**Ultimate Chicken Carbonara Recipe**

Chicken Carbonara is a sumptuous, creamy pasta dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, savory sauce. This ultimate Chicken Carbonara recipe is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish, offering a comforting meal that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're cooking for family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress with its deliciously creamy texture and flavorful ingredients.

### **Ingredients**

- **12 oz** spaghetti or fettuccine
- **2 tbsp** olive oil
- **1 lb** chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- **4 oz** pancetta or bacon, diced
- **1 medium** onion, finely chopped
- **3 cloves** garlic, minced
- **4 large** eggs
- **1 cup** grated Parmesan cheese
- **1 cup** heavy cream
- **Salt and pepper**, to taste
- **1/4 cup** chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

### **Instructions**

#### **1. Cook the Pasta**

1. **Boil Water* Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. **Cook Pasta* Add spaghetti or fettuccine to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

#### **2. Prepare the Chicken and Pancetta**

1. **Heat Oil* In a large skillet or frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. **Cook Chicken* Add chicken pieces to the pan, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. **Cook Pancetta* In the same pan, add diced pancetta or bacon and cook until crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside with the chicken.

#### **3. Make the Carbonara Sauce**

1. **Sauté Aromatics* In the same skillet, add finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
2. **Combine Ingredients* Return the cooked chicken and pancetta to the pan, mixing them with the onions and garlic.
3. **Prepare Sauce Mixture* In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream until well combined. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

#### **4. Combine Pasta and Sauce**

1. **Add Pasta* Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the chicken and pancetta mixture. Toss to combine.
2. **Add Sauce* Remove the skillet from heat. Slowly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, tossing constantly to coat the pasta and prevent the eggs from scrambling. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time, as needed, to reach the desired creamy consistency.
3. **Adjust Seasoning* Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

#### **5. Serve**

1. **Plate Pasta* Divide the Chicken Carbonara among serving plates or bowls.
2. **Garnish* Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.

### **Tips for Perfect Carbonara**

- **Use Fresh Ingredients* Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and adds more flavor than pre-grated cheese.
- **Avoid Scrambled Eggs* To avoid scrambling the eggs, make sure the pan is off the heat before adding the egg mixture. Toss the pasta continuously as you add the sauce.
- **Pasta Water* The reserved pasta water helps to adjust the consistency of the sauce and adds a bit of starch, which helps it cling to the pasta.

### **Variations**

- **Vegetable Add-Ins* Add vegetables like peas, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
- **Different Meats* Substitute pancetta with prosciutto or cooked ham for a different flavor profile.
- **Herbs and Spices* Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

This ultimate Chicken Carbonara recipe delivers a luxurious, creamy pasta dish that’s sure to be a hit at your next meal. Enjoy the comforting flavors and rich texture of this Italian-inspired favorite!

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