Description
This Creamy Carbonara with Crispy Chicken & Bacon is the perfect combination of rich, velvety pasta, smoky bacon, and golden-crispy chicken. Each bite is packed with indulgent flavors, making this a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or just craving an elevated homemade meal, this carbonara is guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
For the Carbonara:
12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
4 oz pancetta or thick-cut bacon, chopped
2 large egg yolks
1 whole egg
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Salt to taste
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
For the Crispy Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 egg, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetable oil for frying
For Garnish:
Extra Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped
Additional black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Crispy Chicken:
- Slice the chicken breasts in half if they are too thick.
- Dredge each piece in flour, then dip in beaten egg, and coat with a mixture of panko, Parmesan, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat and fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through (about 4-5 minutes per side). Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Prepare the Carbonara Sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, whole egg, grated Parmesan, black pepper, and optional heavy cream.
- Cook the Bacon:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the pancetta or bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving a little bacon fat in the pan.
- Combine Everything:
- Reduce the heat to low and add the drained pasta to the skillet.
- Slowly pour the egg mixture over the pasta while tossing continuously to coat evenly.
- Add some reserved pasta water gradually until the sauce reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Stir in butter and half of the cooked bacon.
- Serve:
- Slice the crispy chicken and place it on top of the pasta.
- Garnish with remaining bacon, chopped parsley, and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish