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A bowl of creamy Chicken Carbonara Pasta with golden chicken and crispy pancetta
Print Recipe

Chicken Carbonara Pasta

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 755kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450g) dried spaghetti or bucatini
  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 4 oz (115g) pancetta or thick-cut bacon, diced
  • 3 large eggs plus 1 egg yolk, room temperature
  • 1 cup (100g) freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic , minced
  • 1 tablespoon extra -virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more for pasta water)
  • 1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and season generously with salt until it tastes like seawater.
  • Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente; reserve 1 cup (240ml) of starchy pasta water before draining.
  • While the pasta cooks, whisk the eggs, egg yolk, and grated cheese in a medium bowl until a thick paste forms, then set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and sear the chicken pieces until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the diced pancetta and cook over medium heat until the fat renders and the meat becomes crispy.
  • Add minced garlic to the skillet with the pancetta and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  • Add the drained pasta and the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the pancetta, tossing to coat in the rendered fat.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat source entirely to prevent the eggs from scrambling upon contact.
  • Slowly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta while tossing vigorously with tongs. Gradually add reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce emulsifies into a creamy, glossy coating.
  • Season with cracked black pepper and parsley, then serve immediately on warmed plates.