I’ve been making Chicken Carbonara for years, and I’m convinced it’s one of the most satisfying pasta dishes you can prepare at home. This creamy, flavor-packed meal combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and sweet peas in a silky alfredo sauce that clings perfectly to every strand of pasta. What makes it truly special isn’t just its delicious taste, but how quickly it comes together—under 30 minutes in a single skillet. Want to know my secret to creating restaurant-quality carbonara without the fuss?
Key Takeaways
- Chicken Carbonara is a creamy pasta dish featuring chicken, bacon, alfredo sauce, and sometimes peas.
- The recipe takes under 30 minutes to prepare using just one skillet, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Traditional Italian carbonara is simplified by using jarred alfredo sauce instead of making the sauce from scratch.
- The dish can be customized with substitutes like pancetta instead of bacon or different vegetables like asparagus.
- Pair Chicken Carbonara with acidic sides like arugula salad or crusty bread to balance the rich, creamy texture.
Why You’ll Love this Creamy Chicken Carbonara
Who doesn’t love a rich, comforting pasta dish that comes together with minimal effort? This chicken carbonara recipe will quickly become your family’s favorite weeknight dinner. I’ve simplified the traditional Italian classic by using jarred alfredo sauce while maintaining all the creamy, savory goodness you expect.
The combination of tender chicken breast, sweet peas, and smoky bacon creates perfect flavor harmony, while the white wine adds a subtle depth that enhances the entire dish. I love that it requires just one skillet, minimizing cleanup time after dinner. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings when you need something satisfying but don’t have hours to spend cooking. The creamy sauce coats every bite with indulgent flavor.
What Ingredients are in Creamy Chicken Carbonara?
Chicken Carbonara is one of those comforting pasta dishes that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your dinner table. Rich, creamy, and packed with protein, this dish combines tender chicken with a velvety alfredo sauce and savory additions that create layers of flavor.
The best part? You probably have many of these ingredients already hiding in your pantry or refrigerator.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 2 small onions, diced
- 1 slice bacon or Bac*Os bacon bits
- 1 cup green peas, cooked
- 1/3 cup white wine or chicken broth
- 1 (17 oz.) jar alfredo sauce
- Pepper to taste
While the recipe keeps things simple with store-bought alfredo sauce, you could certainly make your own from scratch if you’re feeling ambitious.
The recipe also offers flexibility with substitutions—chicken broth works perfectly if you prefer not to use wine, and frozen peas can be used instead of fresh ones. Just make sure they’re fully cooked before adding them to the mix.
And though not listed in the main ingredients, don’t forget to serve this over your favorite pasta for a complete meal!
How to Make this Creamy Chicken Carbonara
Making this indulgent chicken carbonara is surprisingly simple, and the results are restaurant-worthy with minimal effort. Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add your 4 boneless chicken breasts and cook them until they’re golden and cooked through—you want that perfect sear that locks in all the juicy flavors.
Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside while you work on creating that dreamy sauce base.
Now for the magic that brings everything together. In the same skillet (why waste those delicious chicken drippings?), add your 2 small diced onions, 1 slice of bacon (or Bac*Os bacon bits if you’re in a pinch), and 1 cup of cooked green peas. Sauté this mixture, stirring occasionally until those onions become tender and translucent.
Then, pour in 1/3 cup of white wine or chicken broth—either works beautifully to deglaze the pan and add depth—and let it cook for just a minute to reduce slightly. Time for the creamy element: stir in the entire 17-ounce jar of alfredo sauce, mixing it well with the other ingredients.
Using professional stainless steel cookware ensures even heat distribution and prevents your delicate sauce from scorching.
Return your chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce, and bring everything to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it all simmer together for about 5 minutes. A final sprinkle of fresh cracked pepper adds the perfect finishing touch to this comforting dish.
Creamy Chicken Carbonara Substitutions and Variations
While the classic recipe delivers incredible flavor, you’ll find endless opportunities to customize this creamy chicken carbonara to suit your dietary needs or pantry limitations.
If you’re watching calories, substitute the alfredo sauce with a light version or make your own using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
Don’t have white wine? I find chicken broth works perfectly, or you could try a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
Vegetarians can omit the chicken entirely and double the vegetables—mushrooms make an excellent protein-rich alternative.
For bacon substitutes, try pancetta, prosciutto, or even smoked turkey bacon if you’re reducing fat.
The peas can be swapped for asparagus tips, broccoli florets, or sun-dried tomatoes, depending on what’s in season or your personal preference.
What to Serve with Creamy Chicken Carbonara
When deciding what to accompany your rich and indulgent chicken carbonara, I’ve found that the perfect sides create balance against the dish’s creamy texture and savory flavor profile.
Light, acidic options work best to cut through the richness—consider a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus with a balsamic glaze.
For bread options, I recommend garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf that’s perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
If you’re serving wine, pair with a dry white like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that won’t compete with the dish’s creaminess.
During warmer months, I’ll add a side of marinated cherry tomatoes with fresh basil for a bright contrast that improves the overall dining experience without overwhelming the star of the show.
Final Thoughts
As I’ve shared this chicken carbonara recipe with you, I’ve come to appreciate how such a simple dish can deliver remarkable flavor with minimal effort. The combination of tender chicken, savory bacon, sweet peas, and creamy alfredo sauce creates a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.
Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own by adjusting ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Adding mushrooms, using pancetta instead of bacon, or incorporating fresh herbs like basil can transform this dish in delightful ways.
Remember that the key to perfect carbonara lies in the timing—not overcooking the chicken and gently simmering rather than boiling the sauce. For best results, always allow your chicken to reach room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution throughout the meat. I hope this recipe becomes a staple in your home, bringing comfort and satisfaction to your dinner table.
