to the pan. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Reduce heat to low. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, and Parmesan cheese.
  5. Return drained pasta to the pan. Toss with garlic and stir continuously while slowly adding the egg mixture to avoid scrambling.
  6. Add cooked chicken and bacon back to the pan. Stir to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until sauce reaches desired consistency.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and melting.
  • Keep the heat low when adding the egg mixture to prevent curdling.
  • Add peas or spinach at the end for a touch of green and extra nutrition.
  • This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated gently with a splash of cream or milk.
  • Omit the cream for a more traditional carbonara.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/easy-creamy-chicken-carbonara-in-one-pan/