Sure! Let’s dive deep into this delightful Easy Chicken Carbonara recipe. This dish combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, savory mushrooms, and vibrant red bell peppers, all enveloped in a creamy Alfredo sauce, and served over perfectly cooked angel hair pasta. It’s a flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving a comforting yet easy-to-make dinner.
Easy Chicken Carbonara Recipe Details:
Preparation Time: 45 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: NaN (Number of servings not specified)
Recipe Category: Chicken
Keywords: Pork, Poultry, Vegetable, Meat, European, Weeknight, Stove Top, Less than 4 Hours, Easy
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 534.5
- Fat Content: 39.4g
- Saturated Fat Content: 16.3g
- Cholesterol Content: 133.8mg
- Sodium Content: 619.3mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 9.8g
- Fiber Content: 2.4g
- Sugar Content: 4.8g
- Protein Content: 36.1g
Ingredients:
- 1 white meat chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 10 strips of bacon
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 tablespoon of butter (for cooking chicken)
- 1 tablespoon of butter (for cooking vegetables)
- 1 tablespoon of margarine
- 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke
- 2 jars of Alfredo sauce
- 4-5 mushrooms, sliced
- 2 servings of angel hair pasta
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
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Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with minced garlic, salt, pepper, and liquid smoke. Allow the chicken to marinate in the fridge for about 1 to 2 hours.
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Cook Chicken: In a frying pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken to the pan and cook until it is fully cooked and slightly browned. Once done, transfer the cooked chicken to a separate dish and set aside.
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Prepare Vegetables: In the same frying pan, melt another tablespoon of butter. Add the chopped onions and cook until they are halfway done. Then, add the sliced mushrooms and cook until the liquid from the mushrooms has evaporated. Next, add the diced red bell pepper to the pan and cook until all the vegetables are tender. Transfer this vegetable mixture to a bowl and set aside.
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Cook Bacon: In the same pan, fry the bacon until it is crispy. Once done, drain the bacon on a paper towel to remove excess grease.
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Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the angel hair pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
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Prepare Sauce: Remove any excess drippings from the frying pan, but do not wipe it clean. Pour both jars of Alfredo sauce into the pan, and add a little water to each jar to collect the remaining sauce. Swish the water around in the jars to gather all the sauce, then pour it into the pan with the sauce. Let the sauce simmer until it starts to bubble.
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Combine Ingredients: Once the sauce is simmering, add the cooked vegetables and chicken back into the pan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.
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Assemble Dish: Finally, combine the cooked pasta with the sauce and toss until the pasta is evenly coated. Alternatively, you can serve the sauce over the pasta, whichever method is preferred.
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Serve: Plate the Easy Chicken Carbonara and garnish with crispy bacon pieces. Serve hot and enjoy this flavorful and satisfying dish!
Recipe Notes:
- Ingredient Substitutions: Feel free to customize this recipe by substituting ingredients based on your preferences. For example, you can use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon for a leaner option, or swap out the Alfredo sauce for a homemade creamy sauce if desired.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.
- Additional Toppings: For extra flavor and texture, consider topping your Easy Chicken Carbonara with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
This Easy Chicken Carbonara recipe is sure to become a family favorite, with its delicious combination of flavors and simple preparation. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home or for entertaining guests, this dish is both satisfying and impressive. Enjoy every bite of this creamy, indulgent pasta dish, and savor the love and care that goes into each delicious bite!
