If you’re looking for a quick and comforting dinner that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, Lazy Day Chicken Carbonara Skillet is the answer! This dish brings together the creamy, savory flavors of classic carbonara with tender, juicy chicken for a meal that feels indulgent yet effortless. Plus, it’s all made in one skillet, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening. Whether it’s a busy weekday or you just want something easy and satisfying, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
What Makes This Recipe Perfect for Lazy Days
Some days, you just need a meal that’s quick, easy, and still downright delicious. That’s where the Lazy Day Chicken Carbonara Skillet shines! First of all, it’s incredibly fast to whip up—ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re juggling a busy workday, helping with homework, or just feeling too tired to cook, this recipe has you covered.
this recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that you probably already have on hand. With staples like pasta, chicken, eggs, and Parmesan cheese, you don’t need to make a special trip to the store. It’s proof that you can create something incredible with just a few basic ingredients!
Ingredients for Lazy Day Chicken Carbonara Skillet:
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 oz spaghetti, broken in half
1 cup cooked bacon bits
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions:
Cook Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics:
In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until soft, about 2-3 minutes.
Make Sauce:
Add heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Cook Pasta:
Stir in broken spaghetti and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender, about 10-12 minutes.
Combine & Finish:
Add the cooked chicken and bacon bits to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Serve:
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot!
Tips for Success with Lazy Day Chicken Carbonara Skillet
If you want your Lazy Day Chicken Carbonara Skillet to turn out perfectly every time, these simple tips will help you nail it.
First, always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It might be tempting to grab the pre-grated stuff, but fresh Parmesan melts better and gives the sauce a richer, creamier flavor. Trust me, it makes all the difference!
Next, when making the sauce, stir it continuously as you combine the eggs, Parmesan, and pasta. This step is crucial to avoid scrambling the eggs. The goal is a silky, creamy sauce—not scrambled eggs in pasta! Keep the heat low and mix quickly for the best results.
Finally, don’t forget to save some pasta water before draining the noodles. A splash of this starchy water can work wonders to loosen up the sauce and give it that perfect, velvety texture. It’s the secret to a carbonara that feels restaurant-quality right from your own kitchen.
With these easy tips, you’ll create a dish that’s not only delicious but also looks and tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did!
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Pre-cooked or leftover chicken works perfectly in this dish. Just shred or dice the chicken and toss it into the skillet to warm it up when mixing the pasta and sauce.
2. What’s the best pasta to use for carbonara?
Traditional carbonara is made with spaghetti, but you can use any pasta you like! Fettuccine, penne, or even linguine are great options. Choose what you have on hand or what your family loves most.
3. What can I add to make this dish more flavorful?
You can sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a little heat or toss in some garlic for extra depth. Fresh parsley or basil on top also adds a fresh, herby finish.
4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply use gluten-free pasta, and you’re good to go. Double-check that your other ingredients, like chicken broth or seasonings, are also gluten-free.
5. What’s a good side dish to serve with this?
A crisp green salad or garlic bread pairs wonderfully with Lazy Day Chicken Carbonara Skillet. It balances the creamy pasta with fresh and crunchy elements.
6. What should I do if my sauce is too thick?
If your sauce feels too thick, add more reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. This helps loosen the sauce and keeps it smooth and creamy.