Chicken Carbonara
Creamy Chicken Carbonara combines tender chicken, peas, onions, and bacon in a rich Alfredo sauce, making it a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 12-inch skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook the chicken breasts until browned and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Add diced onions, bacon or bacon bits, and cooked green peas to the skillet, stirring occasionally until the onions are tender.
- Pour in white wine or chicken broth and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in the Alfredo sauce.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle with pepper before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in garlic and herbs before cooking. If you want a lighter option, substitute the Alfredo sauce with a homemade light cream sauce. You can also use turkey bacon instead of traditional bacon for a healthier twist. Make sure to cook the onions until translucent for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Carbonara over cooked pasta, like fettuccine or penne, and pair with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. This dish can also be complemented by a glass of white wine. For a different taste experience, consider trying it alongside Italian White Bean Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain moisture. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Carbonara contains roughly 1438 calories, with 27g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 138g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (54% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 534mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different sauce instead of Alfredo?
Absolutely! If you're looking for a lighter option, you could use a homemade light cream sauce or even a marinara sauce for a different flavor profile. Just be mindful of how the flavors will work with the chicken and other ingredients.
What can I substitute for green peas?
If you don't have green peas on hand, you can substitute them with frozen spinach, broccoli florets, or even sautéed mushrooms. Each of these alternatives will provide a different texture and flavor, making the dish unique.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Chicken Carbonara ahead of time. Cook the chicken and sauce, then store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, combine them and reheat gently. This allows the flavors to meld even more!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).