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Chicken, Bacon, and Mushroom Carbonara

Chicken, Bacon, and Mushroom Carbonara
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Chicken, Bacon, and Mushroom Carbonara is a creamy, smoky, and tender pasta dish that elevates the classic Italian carbonara by adding juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and earthy mushrooms. Perfectly balanced in texture and flavor, it is quick to prepare, family-friendly, and customizable to your taste preferences, delivering comfort and richness in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into bite-sized pieces
  • 6 slices bacon, diced

Vegetables

  • 8 oz mushrooms, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta

  • 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine

Sauce & Seasoning

  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Slice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, chop the mushrooms, and dice the bacon. Grate fresh Parmesan cheese. Separate the egg yolks and gently mix them with the grated Parmesan and a generous amount of freshly cracked black pepper.
  2. Cook the Bacon and Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy and golden, then remove and set aside. Using the same skillet, sauté the chicken pieces until cooked through and slightly browned, absorbing the bacon’s smoky aroma.
  3. Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic: Add the mushrooms and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the mushrooms release their moisture and become tender, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
  4. Cook the Pasta: While sautéing, boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water to adjust the sauce’s consistency later.
  5. Combine and Toss: Return the bacon and chicken to the skillet, then add the hot pasta. Remove the skillet from heat and quickly toss everything with the egg and cheese mixture. Use the reserved pasta water to thin the sauce as needed, creating a creamy carbonara coating.
  6. Finish with Pepper and Serve: Toss the dish once more to evenly coat and season. Sprinkle extra freshly cracked black pepper and Parmesan cheese before serving to elevate the flavors.

Notes

  • Use the freshest egg yolks available for the creamiest sauce.
  • Cook pasta al dente to ensure the sauce adheres well without becoming mushy.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and achieve silkiness.
  • Mix eggs off the heat to avoid scrambling and maintain a smooth sauce.
  • Freshly cracked black pepper is essential for authentic carbonara flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken carbonara, bacon carbonara, mushroom carbonara, creamy pasta, Italian pasta, quick dinner, family-friendly recipe

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/chicken-bacon-and-mushroom-carbonara/