Chicken Vermicelli Carbonara
A flavorful chicken vermicelli carbonara featuring tender chicken, fragrant fennel, and Parmesan cheese, perfect for comforting weeknight dinners or satisfying gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 large onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp fennel seed ⓘ
- 1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth ⓘ
- 12 to 14 oz boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of fat and cut into 1/2-inch chunks ⓘ
- 1 cup finely chopped parsley ⓘ
- 3 egg whites (about 6 Tbsp.) ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 12 oz to 1 lb dry vermicelli ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups finely shredded Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- salt ⓘ
Instructions
- In a wide nonstick frying pan, combine onion, fennel seed, and 1 cup of the broth. Bring to a boil.
- Boil, stirring occasionally, until liquid has evaporated.
- Continue to cook until browned bits accumulate in the pan.
- Add water, two tablespoons at a time, stirring until all browned bits are loosened.
- Continue to cook until the mixture begins to brown again.
- Repeat deglazing, using 2 tablespoons water each time, until onions are a uniformly light golden brown color.
- In a separate pot, cook the vermicelli in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
- In a bowl, whisk together egg whites and egg.
- Add cooked chicken to the pan with onions and fennel, cooking until chicken is cooked through.
- Stir in cooked vermicelli, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture over the pasta and chicken, tossing quickly to coat and create a creamy sauce.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the pan after browning the onions. If you don't have chicken thighs, chicken breasts can work as a substitute but may result in a drier dish. Fresh herbs like basil can enhance the taste, and if you're short on Parmesan, Pecorino Romano is a good alternative.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken Vermicelli Carbonara immediately for the best texture. It pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette and crusty garlic bread. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside a warm garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables, such as those found in Easy Italian Chicken And Vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain creaminess. Avoid microwaving, as it can cause the pasta to become gummy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Vermicelli Carbonara contains roughly 977 calories, with 52g protein, 171g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (142% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (120% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1680mg per serving (73% 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 whole eggs instead of egg whites?
Yes, you can use one whole egg instead of the egg whites for a richer flavor and creamier sauce. Just ensure to whisk it well before adding it to the pasta mixture to avoid scrambling.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
What type of vermicelli should I use?
Use dry rice vermicelli for a gluten-free option, or traditional wheat vermicelli for a classic taste. Both types will work well in this recipe, just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
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).