Carbonara is a timeless favorite, but this version puts a new spin on it by using tender chicken or beef strips as the main protein, creating a hearty, savory twist on the traditional recipe. Rich with creamy Parmesan and enlivened by fresh garlic and parsley, this version offers a well-balanced combination of flavors and textures. Perfect for weeknights, this dish is a delicious, quick fix that still feels indulgent.
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Chicken Carbonara
Dive into a bowl of indulgence with our Chicken Carbonara! Each forkful brings together juicy chicken, smoky bacon, and a decadent cream sauce that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion! 🍽️💖
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 12 oz. fettuccine (or substitute with spaghetti, bucatini, or linguine)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking meat)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast or beef sirloin, thinly sliced into strips
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 1/3 cup freshly chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
In a large pot, cook the fettuccine in salted, boiling water according to package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set the pasta aside in the pot to keep warm.
2. Sauté the Garlic and Meat
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until it becomes fragrant but not browned.
Next, add the chicken or beef strips to the skillet, seasoning generously with salt and pepper. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook, flipping halfway through, until the meat is golden brown and fully cooked. For chicken, this should take about 8-10 minutes, and for beef, about 5-6 minutes for medium doneness.
3. Combine Ingredients in the Skillet
Reduce the heat to low, keeping the cooked meat in the skillet. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything to combine and allowing the pasta to absorb some of the flavors from the meat and garlic.
4. Prepare the Carbonara Sauce
In a small bowl, beat together the eggs, grated Parmesan, and parsley. Season the mixture lightly with salt and pepper. Pour this mixture over the pasta, quickly tossing to coat the noodles in the sauce. The residual heat will create a creamy sauce without scrambling the eggs.
5. Adjust the Creaminess
Add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water, tossing until the sauce reaches your desired creaminess. Continue adding pasta water one tablespoon at a time if needed for a smooth, glossy finish.
6. Garnish and Serve
Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and parsley for a finishing touch of flavor and color. This dish is best enjoyed fresh for maximum creaminess.
Notes
- Pasta Substitutes: Fettuccine is ideal, but any long pasta, like spaghetti or linguine, will work just as well.
- Egg Temperature: Using room temperature eggs can help them blend smoothly with the warm pasta without cooking too quickly.
- Extra Veggies: Try adding peas, spinach, or mushrooms for additional flavor and texture.
- Starchier Pasta Water: Reserved pasta water is the secret to a silky, cohesive sauce that binds everything together beautifully.
- Prep Time: 15minutes
- Cook Time: 10 Minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients:
- 12 oz. fettuccine (or substitute with spaghetti, bucatini, or linguine)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking meat)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast or beef sirloin, thinly sliced into strips
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 1/3 cup freshly chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
In a large pot, cook the fettuccine in salted, boiling water according to package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set the pasta aside in the pot to keep warm.
2. Sauté the Garlic and Meat
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until it becomes fragrant but not browned.
Next, add the chicken or beef strips to the skillet, seasoning generously with salt and pepper. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook, flipping halfway through, until the meat is golden brown and fully cooked. For chicken, this should take about 8-10 minutes, and for beef, about 5-6 minutes for medium doneness.
3. Combine Ingredients in the Skillet
Reduce the heat to low, keeping the cooked meat in the skillet. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything to combine and allowing the pasta to absorb some of the flavors from the meat and garlic.
4. Prepare the Carbonara Sauce
In a small bowl, beat together the eggs, grated Parmesan, and parsley. Season the mixture lightly with salt and pepper. Pour this mixture over the pasta, quickly tossing to coat the noodles in the sauce. The residual heat will create a creamy sauce without scrambling the eggs.
5. Adjust the Creaminess
Add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water, tossing until the sauce reaches your desired creaminess. Continue adding pasta water one tablespoon at a time if needed for a smooth, glossy finish.
6. Garnish and Serve
Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and parsley for a finishing touch of flavor and color. This dish is best enjoyed fresh for maximum creaminess.
Tips for the Best Chicken or Beef Carbonara
- Pasta Substitutes: Fettuccine is ideal, but any long pasta, like spaghetti or linguine, will work just as well.
- Egg Temperature: Using room temperature eggs can help them blend smoothly with the warm pasta without cooking too quickly.
- Extra Veggies: Try adding peas, spinach, or mushrooms for additional flavor and texture.
- Starchier Pasta Water: Reserved pasta water is the secret to a silky, cohesive sauce that binds everything together beautifully.
Flavor and Texture Profile
This Chicken or Beef Carbonara has layers of flavor, from the savory richness of the Parmesan to the juiciness of the chicken or beef strips. The garlic and parsley bring brightness to the dish, while the creamy sauce clings beautifully to each strand of pasta. The result is a warm, filling, and comforting meal with a delightful contrast of creamy and savory notes.
Serving Suggestions
This carbonara pairs well with:
- A Light Salad: Try a simple arugula or mixed greens salad for a fresh, crisp side.
- Garlic Bread: A classic side, perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli or bell peppers make an excellent complement.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
- Chicken/Beef Alternatives: This dish is also delicious with turkey strips or even shrimp if you’d like a seafood variation.
- Cheese Choices: For a more intense flavor, add a bit of Pecorino Romano to the Parmesan.
This Chicken or Beef Carbonara is a wonderfully versatile dish, easy to personalize, and guaranteed to become a dinner favorite. Enjoy the balance of creamy, savory, and aromatic flavors with every satisfying bite!