Dinner

Best Chicken Carbonara Recipe

BySarah Summers December 12, 2025December 12, 2025

Introduction

This Best Chicken Carbonara recipe is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Tender grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and bowtie pasta come together in a rich Parmesan sauce that’s sure to please the whole family.

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 pan until crispy, then set aside. In the same pan, melt butter and cook the chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper until fully cooked, then set aside.
Step 2: Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: In the pan, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add the milk, heavy cream, chicken broth, and flour, whisking constantly until smooth.
Step 4: Cook the sauce on low heat, stirring often, until it thickens. Stir in the Parmesan shavings. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the sauce and toss to coat completely. Sprinkle in the parsley and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Dice the grilled chicken and cooked bacon, then add them to the pasta and sauce. Toss everything together until evenly coated.
Step 7: Serve the chicken carbonara hot and enjoy your delicious meal!

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, use smoked bacon or add a splash of white wine to the sauce while cooking.
You can substitute bowtie pasta with fettuccine or penne if preferred.
Freshly grated Parmesan works best for a smooth sauce texture.
Add peas or mushrooms for a vegetable boost.

Storage

Store leftover chicken carbonara in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent drying out.