Creamy Parmesan Carbonara Chicken
Creamy Parmesan Carbonara Chicken is the ultimate twist! Crispy, golden chicken fillets soak up a carbonara-inspired sauce for a new chicken recipe loved by the entire family.
Creamy Parmesan Carbonara Chicken is the ultimate twist! Crispy, golden chicken fillets soak up a carbonara-inspired sauce for a new chicken recipe loved by the entire family.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- cracked pepper
- 1 small onion ( chopped)
- 2 large boneless and skinless chicken breasts ( halved horizontally to make 4 filets)
- 2 tablespoons flour ((all purpose or plain))
- 3 tablespoons finely grated fresh parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons butter ((or sub with oil))
- 8- ounces | 250 grams bacon ( trimmed of fat and cut into strips (i use shortcut bacon in aus
- 6 large cloves garlic ( minced or finely chopped)
- 1-1/2 cups half and half ((or use reduced fat cre
- 1/2 cup finely grated fresh parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch ((cornflour) mixed with 2 teaspoons of
- Carbohydrate 0.0958647916666667 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.848572083695168 g
- Fiber 0.0391979166666667 g
- Protein 0.016196875 g
- Saturated Fat 0.117954583383296 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (1g)
- Sodium 0.08195833334057 mg
- Sugar 0.056666875 g
- Trans Fat 0.0230558333431319 g
- Calories 8 calories
Step-by-step
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the flour and parmesan cheese.
- Dredge seasoned chicken in the flour mixture; shake off excess and set aside.
- Heat the oil and butter in a large nonstick pan or well-seasoned cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until butter has melted and the pan is hot.
- Fry the chicken until golden on each side, cooked through, and no longer pink (about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of your chicken).
- Transfer onto a warm plate.
- Add the bacon strips to the pan and fry until crispy.
- Drain off some excess fat, keeping about 1 teaspoon worth in the pan.
- Add the onion and garlic and fry until the onion is transparent (about 1 minute).
- Reduce heat to low heat, and add the half and half (or cream).
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer; season with a little salt and pepper to your taste.
- Add in the parmesan cheese, and allow the sauce to simmer until the parmesan cheese has melted slightly.
- If the sauce is too runny for your liking, add the cornstarch/water mixture into the center of the pan and mix through fast to combine into the sauce. It will begin to thicken immediately.
- Add the chicken back into the pan to serve.
- Serve with steamed vegetables (broccoli and/or cauliflower work best), over zucchini noodles, your favorite pasta, or rice.
My Favorite Weeknight Dinner: Creamy Parmesan Carbonara Chicken
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can be a challenge. I need recipes that are quick, easy, and most importantly, satisfying for my family. This Creamy Parmesan Carbonara Chicken recipe has become a staple in our household, a true lifesaver on those hectic weeknights when everyone is hungry and tired. The creamy, savory sauce is unbelievably rich, coating the perfectly cooked chicken, and the whole dish comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone happy, even my picky eaters!
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. It's not just a delicious dinner; it's a blank canvas for creativity. One night, we might enjoy it over a bed of perfectly cooked pasta, another night we might opt for lighter zucchini noodles. Sometimes, I’ll steam some broccoli or cauliflower on the side, and other times, we go for a simple rice pilaf. The options are endless, and that adaptability is crucial for a busy family like mine. The recipe itself is straightforward, even for novice cooks. The instructions are easy to follow, and the results are consistently impressive. Even on nights when I'm incredibly exhausted, I can confidently pull this meal together without stress. The entire family looks forward to it, and it always feels like a special treat, even though it’s so simple to make. It’s the perfect balance of comfort food and healthy eating, a winning combination in my book.
Beyond its practicality, this Creamy Parmesan Carbonara Chicken holds a special place in my heart. It's a recipe that brings my family together. The aroma of garlic, bacon, and parmesan cheese fills the kitchen as it cooks, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a ritual, a moment of connection during our busy days. This dish embodies everything I look for in a weeknight dinner: it's quick, easy, delicious, and brings us all together. And in the end, isn’t that what truly matters?
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the bacon with pan-fried mushrooms or crispy tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Add some greens: Stir in some spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Use different cheese: Experiment with other cheeses like Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a unique twist.
- Meal prep friendly: The chicken can be cooked ahead of time and reheated, making this a perfect meal prep option.
This Creamy Parmesan Carbonara Chicken recipe is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to the power of simple, delicious food to bring people together. It’s a reminder that even on the busiest of days, we can still create something special and meaningful in our kitchens. And that, to me, is priceless.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does. Let me know in the comments how it turned out!
