Dinner

Best Chicken Carbonara Recipe

ByVictor Layne December 15, 2025December 15, 2025

Introduction

This Best Chicken Carbonara recipe combines tender grilled chicken and crispy bacon in a creamy, garlicky sauce tossed with bowtie pasta. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or whenever you’re craving a rich, 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, fresh 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 until crispy, then dice and set aside.
Step 2: In the same or a clean pan, melt butter over medium heat and cook the chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper until fully cooked. Set aside and slice once slightly cooled.
Step 3: Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 4: In the pan, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 5: Whisk in the milk, heavy cream, chicken broth, and flour. Stir continuously over low heat until the sauce thickens and is smooth.
Step 6: Stir in Parmesan shavings until melted into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth to loosen it.
Step 7: Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat completely. Sprinkle with parsley and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Step 8: Add the diced chicken and bacon to the pasta and sauce. Toss gently until everything is evenly combined and heated through.
Step 9: Serve hot and enjoy your creamy chicken carbonara.

Tips & Variations

For extra richness, add an egg yolk into the sauce just before tossing with the pasta, stirring quickly to prevent scrambling.
Use pancetta instead of bacon for a traditional Italian flavor.
Swap bowtie pasta for fettuccine or spaghetti depending on your preference.
Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving at high power to prevent the sauce from separating.

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 pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, pre-cooked chicken works well and can save time. Simply dice and add it to the sauce in the final step to heat through.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative, use coconut or almond milk instead of regular milk and heavy cream, and omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese substitute.