Chicken Bacon Pasta Carbonara Recipe

When I first tried Chicken Bacon Pasta Carbonara Recipe in Rome, I instantly understood why this dish is so loved across Italy 🇮🇹. The silky, egg-based sauce, salty pancetta, and rich cheese created a flavor harmony unlike anything else.

My version adds chicken and bacon for a heartier twist, blending traditional Italian elegance with modern comfort. Originating from the Lazio region, especially Rome.

Carbonara is a cultural icon, symbolizing simplicity and mastery in Italian cooking. Each bite feels like a warm Italian embrace ❤️.

Ingredients

Here is the list of ingredients you’ll need to create this rich and satisfying pasta dish.

• 1/2 pound penne pasta – Penne is a great choice because its ridges and tubes catch the sauce, but any pasta shape like spaghetti or fettuccine works well.
• 1/2 pound bacon, cooked and chopped – For the best flavor, use thick-cut bacon and cook it until it’s perfectly crispy.
• 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced – Grilling the chicken adds a smoky depth, but pan-seared or even rotisserie chicken works as a great time-saver.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream – This is the key to an ultra-rich and creamy sauce.
• 1/4 cup cream cheese – Use full-fat, block-style cream cheese for the best melt and smoothest texture. It adds a subtle tang and extra creaminess.
• 2 whole eggs – The eggs are essential for creating the classic silky carbonara sauce. Make sure they are at room temperature to help prevent scrambling.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Always grate your cheese fresh from a block. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.
• 1 tsp garlic powder – Garlic powder distributes evenly into the sauce for a consistent flavor.
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes – This adds a gentle warmth to cut through the richness. Adjust the amount based on your preference for heat.
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper – Freshly ground black pepper provides the best flavor.

Note: This recipe makes enough for two generous servings, but it can easily be doubled for a family meal.

Variations

While this recipe is a knockout on its own, it’s also wonderfully adaptable.

• Lighter Version: For a sauce with fewer calories, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use Neufchâtel cheese instead of regular cream cheese. Turkey bacon is also a good alternative to traditional bacon.
• Add Some Greens: To add some vegetables, stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach into the hot pasta until it wilts. Steamed peas or sautéed mushrooms also make fantastic additions.
• Spice it Up: If you love heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the cream mixture for an extra kick.

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Equipment You Need

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: This is for boiling the pasta to a perfect al dente.
• Small Saucepan: You’ll use this to gently melt the cream cheese and heavy cream for the sauce base.
• Whisk: Essential for creating a smooth, lump-free sauce and emulsifying the eggs.
• Colander: For draining your pasta while reserving some of the starchy water.

How to Make Chicken Bacon Pasta Carbonara Recipe?

This recipe may sound fancy, but it comes together with surprising ease. You’ll start by preparing your chicken and bacon, then whip up the quick sauce while the pasta cooks. The final step is bringing everything together for a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Prepare Meats

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. While the pasta is cooking, ensure your bacon is cooked and chopped, and your chicken is grilled and sliced. This preparation makes the final assembly quick and seamless.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Sauce Base

In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream and cream cheese. Heat the mixture over low heat, whisking constantly until the cream cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Once smooth, remove the pan from the heat. This gentle heating prevents the sauce from breaking.

Step 3: Temper the Eggs and Finish the Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper, and whisk until well combined. To prevent the eggs from scrambling, slowly pour a small amount of the warm cream mixture into the eggs while whisking vigorously. Then, pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream, whisking to combine everything into a smooth sauce.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the rest. Return the hot pasta to the pot. Immediately pour the sauce over the pasta and toss to coat everything evenly. The residual heat from the pasta will cook the eggs, thickening the sauce. Stir in the chopped bacon. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Serve the pasta topped with the sliced grilled chicken.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

After making this pasta many times, I’ve found a few small details that make a big difference.

• Don’t overheat the sauce: When you’re melting the cream cheese, I can’t stress enough to keep the heat on low. If the cream gets too hot, it can cause the eggs to scramble instantly when you combine them, even with tempering.
• Work quickly at the end: The key to a perfect carbonara sauce is using the residual heat from the pasta. I always have my sauce, bacon, and chicken ready to go the moment the pasta is drained. Tossing everything together immediately while the pasta is steaming hot is what creates that signature creamy texture.
• The magic of pasta water: I always reserve more pasta water than I think I’ll need. It’s the secret ingredient for thinning the sauce to the perfect consistency without diluting the flavor. The starch in the water helps the sauce cling to every piece of pasta.

How to Serve Chicken Bacon Pasta Carbonara?

In Italy, Carbonara is often enjoyed as the star of a leisurely lunch, accompanied by a crisp white wine and lively conversation. I like to serve this Chicken Bacon Carbonara the same way — in a wide pasta bowl, topped with grilled chicken slices, extra Parmesan, and a sprinkle of parsley. Pair it with crusty garlic bread and imagine yourself dining al fresco in a Roman trattoria, surrounded by the aroma of fresh basil and laughter in the air 🇮🇹.

Make Ahead and Storage

While pasta carbonara is best enjoyed fresh, you can easily manage leftovers with these tips.

Make Ahead: The chicken can be grilled and the bacon can be cooked up to two days in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This cuts down on prep time when you’re ready to make the meal.

Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools.

Freezing: I do not recommend freezing this dish. The egg and cream-based sauce can separate and become grainy when thawed and reheated, altering the texture significantly.

Reheating: To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to the pasta in a saucepan over low heat. Stir gently and consistently until the pasta is warmed through. This helps restore some of the sauce’s creaminess without scrambling the eggs.

Nutritional Information

Here is an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving.

• Calories: 850 kcal
• Protein: 45g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fat: 50g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This decadent pasta dish is sure to become a new favorite for several delicious reasons.

• Restaurant-Quality at Home: This recipe delivers a rich, flavorful, and creamy pasta that tastes like it came from a fancy Italian restaurant, but it’s surprisingly simple to make in your own kitchen.
• Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this meal is ready in about 35 minutes, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner when you’re craving something special without the fuss.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: The combination of creamy sauce, savory bacon, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta is the definition of comfort in a bowl. It’s a dish that’s both hearty and indulgent.
• Packed with Flavor: Every component, from the smoky bacon and grilled chicken to the cheesy, garlicky sauce with a hint of spice, comes together to create a multi-layered and incredibly satisfying flavor experience.