Rachael Ray Chicken Carbonara Recipe

Rachael Ray’s Chicken Carbonara is a weeknight winner, delivering all the rich flavors of classic carbonara with the addition of tender chicken for a complete and hearty dish.

This dish combines tender chicken with a creamy pasta sauce enriched by crispy pancetta, eggs, and cheese.

A little trick I’ve found is to use freshly grated Parmesan for lil’ burst of flavor.

Don’t skip the step of cooking your pancetta until it’s crisp to add a perfect contrast to the creamy sauce.

How to Make Rachael Ray’s Chicken Carbonara

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 4 Chicken Breasts (skin-on)
• Salt and Pepper
• 3 oz. Pancetta (diced)
• 4 large Eggs
• 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
• 1 lb. Spaghetti
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup Dry White Wine

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 400°F.

You’ll need it hot and ready for the chicken as we move through the steps.

Step 2:

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

Season the chicken with salt and pepper.

Place chicken skin-side down in the pan.

Cook until browned, about 5 minutes.

Flip and finish cooking in the oven for 20 minutes.

Step 3:

Boil a large pot of salted water for the pasta.

Cook spaghetti until al dente.

Reserve a cup of pasta water.

Drain and set the pasta aside.

Step 4:

In the same skillet, cook pancetta until crispy.

Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any bits.

Step 5:

Whisk eggs with Parmesan cheese in a bowl.

Add the spaghetti to the skillet with pancetta.

Remove the pan from heat; quickly stir in the egg and cheese mixture to coat.

Thin with reserved pasta water if necessary.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Crispier Chicken

If you want extra-crispy chicken skin, pat the breasts dry with a paper towel before seasoning and searing.

Perfect Pasta Texture

Cook your spaghetti just under al dente, so it can absorb more sauce flavor during the final stirring.

Timing the Eggs

Remove from heat when mixing the eggs with pasta to prevent them from scrambling, producing a creamy sauce instead.

Flavor Boost

For extra depth of flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic.

Wine Selection

For best results, use a good-quality dry white wine to complement the flavors in the dish.

What to Serve with Rachael Ray Chicken Carbonara

Caesar Salad

You can’t go wrong with a classic Caesar salad when serving chicken carbonara.

The crisp lettuce and creamy dressing create a refreshing balance to the rich pasta flavors.

I love adding a bit of freshly grated parmesan on top for an extra cheesy touch.

Garlic Bread

Warm, buttery garlic bread is another excellent choice to serve alongside chicken carbonara.

Its crunchy texture complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

Plus, it’s perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce on your plate!

Grilled Asparagus

For a healthy twist, try serving some grilled asparagus.

Its smoky and slightly charred flavors work well with the carbonara’s rich, creamy texture.

You can season it simply with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt.

Crispy Brussels Sprouts

If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some crispy Brussels sprouts as a side dish.

These tasty bites bring a nutty and slightly sweet flavor to the meal.

Roast them with a bit of balsamic glaze for that extra pop.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

An unconventional option would be stuffed bell peppers.

They can be filled with a mixture of rice, cheese, and vegetables for a satisfying accompaniment.

It’s a fun way to add a bit of color and extra nutrients to the table.

Variations and Substitutions

Ingredient Swaps

If you don’t have chicken on hand, no need to worry! You can use turkey breast or even pork chops as an alternative.

Each brings a unique flavor to the classic carbonara without losing its savory charm.

Feel free to experiment and find what suits your taste best.

Making It Vegetarian

For a vegetarian twist, consider using mushrooms instead of meat.

They add a rich and earthy flavor while keeping the dish hearty and satisfying.

You might try portobello or shiitake mushrooms, which are readily available and bring a whole new dimension to your carbonara.

Adding More Vegetables

You can boost the nutrient content by adding greens like kale or spinach.

These options bring a lovely color and texture and can make your meal a bit healthier.

When you add them toward the end of cooking, you preserve their bright color and fresh taste.

Adjusting the Sauce

Some people like to add a little creaminess to the sauce.

While traditionalists might frown upon cream, a splash can create a smoother finish.

You could use half-and-half if you prefer a lighter sauce, or even cashew cream for a dairy-free option.

How to Store Leftover Rachael Ray Chicken Carbonara Recipe

Refrigeration Tips

Pop those leftovers into an airtight container!

This keeps your chicken carbonara tasting fresh and prevents any unwanted odors from sticking around.

Once it’s securely sealed, place it in the fridge where it can be stored safely for up to three days.

Just make sure the fridge is nice and cold to maintain quality.

Freezer Suggestions

If you’ve made a big batch of chicken carbonara, the freezer is your friend!

First, let the dish cool to room temperature to avoid ice crystals forming.

Once cooled, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag.

Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing.

Label with the date so you remember when it’s time to enjoy it again!

Handling Leftover Sauce

For those extra portions of chicken carbonara sauce, separately storing them can work wonders.

Use a small container to store the sauce and stash it in the fridge for a couple of days or freeze for longer storage.

This way, you can pair it with freshly cooked pasta later on without any hassle!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Chicken

Make sure your chicken stays juicy by keeping an eye on the cooking time in your skillet.

Dry, overcooked chicken can really dampen the vibe when you’re making a delicious carbonara!

I’ve found that cooking the chicken until it’s just done and then letting it rest keeps it perfect.

Scrambling the Eggs

Avoid scrambling those eggs by removing the pan from the heat before adding them.

This step ensures your carbonara remains creamy and smooth rather than resembling breakfast!

Give the pasta a quick toss with the egg mixture before putting it back on low heat, and you’ll be golden.

Neglecting Fresh Ingredients

Fresh parmesan and pancetta can make all the difference when you’re cooking this dish.

Pre-packaged or pre-grated ingredients just don’t pack the same flavorful punch.

When I use fresh ingredients, the carbonara tastes so much better and brings the dish together beautifully!