Description
Creamy, savory Olive Garden chicken carbonara made at home—rich Parmesan sauce, golden chicken, turkey bacon & pasta comfort!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta & Chicken:
- 12 oz spaghetti or bucatini, cooked al dente
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced lengthwise
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
For the Carbonara Sauce:
- 4 egg yolks
- 1¼ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Mix-Ins & Toppings:
- 6 strips turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced and sautéed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp seasoned breadcrumbs, toasted
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prep Chicken: Slice and season chicken with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sear in olive oil until golden and internal temp hits 165°F. Set aside.
- Cook Pasta & Bacon: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water. Cook turkey bacon until crispy, then crumble. Sauté bell pepper and garlic in skillet.
- Make Sauce: Whisk egg yolks, cream, Parmesan, nutmeg, and pepper flakes. Temper with hot pasta water.
- Assemble: Toss pasta, bacon, veggies, and garlic in a skillet over low heat. Stir in sauce gradually, using tongs to coat. Add reserved pasta water if needed.
- Broil (Optional): Add sliced chicken on top. Sprinkle mozzarella and breadcrumbs. Broil 1–2 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Substitute dairy-free cream or vegan cheese as needed.
- Use chickpea or rice pasta for gluten-free variation.
- Add shrimp or extra veggies for a twist.
- Store leftovers up to 3 days in the fridge; reheat gently with added cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop + Broil
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 720 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 870 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg