1-Gathering and Prepping Your Ingredients: Start by pulling together all your ingredients to make the process smooth and fun. This means chopping the 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized strips, grating the 2 cloves of garlic finely, and whisking the 4 eggs (using 2 yolks and 2 whole eggs) with 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Having everything ready helps you focus on cooking without rushing.

2-Gathering and Prepping Your Ingredients: Don’t forget to cook your 12-14 ounces of linguine or spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until it’s al dente. This step is key for that perfect texture in your chicken carbonara. Once done, reserve about 1/2 cup of that starchy pasta water it’s a secret weapon for making the sauce creamy and smooth.

3-Cooking the Bacon and Chicken: Next, heat a large skillet over medium and cook the 4 strips of thick-cut bacon, guanciale, or pancetta until they’re crispy and golden. This usually takes a few minutes, so keep an eye on it to avoid burning. Once ready, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and hold onto 1-2 tablespoons of the flavorful grease in the pan.

4-Cooking the Bacon and Chicken: Now, add your prepared chicken strips to that same skillet. Season them with a bit of salt and fresh cracked pepper, then cook for about 5-7 minutes until they’re fully done and have a nice golden color. In the last minute or two, toss in the grated garlic and a pinch of olive oil to let its aroma shine through, enhancing the overall flavor of your chicken carbonara.

5-Making the Creamy Sauce: With your chicken and bacon ready, it’s time to create the heart of this easy dinner recipe: the sauce. In a bowl, whisk together the egg mixture you prepped earlier, including the optional 1/3 cup heavy cream if you want extra richness. Reduce the skillet’s heat to low and let it cool for 2-3 minutes to prevent scrambling the eggs.

6-Making the Creamy Sauce: Add the cooked bacon back into the pan, followed by the warm linguine. Pour in the egg and cheese mixture along with about 1/4 cup of your reserved pasta water. Toss everything together quickly until it turns into a creamy sauce. If it seems too thick, add a little more pasta water to get that perfect consistency. This step is where the magic happens for your creamy chicken carbonara recipe.

7-Finishing Touches: Top your dish with 1-2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil for a burst of color and flavor. Serve it right away with extra grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese on top. This rich and easy chicken carbonara dinner is best enjoyed hot, making it ideal for how to make chicken carbonara a staple in your weekly meals.