Are you craving a creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious pasta dish but short on time? Then look no further! This Chicken Carbonara Dominos recipe delivers all the comforting flavors of a classic carbonara with the added protein boost of chicken, ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, transforming a simple dinner into a homemade culinary delight. Forget takeout – let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 ounces pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine work best)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional, for extra richness)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
-
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
-
Cook the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and garlic, and cook until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. If using bacon, add it to the skillet with the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking.
-
Prepare the Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
-
Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the chicken. Pour the egg mixture over the pasta and chicken, stirring constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling. The residual heat from the pasta and chicken will cook the eggs, creating a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
-
Serve: Stir in the fresh parsley. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chicken Carbonara:
- Don't overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta is key to a perfect carbonara.
- Use high-quality Parmesan cheese: The flavor of the Parmesan cheese will significantly impact the overall taste of the dish.
- Stir constantly: This prevents the eggs from scrambling and ensures a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas would be delicious additions to this recipe.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Use different pasta: Try this recipe with other pasta shapes like penne or rotini.
- Make it vegetarian: Omit the chicken and bacon, and add extra vegetables for a hearty vegetarian version.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This Chicken Carbonara Dominos recipe is a fantastic example of delicious and healthy meals that are quick and easy to make. It’s a perfect addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and best recipes. Enjoy this satisfying and flavorful dish!