
Lazy Day Chicken Carbonara Skillet
Introducing a quick and delicious recipe for all you busy ladies out there: Lazy Day Chicken Carbonara Skillet! Perfect for those hectic days when you need a satisfying meal in a flash.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, cook chicken until no longer pink. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Simmer until sauce thickens.
- Add cooked spaghetti and bacon to the skillet. Toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Nutrition Information:
- Calories per serving: 480
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
Give this Lazy Day Chicken Carbonara Skillet a try and let us know what you think! Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends who need a quick and delicious meal idea.
Popular questions:
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- Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer in this recipe.
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- Q: Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
A: Yes, turkey bacon can be a good substitute in this recipe.
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- Q: How can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: You can omit the chicken and bacon and add in some sautéed mushrooms or veggies for a vegetarian version.
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- Q: Can I use half and half instead of heavy cream?
A: Yes, you can use half and half as a lighter alternative to heavy cream.
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- Q: How can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: You can use gluten-free pasta and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
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- Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken to save time in making this dish.
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- Q: How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
A: You can add in some spinach, peas, or cherry tomatoes for extra veggies.
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- Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the components ahead of time and quickly assemble them when ready to eat.
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- Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Leftovers can be frozen, but the texture may be affected upon thawing. Reheat gently to avoid separation of sauce.
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- Q: How can I add a spicy kick to this dish?
A: You can add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
Helpful tips:
- Add in some diced tomatoes for added flavor and freshness.
- Try using smoked Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- Top with a fried egg for a delicious twist on carbonara.
- Use low-fat milk as a lighter alternative to heavy cream for a healthier option.
- Experiment with different herbs like basil or thyme for a unique flavor combination.
- Don’t forget to season each component separately for a well-balanced dish.
- Try adding some lemon zest for a bright touch to the dish.
- Cook the bacon separately and add it in at the end to maintain its crispiness.
- For a creamy texture, whisk an egg into the sauce just before tossing with the pasta.
- Save some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
Expert Secrets:
- Cook the chicken in batches to ensure it browns evenly and does not overcrowd the skillet.
- For extra richness, add a splash of white wine to the sauce while simmering.
- Let the Parmesan melt into the sauce slowly to avoid clumping and achieve a smooth consistency.
- Adjust the seasoning at the end to prevent the dish from becoming too salty after adding the Parmesan.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture in the sauce.
- Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat to prevent curdling and ensure a creamy finish.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan before serving for a beautiful presentation and added flavor.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce for a warm, aromatic note in your carbonara.
- Don’t forget to stir constantly when adding the Parmesan to prevent it from sticking to the skillet.
- For a smokier flavor, use smoked bacon or smoked paprika in the sauce.
