Chicken Carbonara with Crispy Bacon
This Chicken Carbonara with Crispy Bacon is SO EASY! Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken and crispy turkey bacon for a weeknight winner.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Mixing Bowl
- Colander
- Wooden spoon or tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta – the perfect noodle for a creamy sauce
- 1 lb chicken breast diced – adds lean protein and tender bites
- 4 oz turkey bacon chopped – brings crispy texture and smoky flavor
- 2 large eggs – key to the creamy carbonara sauce
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – sharp, nutty, and melty
- 2 cloves garlic minced – adds aromatic depth
- 1 cup heavy cream – makes the sauce luxuriously smooth
- salt and pepper to taste – essential for seasoning
- fresh parsley chopped (for garnish) – brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 8 oz fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta in a colander. Set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped turkey bacon and cook until golden and crispy, usually about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
- In the same skillet with a little bacon fat left, add the diced chicken breast. Season with salt and pepper. Cook over medium-high heat until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, about 6-8 minutes. Add the minced garlic in the last minute to soften and release flavor without burning.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 large eggs, 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup heavy cream until smooth and creamy. This will be your luscious carbonara sauce base.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet with chicken. Slowly pour in the egg and cheese mixture, tossing continuously to coat the pasta without scrambling the eggs. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce feels too thick. Stir in the crispy turkey bacon.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy, savory goodness.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency for a silky finish.
- Use turkey bacon for a lighter option or swap with pancetta for traditional flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently with a splash of cream.