**Ultimate Chicken Carbonara: The Best Recipe Ever**

If you’re a fan of creamy, savory pasta dishes, then Chicken Carbonara is probably already on your list of favorites. This Italian classic, traditionally made with pancetta and eggs, gets an upgrade with tender chicken, transforming it into a dish that’s both comforting and irresistibly delicious. Here’s how you can make the ultimate Chicken Carbonara that will have everyone asking for seconds.

### Ingredients

#### For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces of spaghetti or fettuccine
- Salt, for pasta water

#### For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste

#### For the Sauce:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional, for a touch of sweetness and color)
- 1/2 cup crispy bacon or pancetta, chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

### Instructions

#### 1. Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.

#### 2. Prepare the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it into strips or bite-sized pieces.

#### 3. Make the Carbonara Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream until smooth. This mixture will create the creamy sauce that binds the pasta and chicken.

In the same skillet used for the chicken, add a bit more oil if necessary and sauté the minced garlic over medium heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. If using peas, add them and cook for another 2 minutes until they are heated through. Remove the garlic and peas from the skillet and set them aside.

#### 4. Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it in the remaining oil and garlic bits. Reduce the heat to low. Gradually pour in the egg and cheese mixture while constantly stirring the pasta to avoid scrambling the eggs. The residual heat from the pasta will cook the sauce, creating a rich, creamy texture.

Add the chicken back into the skillet, along with the crispy bacon or pancetta. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.

#### 5. Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the cooked garlic and peas, if using. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Serve your Ultimate Chicken Carbonara immediately, while it’s still warm and creamy. Enjoy this rich and comforting dish with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

### Tips for Perfection

- **Pasta Cooking Tip* Make sure to undercook the pasta slightly as it will continue to cook when combined with the sauce.
- **Creamy Sauce Tip* The key to a creamy Carbonara is to ensure that the sauce is added off the heat to avoid scrambling the eggs.
- **Chicken Tip* For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a bit of lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs before cooking.

With this recipe, you’ve just elevated the traditional Carbonara into an ultimate comfort food experience. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home or impressing guests, this Chicken Carbonara is sure to become a go-to favorite in your culinary repertoire. Bon appétit!