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    Home » Recipes » Dinner

    Chicken Carbonara no Pasta

    BY: Kimberly Grabinski PUBLISHED: 29 Nov, '21 UPDATED: 20 Mar, '23 40 Comments

    RecipePrintComments
    4.91 from 20 votes

    This chicken carbonara recipe without pasta is a household favorite. This recipe is quick, easy, and a versatile dish that can feed your family, perfect for date night with your significant other, or for a group of friends.

    chicken carbonara no pasta featured

    This pasta inspired dish allows you to enjoy the flavors you already know and love without pasta. And if you're looking for ideas my diced chicken recipes and easy chicken breast recipes with only a few ingredients are amazing.

    Contents
    • 🌟 Why this recipe works
    • 🔪 How to make
    • 🥗 What to serve with
    • 💭Cooking Tips
    • 🙋 Frequently Asked Questions
    • 🍳 Related Noodleless Pastas
    • 🧊 Storing and ♨️ Reheating
    • 👪 Serving Size
    • 📋 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    🌟 Why this recipe works

    Add this perfect go-to recipe to your weekly meal plan. It is quick, easy and of course, delicious. I love how this dish carries the aroma, it just smells fantastic. As a result, I usually have an audience gather about halfway through preparing this dish, and I love having company in the kitchen to help out.

    Compared to most pasta dishes, this one is loaded with flavor from start to finish. And as far as chicken carbonaras go, this one is easily one of the best recipes going.

    Also check out my chicken bacon ranch casserole recipe that is ready in less than 40 minute! And if that isn't enough, explore these fantastic diced chicken recipes, chicken casserole recipes with few ingredients

    🔪 How to make

    This no pasta chicken carbonara is easy, delicious, and ready in about 30 minutes. Learn how to make chicken carbonara without pasta with my step-by-step instructions, detailed process pictures, and helpful cooking tips. Lets get started!

    Cooking Instructions

    I love bacon and the first thing we want to do is cook the bacon.

    Step 1

    Start by preheating your oven or frying pan and get your bacon ready. In this recipe, I prefer to bake the bacon. This allows for extra time prepping without having to monitor a frying pan constantly.

    Tip: save 1 tablespoon of bacon grease and add this to your skillet.

    Baking the bacon, mmmm

    Step 2

    Prep the Chicken Thighs – cut into bite-sized pieces

    Prep Chicken - Keto Chicken Carbonara Easy Quick Recipe

    Step 3

    Add the bacon grease you saved earlier. Saute the chicken in the skillet and sprinkle the ½ teaspoon garlic powder as well as salt and pepper to taste.

    Continue to saute the chicken until it is thoroughly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

    Stir the chicken frequently and fully incorporate.

    Step 4

    In the same skillet add ½ cup of chopped onion and saute for a few minutes until they start to become tender.

    Step 5

    Time for the minced garlic. Add in 2 teaspoons of minced garlic and saute for another 30 seconds. You should start to smell the aroma from the garlic in about 10 – 15 seconds. Yummm!

    Add Minced Garlic

    Step 6

    Whisk in the heavy whipping cream and the chicken broth, scraping the bits off the bottom of the skillet. All of those bits are loaded with flavor and help layering flavors.

    Whisk in the Heavy Cream
    Add Chicken Broth

    Step 7

    Mix in the Parmesan cheese, chopped basil and Italian seasoning. Reminder to stick to quality spices whenever possible.

    Add the Parmesan Cheese
    Add the Chopped Basil
    Add the Italian Seasoning

    Step 8

    Toss in the crumbled bacon, and 2-3 cups of fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach has begun to wilt. I love this part as everything is starting to layer together.

    Adding spinach to Chicken Carbonara Recipe

    Step 9

    Add the chicken back to the skillet, and toss to coat in the sauce. Sprinkle in additional salt and pepper to taste.

    Chicken Carbonara ready to Serve in only 30 Minutes!

    Step 10

    Simmer for 3-5 minutes longer, plate and serve this delicious chicken carbonara.

    🥗 What to serve with

    Air Fryer Garlic Bread
    This carbonara pasta and garlic bread is the perfect match. It tastes absolutely delicious and crunchy garlic bread taste this meal to another level.

