When comfort food is calling, few dishes hit the spot quite like a warm bowl of creamy chicken carbonara. This version brings together tender chicken breast, crispy bacon, bow tie pasta, and green peas in a velvety cheese sauce for a dish that’s both satisfying and crowd-pleasing. While traditional carbonara usually features pancetta and egg-based sauce, this take introduces a creamy spin using soft cheese wedges and half-and-half for a rich yet lighter feel.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance of flavors and textures. You get the smokiness of bacon, the mild tang from the cheese, the heartiness of chicken, and the freshness of peas—all working together in a delicious, creamy blend. It’s a perfect dish for weeknights when you want something indulgent but still manageable in terms of ingredients and prep time.
Even if you’re not an expert in the kitchen, this dish comes together with minimal stress. From start to finish, it’s approachable and highly customizable. Use gluten-free pasta if needed, or toss in your favorite veggies if peas aren’t your thing. The magic is in the sauce—and trust us, you’ll be licking the spoon!
Ingredients (Serves 4):
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 3 strips cooked bacon
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ½ tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 wedges of soft cheese (like Laughing Cow)
• ½ cup low-fat half-and-half
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1½ cups bow tie pasta, cooked
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Cook the bacon until crisp, then set aside. Boil the pasta according to the package instructions and drain. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken breast in butter for about 5–6 minutes per side until fully cooked. Remove and set aside to cool, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic in olive oil until slightly crispy. Stir in the soft cheese wedges, chicken broth, and half-and-half. Whisk until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
Add the cooked pasta, frozen peas, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. In a small bowl, mix water and cornstarch, then pour it into the skillet. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens to your liking.
Crumble the bacon and return it to the skillet along with the cooked chicken pieces. Stir everything to combine well. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy every creamy bite!
Nutritional Insight & Dietary Notes:
This dish delivers a balanced mix of protein from chicken and bacon, carbs from the pasta, and fiber from peas. The creamy sauce adds richness, but using low-fat dairy helps reduce the heaviness. It’s not dairy-free and contains gluten, so substitutions like almond milk and gluten-free pasta would be needed for dietary adjustments.
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