Chicken Bacon Carbonara
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized strips
• 12-14 ounces linguine, or spaghetti
• 7 strips thick-cut bacon, guanciale or pancetta, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
• 4 cloves garlic, very finely grated
• 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste
• 4 eggs, (2 yolk only, 2 whole)
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, or Pecorino Romano
• salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste
• 1/3 cup heavy cream**, optional, if preferred
》 Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook linguine al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before straining.
》 Combine eggs, Parmesan cheese, a pinch of salt, and pepper, and optional cream in a medium-sized bowl. Whisk thoroughly and set aside.
》 Meanwhile, cook bacon in a large stainless pan or cast iron skillet on medium heat until fully cooked, remove from the skillet, and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Keep 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet and discard the rest.
》 Add sliced chicken. Season with salt and pepper and cook until chicken is fully cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). The bacon fat should brown the chicken. in the last 1-2 minutes, add garlic and a pinch of olive oil.
》Cook until fragrant.
》Turn the heat down to low and let the pan cool for 2-3 minutes. Remove from the heat if necessary. (If the pan is too hot, you'll run the risk of scrambling the eggs.) Return the bacon to the pan and add the warm linguine. Add the egg mixture to the pan along with 1/4 cup of pasta water. Toss with the pasta until fully mixed and creamy. Add more pasta water if sauce feels too thick.
》Top with fresh basil and serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil.
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Chicken Bacon Carbonara is a classic Italian dish that combines the savory flavors of bacon with tender chicken and rich cheese. This recipe is great for any occasion, especially for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy dinner at home. To elevate the dish further, consider using artisanal bacon such as guanciale or pancetta, which can add an authentic touch. The key to a successful carbonara is ensuring that the egg mixture incorporates smoothly into the pasta without scrambling. Make sure to remove the pan from direct heat before adding the egg mixture for a creamy consistency. You can also customize your Chicken Bacon Carbonara by adding vegetables like peas or spinach for a fresh touch, or swapping out linguine for your preferred pasta type. Remember to save some pasta water as it's excellent for perfecting the sauce's consistency! Experiment with flavors by using different types of cheese or herbs, making this dish versatile for any palate. Whether it's a quick weeknight meal or a dinner party classic, Chicken Bacon Carbonara is sure to be a hit!