    Healthy Spinach and Apple Salad
    Start with 1 bag of spinach leaves (roughly 80g), cut 1 apple and 1 pear into slices, gently toast 100g walnuts in a frying pan with a drizzle of light maple syrup. Mix it all in a bowl with some balsamic vinegar and voilà, another tasty side. Talking about spinach? You should try my creamy chicken spinach casserole recipe.

    💭Cooking Tips

    A pro tip for elevating creamy recipes like this chicken carbonara is lime juice. Just before the final simmer squeeze one half of a medium-sized lime into the skillet. This helps layer the flavor profile of the dish by adding a touch of acidity, which elevates this recipe to a straight ten.

    🙋 Frequently Asked Questions

    What does egg do in carbonara?

    The egg plays two roles in carbonara. The egg white combines with the pasta water and thickens to provide viscosity. The egg yolk, emulsifies, resulting in an ultra creamy and smooth texture.

    Can I make chicken carbonara without egg?

    Carbonara sauce contains a raw egg, as it traditionally does. However, it isn't really uncooked. The egg in this dish is cooked just enough to make the sauce rich and creamy. I provided instructions for making this dish with and without an egg, in case you run out of eggs or if you have an egg allergy.

    🍳 Related Noodleless Pastas

    Ditch the noodles and enjoy the fantastic Italian inspired and side dish recipes for your next dinner.

    • Easy Keto Lasagna with Zucchini 1 scaled
      40 Minute Keto Lasagna
    • Low Carb Lasagna Bowls 16
      30 Minute Noodleless Lasagna
    • air fryer garlic bread featured
      Air Fryer Garlic Bread

    Check out my collection of stuffed chicken breast recipes for more ideas. And my delicious copycat Longhorn parmesan crusted chicken recipe that will wow your guests.

    🧊 Storing and ♨️ Reheating

    Store your leftover chicken carbonara by letting it cool down in the pot you cooked it in.

    Fridge - transfer the chicken carbonara no pasta to an airtight container and then put it in the fridge for up to 5 days. To serve, heat the soup in a pot.

    Freezer - you can also freeze this meal if you want to store some for up to 3 months.

    Reheat - when you want to reheat the chicken carbonara no pasta, thaw it overnight, then transfer it to a pot and bring it to the boil stirring from time to time.

    👪 Serving Size

    This chicken carbonara serves 4 - 5 people and makes a fantastic weeknight meal that is affordable, easy, and tastes fantastic. If you are in a pasta mood and short of time then you must definitely try my one pot cajun sausage pasta recipe that is ready in only 30 minutes!

    📋 Recipe

    Final plating of Keto Chicken Carbonara Recipe

    Chicken Carbonara no Pasta

    This chicken carbonara recipe without pasta is a household favorite. This recipe is quick, easy, and a versatile dish that can feed your family, perfect for date night with your significant other, or for a group of friends.
    4.91 from 20 votes
    Print Pin Rate Save Saved! Share
    Course: Entree, Main Course
    Cuisine: Italian
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes
    Total Time: 35 minutes
    Servings: 5
    Calories: 557kcal
    Author: Kim Grabinski

    Ingredients
     

    • 2 pounds Boneless skinless chicken thighs - Cut into bite-sized pieces
    • ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
    • pinch pink Himalayan Salt - to taste
    • pinch black Peppercorns - to taste
    • 6 slices Bacon - Crumbled
    • 1 tablespoon Bacon Grease
    • ½ cup Onion - Chopped
    • 2 teaspoons Minced Garlic
    • 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
    • 1 cup Chicken Broth
    • ⅓ cup Parmesan Cheese - Grated
    • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
    • 1 tablespoons Basil - Fresh Chopped
    • 2-3 cups Spinach - Fresh

