Lunch / Dinner
Chicken Carbonara with Peas & Bread Crumbs
Traditional carbonara is a simple dish of spaghetti and bacon sauced with eggs, cream, and Parmesan cheese. In this version, chicken is added for substance, and peas for color, while a crunchy crumb topping contributes texture. Turn to this pasta dish when you want something with universal appeal that’s quick and easy to execute.
Ingredients
TOAST:
COOK:
SAUTÉ:
DEGLAZE:
WHISK:
There's no need to cook the peas before adding them to the dish — the residual heat from the pasta will thaw them.
Instructions
Toast crumbs and walnuts in oil in a nonstick skillet until golden, 3–4 minutes; toss with parsley and zest, then season with salt.
Cook bacon in a sauté pan until crisp; transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate. Drain all but 1 Tbsp. of drippings from pan.
Sauté chicken, in two batches, in the drippings over medium-high heat until browned, 3 minutes per side. Return all chicken to pan and add garlic; cook for 1 minute.
Deglaze pan with wine and lemon juice; reduce until liquid is nearly evaporated, 3–4 minutes.
Cook spaghetti in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package directions; reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
Whisk together eggs, Parmesan, and cream in a bowl. Stir in frozen peas. Add chicken, bacon, and spaghetti, tossing mixture to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed to thin sauce. Sprinkle carbonara with bread crumb topping before serving.
Sauté the chicken tenders in bacon drippings. For the best browning, cook chicken in batches.
Add frozen peas to the egg mixture. They’ll thaw when they come into contact with the hot pasta.
Toss the drained hot spaghetti in sauce to coat. The heat from the pasta will lightly cook the eggs.
Nutritional Facts
Nutritional Facts
Per serving
Calories: 780
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 39g 60%
Saturated Fat 12g 60%
Cholesterol 182mg 60%
Sodium 705mg 29%
Carbs 63g 21%
Fiber 5g 20%
Protein 41g
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.