Chicken Carbonara Recipe

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Season liberally with salt.

Step 2

Heat a large skillet to a medium heat. Add bacon. Cook bacon until is crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove. Drain on a paper towel.

Step 3

While the bacon cooks, add egg yolks, parmesan cheese, cream, salt, and pepper to a medium bowl. Whisk to combine.

Step 4

Season chicken tenders with salt and pepper on both sides. Add to the rendered bacon fat and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Set aside and slice.

Step 5

While the chicken cooks, drop the pasta into the water. Cook until just under aldente (it will continue to cook when you toss the pasta with the sauce.)

Step 6

Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. Lower the heat to medium and add garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 7

Use the tongs to transfer the pasta to the garlic and bacon fat. Toss to combine. Reserve starchy cooking liquid.

Step 8

Remove the pan from the heat and while tossing the pasta, pour in the egg, cream, and cheese mixture. Toss together and place back over a low flame. Continue to toss the pasta until the cheese melts and the sauce is thick, about 2-3 minutes. Do not turn the heat up too high or you could curdle the eggs, a very low heat works great. Add the bacon back in and toss again. If needed, add pasta water ¼ cup at a time to reach desired consistency of sauce.

Step 9

Season to taste with salt and pepper. Arrange chicken on top. Serve!