Lazy Day Chicken Carbonara Skillet – Ready in 30 Minutes!

When you’re craving a rich and creamy pasta dish but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this Lazy Day Chicken Carbonara Skillet is the perfect solution. Packed with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a luscious Parmesan-infused sauce, this one-pan meal brings comfort food to your table in just 30 minutes.

Traditional carbonara is made with eggs, cheese, pancetta, and pasta water, creating a velvety sauce without the need for heavy cream. This version, however, leans into extra indulgence with the addition of heavy cream for an ultra-creamy texture while still keeping that signature carbonara flavor.

The magic happens in one skillet, where crispy bacon and seasoned chicken are cooked to perfection before being tossed with garlic, pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce. The reserved pasta water helps emulsify everything, ensuring a smooth and silky coating on every bite of pasta.

This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner but fancy enough to serve for a cozy date night at home. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, it’s bound to become a go-to meal in your recipe rotation.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
• 1 cup reserved pasta water
• Salt & black pepper (to taste)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Set pasta aside.

2. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pan.

3. Sauté the Chicken: Add the diced chicken to the same skillet, seasoning with salt and black pepper. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, allowing it to become fragrant.

5. Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream.

6. Combine Everything: Reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the chicken. Slowly pour in the egg mixture, stirring constantly to coat the pasta. Gradually add the reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired creamy consistency.

7. Add the Bacon & Finish: Toss in the crispy bacon, stirring well to incorporate all the flavors. Let the pasta cook for another minute, ensuring everything is well combined.

8. Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy immediately!

Variations:

• Classic Carbonara Style: Omit the heavy cream for a more traditional carbonara and rely on the eggs and cheese to create a creamy sauce.
• Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, peas, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for some heat.
• Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash in place of pasta.

Tips:

• Stir continuously when adding the egg mixture to prevent scrambling.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth sauce texture.
• If the sauce thickens too much, add a little more pasta water to loosen it up.
• Serve immediately, as carbonara is best enjoyed fresh.

This Lazy Day Chicken Carbonara Skillet is the perfect combination of ease and indulgence. With creamy sauce, crispy bacon, and tender chicken, it’s a meal that feels fancy but comes together effortlessly!