Dinner

Best Chicken Carbonara Recipe

ByMarina Montclair December 13, 2025December 13, 2025

Introduction

Chicken Carbonara is a creamy, comforting pasta dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This recipe combines tender grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich Parmesan sauce that clings to bowtie pasta for a deliciously satisfying meal.

The image shows a close-up of creamy pasta with wide, flat noodles coated in a smooth, light beige sauce. Scattered on top are small pieces of cooked bacon that are reddish-brown and crispy. Sprinkled over the pasta are small bits of green herbs adding color contrast. The pasta fills the frame, sitting on a white plate, set against a white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

5 strips bacon, cooked and diced
2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, freshly minced
¾ cup milk
¼ cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
3 tablespoons flour
¾ cup Parmesan shavings
2 tablespoons parsley
1 small box bowtie pasta

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside on paper towels to drain.
Step 2: In the same skillet, melt the butter and cook the chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: While the chicken cooks, boil the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Step 4: To make the sauce, sauté the minced garlic in the skillet over medium heat until fragrant. Add the milk, heavy cream, chicken broth, and flour, whisking continuously until smooth.
Step 5: Cook the sauce over low heat, stirring often, until it thickens. Stir in the Parmesan shavings, and if the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle in the parsley and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Chop the cooked chicken breasts and dice the bacon, then add both to the pasta and sauce mixture. Toss everything together until well combined and hot.
Step 8: Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your delicious Chicken Carbonara.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh Parmesan cheese for a richer flavor and better melting in the sauce.
Substitute bowtie pasta with fettuccine or penne if preferred.
For extra creaminess, add a splash of reserved pasta water to the sauce.
Try adding sautéed mushrooms or peas for added texture and flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid reheating in the microwave for better texture and flavor.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white pasta dish featuring thick, wide fettuccine noodles coated in a creamy, pale yellow sauce. Scattered evenly across the noodles are small, crispy pieces of golden-brown bacon. Light green parsley flakes are sprinkled on top, adding color contrast to the creamy sauce and noodles. The texture is smooth and rich with a slightly glossy finish. The dish is presented on a white plate resting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute bowtie pasta with other types like fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti depending on your preference or what you have on hand.

Is it necessary to grill the chicken?

No, grilling adds flavor but you can also pan-cook or bake the chicken breasts. Just be sure they are fully cooked before adding them to the dish.

Marina Montclair