Chicken bacon carbonara with whole-wheat pasta
This Chicken Bacon Carbonara features whole-wheat pasta enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce made with heavy cream, parmesan, and egg, complemented by savory chicken, crispy bacon, and earthy mushrooms and onions. It's a hearty and flavourful dish perfect for a satisfying meal.
Cook time 35 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
12 oz whole-wheat pasta4 chicken breasts
4 bacon strips
1 onion
4 mushrooms
1 garlic clove
2 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tbsp sour cream
1 egg
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
Treat yourself and your loved ones to a creamy, flavorful, and hearty Chicken Bacon Carbonara with Whole-Wheat Pasta. This recipe combines the savory taste of chicken and bacon with the wholesome goodness of whole-wheat pasta, making it a nutritious yet indulgent meal. The rich sauce, made with heavy whipping cream, sour cream, and grated parmesan cheese, is infused with the earthy flavors of onions, mushrooms, and garlic, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite.
Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the whole-wheat pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil.
- Cook the chicken breasts for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and no longer pink inside.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest.
- Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces once it has cooled slightly.
- In the same skillet, add the bacon strips.
- Cook until the bacon is crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel to drain excess grease.
- Once cool, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- Finely chop the onion, mushrooms, and garlic.
- Using the same skillet, add a small amount of the bacon grease or a bit of olive oil.
- Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add the mushrooms and garlic, cooking until the mushrooms are tender, about 5 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy whipping cream, sour cream, egg, and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Reduce the skillet’s heat to low and slowly add the cream mixture, stirring constantly to prevent the egg from scrambling.
- Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and crumbled bacon to the skillet with the sauce.
- Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Check seasoning and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the Chicken Bacon Carbonara hot.
- Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper, if desired.
There you have it—a delightful and satisfying Chicken Bacon Carbonara with Whole-Wheat Pasta that is sure to become a favorite in your household. The complementary flavors and textures make it a comforting and wholesome dish perfect for any occasion. Serve it hot and enjoy the creamy, savory goodness with your friends and family.
Chicken bacon carbonara with whole-wheat pasta FAQ:
Cook the whole-wheat pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. This typically takes about 8-10 minutes, but check the package for specific timing.
If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water gradually until you reach the desired consistency while mixing well to combine.
Yes, you can substitute heavy whipping cream with half-and-half or a combination of milk and Greek yogurt for a lighter option, though the creaminess will be reduced.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little water or broth if necessary to loosen the sauce.
For a healthier option, you can use turkey bacon, or to make the dish vegetarian, consider using sautéed mushrooms or smoked tempeh as a substitute.
Tips:
- Cook the whole-wheat pasta al dente to maintain a firm texture that holds up well with the sauce.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper before cooking to enhance their flavor.
- Cook the bacon strips until crispy to add a delightful crunch to the dish.
- De-stem the mushrooms and slice them thinly for even cooking and a balanced flavor profile.
- Minimize the heat when adding the egg to the sauce to prevent it from scrambling and achieving a smooth, creamy texture.
- Gradually add the grated parmesan cheese, stirring continuously to prevent it from clumping and ensuring it melts evenly into the sauce.
- For added depth of flavor, try using smoked bacon instead of regular bacon.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color and freshness.
Nutrition per serving
4 ServingsCalories 860kcal
Protein 50g
Carbohydrates 36g
Fiber 4.09g
Sugar 6g
Fat 60g
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