Creamy Chicken Carbonara Weeknight Dinner (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Components
01 -
340 grams fettuccine pasta
02 -
4 slices streaky bacon, cut into lardons
03 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
04 -
225 grams boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
05 -
Kosher salt
06 -
Freshly ground black pepper
07 -
4 large eggs, beaten
08 -
180 ml freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
09 -
80 ml freshly chopped parsley, plus extra for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve approximately 120 ml of the pasta cooking water. Drain the cooked pasta and return it to the pot.
02 -
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon lardons and cook for 5 minutes. Incorporate the minced garlic and continue cooking until the bacon is crisp, about 2-3 minutes more. Transfer the cooked bacon and garlic to a separate bowl, leaving half of the rendered fat in the skillet.
03 -
Increase the heat under the skillet to medium-high. Add the chicken strips and season generously with salt and pepper. Cook, turning once, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through and no longer pink, approximately 10 minutes.
04 -
Reduce the heat to low. Return the cooked bacon and garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Add the drained fettuccine to the skillet and toss vigorously to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
05 -
In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, 180 ml of grated Parmesan cheese, and 80 ml of chopped parsley. Season this mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
06 -
Pour the egg mixture over the pasta in the skillet. Immediately and continuously toss the pasta rapidly to coat thoroughly, allowing the sauce to gently thicken and emulsify without scrambling the eggs. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon (15 ml) at a time, until the sauce achieves your desired creamy consistency.
07 -
Garnish individual servings with additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve the Creamy Chicken Carbonara immediately for optimal enjoyment.
# Notes:
01 -
For an intensified flavor profile, consider substituting pancetta for the bacon.
02 -
Should the sauce become overly thick, incorporate additional pasta water, one tablespoon (15 ml) at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.
03 -
To adapt this dish for a vegetarian diet, omit the bacon and chicken, substituting with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini.
04 -
Introduce a hint of spice by adding a small pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
05 -
For superior sauce creaminess and texture, always opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-grated varieties often contain anti-caking agents like cellulose, which can hinder proper emulsification.