Carbonara, a classic Italian pasta dish, is renowned for its rich and creamy sauce. This easy chicken carbonara recipe with cream offers a delightful twist on the traditional version, adding tender chicken and a luscious sauce made with cream. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you through the steps to create a flavorful and satisfying meal.
With its simple yet elegant ingredients and straightforward preparation, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. The combination of tender chicken, savory bacon, and a velvety sauce will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
Ingredients
An easy chicken carbonara recipe with cream typically calls for a few core ingredients:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and shredded or diced.
- Bacon: Slices of smoked or pancetta, cooked and chopped.
- Cream: Heavy cream or half-and-half adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a nutty, salty flavor.
- Egg yolks: Used to thicken the sauce and create a velvety texture.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds a savory base to the sauce.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper enhances the overall flavor.
Variations and substitutions:
- Chicken: Rotisserie chicken can be used for convenience.
- Bacon: Turkey or vegetarian-style “bacon” can be substituted.
- Cream: Evaporated milk can be used instead of heavy cream.
- Parmesan cheese: Romano or Grana Padano cheese can be used as an alternative.
- Egg yolks: Cornstarch or flour can be used as a thickener instead.
- Garlic: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic.
Ingredients List
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 8-10 pieces of smoked or pancetta, cooked and chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Preparation
Preparing this delectable chicken carbonara with cream is an effortless culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds. Follow these simple steps and savor the exquisite flavors in no time.
Begin by heating a generous amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then gently place them in the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Making the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Pour in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Reduce heat to low and allow the sauce to thicken slightly, stirring occasionally.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and coat it evenly in the creamy sauce. Simmer for a few minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately over your favorite pasta.
Sauce
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The quintessential carbonara sauce is an amalgamation of eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and Pecorino Romano cheese, all emulsified with the pasta’s cooking water to create a velvety and luscious coating.
To achieve the ideal consistency, whisk the eggs and cheeses together in a bowl, then gradually add the hot pasta water while whisking vigorously. This process allows the sauce to emulsify and thicken without curdling.
Variations
- For a richer flavor, add a touch of cream to the sauce.
- Enhance the aroma by incorporating freshly ground black pepper.
- Experiment with different cheeses, such as Asiago or Grana Padano, to add unique flavors.
- Incorporate herbs like parsley or chives for an herbaceous touch.
Serving
Chicken carbonara is traditionally served immediately after preparation, while the sauce is still hot and creamy. The dish is typically garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper.
Some popular accompaniments to chicken carbonara include:
- Garlic bread
- Salad
- Asparagus
Reheating and Storing
Leftover chicken carbonara can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop. To reheat in the microwave, place the carbonara in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. To reheat on the stovetop, place the carbonara in a saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Leftover chicken carbonara can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat as directed above.
Recipe Table
To present the recipe information in a clear and organized manner, we’ve created an HTML table. This table includes four columns: ingredients, quantities, preparation steps, and cooking times.
The table is designed to be responsive, adjusting to different screen sizes to ensure optimal readability on any device. This allows users to easily access the recipe information, regardless of the device they are using.
Table Structure
- Ingredients Column: Lists the ingredients required for the recipe.
- Quantities Column: Specifies the quantity of each ingredient.
- Preparation Steps Column: Provides step-by-step instructions for preparing the dish.
- Cooking Times Column: Indicates the cooking times for each step or the total cooking time.
Final Conclusion
Indulge in the delectable flavors of this easy chicken carbonara recipe with cream. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and savory bacon create a harmonious blend that will impress your family and friends. Whether you serve it as a main course or a comforting side dish, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
FAQs
What type of pasta is best for chicken carbonara?
Spaghetti or fettuccine are traditional choices for chicken carbonara, as they hold the sauce well and provide a satisfying texture.
Can I use a different type of cheese in the sauce?
Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses to create variations of the sauce. Parmesan, Romano, or Asiago are all suitable options.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, you can add more grated cheese or a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and add the cooked chicken.