Loaded Chicken Carbonara

Bacon Chicken Carbonara is a tantalizing twist on the traditional Italian pasta dish, combining the rich flavors of bacon and chicken with creamy Parmesan sauce. This recipe offers a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the art of crafting the perfect Bacon Chicken Carbonara, from selecting quality ingredients to mastering the cooking techniques. Get ready to elevate your pasta game and delight your taste buds with this delicious and comforting dish!

Ingredients

Meat:

• 6 slices Bacon
• 1 1/2 lbs Chicken breast, skinless boneless halves

Produce:

• 3 cloves Garlic
• 2 cups Peas, frozen

Refrigerated:

• 3 Eggs, large

Pasta & Grains:

• 1 lb Spaghetti

Baking & Spices:

• 1 tsp Ground black pepper
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Dairy:

• 1 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese, grated

Beer, Wine & Liquor:

• 1/2 cup White wine

Liquids:

• 1 gallon Water

Instructions

1. Start by cooking the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
2. While the bacon is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, cook the chicken breasts until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
3. In a separate pot, bring a gallon of water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the boiling water, then cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the spaghetti.
4. In the same skillet used to cook the bacon and chicken, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Deglaze the skillet with white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the wine to reduce by half.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and ground black pepper until well combined.
7. Reduce the heat to low, then add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic and wine. Toss the spaghetti in the skillet until it is coated in the wine sauce.
8. Slowly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the spaghetti, stirring constantly to evenly distribute the sauce and prevent the eggs from scrambling. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta cooking water until it reaches your desired consistency.
9. Add the cooked chicken strips, crumbled bacon, and frozen peas to the skillet, tossing everything together until the ingredients are well mixed and heated through.
10. Remove the skillet from the heat and serve the Bacon Chicken Carbonara immediately, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper if desired. Enjoy the creamy, savory goodness!

Cook Notes and Variations

• For a lighter version of this dish, you can use turkey bacon or omit the bacon altogether.
• Feel free to add additional vegetables such as sliced mushrooms or diced bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Substitute whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti for a healthier alternative.
• Experiment with different types of cheese such as Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a unique twist on the classic Carbonara.

Keto and Low Carb Versions

If you’re following a keto or low-carb diet, you can still enjoy the delicious flavors of Bacon Chicken Carbonara with a few simple substitutions:

• Replace the spaghetti with spiralized zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles for a low-carb pasta alternative.
• Use cauliflower rice or broccoli rice as a base instead of pasta.
• Swap out the white wine for chicken broth or lemon juice to reduce the carb content.
• Increase the amount of chicken and bacon to add more protein and fat to the dish.

With these modifications, you can create a keto-friendly or low-carb version of Bacon Chicken Carbonara that is both flavorful and satisfying.

In conclusion, Bacon Chicken Carbonara is a decadent and flavorful dish that is sure to impress even the most discerning palates. With its creamy Parmesan sauce, crispy bacon, tender chicken, and al dente spaghetti, it’s a meal that satisfies both hunger and cravings. By following this easy-to-make recipe and exploring the various cook notes and variations, you can create Bacon Chicken Carbonara that suits your taste preferences and dietary needs. So why not treat yourself to a taste of Italy with this delicious and comforting dish? Your taste buds will thank you!

Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of Bacon Chicken Carbonara. With its perfect balance of ingredients and creamy texture, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and get ready to enjoy the irresistible goodness of this classic Italian-inspired recipe!