If you’re looking for a quick, creamy, and utterly satisfying pasta dish, this Chicken Carbonara Skillet is the perfect one-pan meal! With tender chicken, crispy bacon, rich Parmesan, and a velvety cream sauce, this dish is packed with flavor and comes together in just 30 minutes.
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, a cozy date night, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with simple ingredients. Plus, since it’s made in just one pan, cleanup is a breeze!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder – Fewer dishes, less mess, and easy cleanup.
- Rich & Creamy – The heavy cream and Parmesan create a luxurious sauce.
- Bacon & Chicken Combo – A delicious balance of crispy, smoky, and juicy flavors.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- A Comfort Food Classic – This indulgent dish is a family favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 4 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes)
- 2 cups cooked pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine work best!)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish!)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Bacon
I start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding the chopped bacon.
I let it cook until crispy, then remove it with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
(Pro Tip: Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan for extra flavor!)
2. Cook the Chicken
In the same skillet, I add the diced chicken, seasoning it with salt and pepper.
I cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
(Pro Tip: For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the chicken!)
3. Add Garlic & Pasta
Once the chicken is fully cooked, I stir in minced garlic and let it sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.
Next, I add the cooked pasta, tossing it with the chicken.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce
I pour in the heavy cream, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, making sure everything is evenly coated in the rich, creamy sauce.
(Pro Tip: If the sauce is too thick, I add ¼ cup of reserved pasta water to loosen it up!)
5. Add the Bacon & Mix
Now, I sprinkle the crispy bacon back into the skillet, stirring everything together until well combined.
6. Serve & Enjoy!
I plate the pasta, garnish it with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, and serve it warm!
This dish is pure comfort food, ready to devour in minutes!
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Carbonara
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan – It melts better and creates a smoother sauce.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken – Keep it juicy and tender by cooking just until done.
- Add a Smoky Twist – Swap regular bacon for pancetta for a more authentic carbonara flavor.
- Make It Extra Creamy – Stir in an extra splash of heavy cream or a tablespoon of butter before serving.
- For a Lighter Version – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and swap turkey bacon for regular bacon.
What to Serve with Chicken Carbonara
This rich, creamy pasta dish pairs well with:
- Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up every bit of sauce.
- Caesar Salad – A crisp, refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables – Try asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts.
- A Glass of White Wine – A Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the flavors beautifully.
FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)
Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A: Yes! Spaghetti, linguine, penne, or rigatoni all work well in this dish.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze this pasta?
A: It’s best eaten fresh, but you can freeze it without the cream sauce. Reheat with a splash of cream or milk to revive the texture.
Q: Can I make this dish without cream?
A: Yes! Use 2 egg yolks and ¼ cup of pasta water instead for a more traditional carbonara sauce.
Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creamy consistency.
Why You Need to Make This Chicken Carbonara
This Creamy Chicken Carbonara Skillet is:
✅ Rich, creamy, and indulgent
✅ Super easy to make in just one pan
✅ A perfect balance of smoky bacon, tender chicken, and Parmesan goodness
✅ A great meal for family dinners or special occasions
If you love quick, comforting, and flavorful pasta dishes, this chicken carbonara is a must-try.
Give it a go and let me know how it turns out! What’s your favorite pasta dish? Drop a comment below! 🍝✨
Creamy Chicken Carbonara Skillet: A One-Pan, 30-Minute Dinner Dream
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless chicken breast, diced
- 1 tablespoon bacon grease
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the bacon grease over medium heat.
- Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, then remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
- Reduce heat to low, and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked spaghetti and crispy bacon back into the skillet, tossing to coat.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
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