Grilled Chicken Carbonara

 Grilled Chicken Carbonara is a spin on the traditional that your whole family is going to love! 

 

 

Tender grilled chicken with delicious al dente spaghetti. And all smothered in a velvety, creamy sauce, bursting with flavors of bacon and garlic. Hungry yet? I know I am!

This carbonara chicken pasta is the perfect blend of grilled goodness with the comfort of creamy pasta.

The marinated chicken makes the chicken taste OH. SO. YUMMY!

Plus the creamy sauce made with simple ingredients is sure to win over even the pickiest eaters.

It’s a delicious meal the whole family will love time and time again.

And this chicken carbonara recipe the perfect combo of textures and flavor. You’re going to love it!

 

 

What is Grilled Chicken Carbonara?

Carbonara is a yummy pasta dish that we can thank Italians for. Don’t they always have the best food?

Grilled Chicken Carbonara is a delicious twist on the traditional carbonara. 

By adding grilled chicken, we’re turning this simple pasta dish into a hearty main course! 

You’ll get a creamy egg-based sauce with all the charred flavors of the grill. It’s SO good!

 

 

What Ingredients are in Grilled Chicken Carbonara?

This delicious and creamy chicken carbonara recipe takes ingredients you can find in any grocery stores! 

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Olive Oil & Vinegars: For that perfect Italian marinade.
• Garlic: Brings in the spicy punch.
• Chicken Breasts: The star of the show, grilled to perfection.
• Bacon: Adds a smoky flavor and delightful crunch.
• Onion & Minced Garlic: Base for our creamy sauce.
• Eggs: Essential for the traditional carbonara sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a hard cheese texture and rich flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Gives our sauce its creamy consistency.
• Frozen Peas: Adds color and just a pop of freshness.
• Spaghetti: The best pasta to soak up all that delicious flavor.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Don’t forget the seasoning!

Pro tip: 

• For the creamiest carbonara, combine eggs and cheese well. Be sure there are no lumps!

 

 

How to Make Grilled Chicken Carbonara

Picky eaters are going to make this one of their new favorite dishes! Here’s how to make it:

1. Grill chicken.
2. Get that pasta boiling in a large pot of salted water.
3. In a large skillet, with a little bacon fat, sauté onions and garlic.
4. Whisk together eggs, cheese, and cream for our carbonara sauce.
5. Combine pasta, sauce, meat, and veggies.
6. Toss in the grilled chicken, and voila, dinner is served!

Pro tip: 

• Always reserve a cup of the pasta water before draining. It gives you just the right consistency on the sauce.
• Marinate your chicken for that deep, delicious flavor, before you grill it.
• Use direct heat when grilling for those nice char marks.
• Cook the pasta until al dente.

 

 

How to Cook Chicken for Grilled Chicken Carbonara

First, be sure the grill is at medium high heat. Too high and it’ll burn. Too low and it’ll take too long to cook. 

Then grill chicken for about 2-3 minutes each side until fully cooked and juicy inside.

You’ll want to make sure it gets to 165 degrees inside. You can check that with a meat thermometer.

You can also sacrifice one of the pieces of chicken and cut it open to make sure it’s fully cooked inside.

 

 

How to Store Leftover Grilled Chicken Carbonara

Store any leftover pasta carbonara in an airtight container and refrigerate. 

It’s a great way to have an easy meal ready for the next time hunger strikes!

Sometimes I’ll make extra just so I can have some quick, easy lunches for the whole week.

 

 

How to Reheat Grilled Chicken Carbonara

Warm the chicken carbonara on low heat in a sauté pan. 

Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Otherwise it might dry out.

You can also rewarm it in a microwave in short bursts.

Be careful not to overcook it. You don’t want the chicken to dry out.

 

 

Can You Freeze Grilled Chicken Carbonara?

You can definitely freeze this hot pasta too!

First, let it cool to room temperature. That’s a must! 

Then put it in an airtight container. There are containers that are freezer safe too. If you’ve got one of those. Do that. 

Then it’s ready to go any time you need a delicious recipe without the effort. Yay!

 

 

What to Serve with Grilled Chicken Carbonara?

Serve grilled chicken carbonara with any traditional Italian foods!

Things like four cheese garlic bread on the side, maybe a kale salad with shallot dressing, or pear gorgonzola pizza for a full Italian feast!

Though you could honestly serve it alone too. It’s a pretty filling meal all on it’s own.

Here are some recipes I think you would love if you want to make something else too:

• Corn Kernel Salad
• Fennel Focaccia
• Farro Salad
• Grilled Zucchini Marinade
• Blueberry Salad
• Homemade Giardiniera
• Roasted Vegetables
• Power Greens Salad
• Pear Gorgonzola Pizza
• Popcorn Salad
• Chicken Artichoke Pizza

 

 

Can Dogs Eat Grilled Chicken Carbonara?

No, dog’s can’t eat chicken carbonara. It’s best to avoid human foods for dogs in general actually. 

While the grilled chicken is okay, the garlic, onions, and creamy sauce might upset their stomach.

And the chicken is supposed to be marinated before grilling. So it’s really just best to avoid this one all together.

 

 

So, are you hungry yet? This chicken carbonara pasta is a favorite dish that’s stood the test of time in my kitchen. 

It combines delicious flavor, creamy goodness, and that char from the grill, making it a hit for the entire family! 

Give it a shot, and let me know how it turned out in the comment section or on social media. Happy cooking!

 

Originally Posted from Aunt Bee’s Recipes with Permission, May 12, 2017

Photos & Text Updated: February 27, 2024

 

 

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