    Instructions

    • Cook your Bacon. Start by preheating your oven or frying pan and get your bacon ready. In this recipe, I prefer to bake the bacon. This allows for extra time prepping without having to monitor a frying pan constantly.
    • Put your bacon grease to good use and add 1 tablespoon to a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Prep the Chicken Thighs - cut into bite-sized pieces.
    • Saute the chicken in the skillet and sprinkle the ½ teaspoon garlic powder as well as salt and pepper to taste. Continue to saute the chicken until it is thoroughly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
    • In the same skillet add ½ cup of chopped onion and saute for a few minutes until they start to become tender. Feel free to use purple/red onions!
    • Time for Minced Garlic. Add in 2 teaspoons minced garlic and saute for another 30 seconds. You should start to smell the aroma from the garlic in about 10 – 15 seconds. Yummm!
    • Whisk in the heavy whipping cream and the chicken broth, scraping the bits off the bottom of the skillet. All of those bits are loaded with flavor and help layering flavors.
    • Mix in the Parmesan cheese, chopped basil and Italian seasoning. Reminder to stick to organic-based spices whenever possible.
    • Toss in the crumbled bacon, and 2-3 cups of fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach has begun to wilt. I love this part as everything is starting to layer together.
    • Add the chicken back to the skillet, and toss to coat in the sauce. Sprinkle in additional salt and pepper to taste.
    • Simmer for 3-5 minutes longer, plate and serve. A pro tip for elevating creamy recipes like this chicken carbonara is lime juice. Just before the final simmer squeeze one half of a medium-sized lime into the skillet. This helps layer the flavor profile of the dish by adding a touch of acidity, which elevates this recipe to a straight ten.

    Notes

    ** Lime/Lemon Juice are acidic flavor enhancers just like salt but without the sodium. A fresh squeeze can layer and balance a dish just like professional chefs.
     
    Looking for no pasta recipe ideas? I have diverse collection of delicious and easy to make no pasta recipes your whole family will love.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 557kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 43g | Fat: 40g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Cholesterol: 262mg | Sodium: 648mg | Potassium: 660mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1942IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 153mg | Iron: 2mg

    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Elaine

      February 09, 2020 at 11:01 am

      5 stars
      I made this recipe for dinner last night and it was absolutely amazing! Hands down the best dish I’ve made so far!

      Reply
      • 730 Sage Street

        February 09, 2020 at 1:23 pm

        Thanks for sharing Elaine, this made my day!

        Reply
    2. Katie

      March 31, 2020 at 5:47 pm

      5 stars
      This is my favorite recipe from here!!!! Pairs super well with oven roasted parm asparagus. Will for sure make again!

      Reply
      • April

        November 09, 2020 at 9:03 pm

        Was the sauce supposed to be thin?

        Reply
        • 730 Sage Street

          November 17, 2020 at 6:48 pm

          From 1 - 5, with 5 being thick and 0 being thin. I'd say this comes out around 2 and can be tweaked to a 3 by simmering it a bit longer.

          Reply
    3. Candy

      May 03, 2020 at 7:34 am

      I didn’t see the nutritional info? Do you have it?

      Reply
      • 730 Sage Street

        May 03, 2020 at 11:34 am

        Yes, apparently I missed this the first time around. Thanks Candy!

        Reply
      • Sean Beikman

        May 04, 2020 at 8:15 am

        First step didn’t make sense to me and some details were missing. How long to pre heat your oven for and how long to bake your bacon? Recipe never said. I’ve never baked baked bacon before so wouldn’t know

        Reply
        • 730 Sage Street

          May 05, 2020 at 5:26 pm

          Preheating an oven can take a few minutes in some ovens and four time longer in others. The same principle applies to cooking bacon. If you buy thin bacon, it will cook super fast, if you buy thick bacon it will take four times longer to bake. And your oven is your oven, only you know. Some people like really crispy bacon, some like soft bacon, and everything in between.

          If your new to cooking, get to know your oven, pans, and have an open mind. Learn as you go and use recipes to guide you!

          Reply
    4. Caroline

      May 25, 2020 at 9:09 pm

      5 stars
      Amazing!!

      Reply
    5. Dan

      June 04, 2020 at 4:41 pm

      4 stars
      This recipe was delicious!

      My only issue is the sauce ended up being super thin, almost like a broth; it didn’t coat anything, it just laid at the bottom of my dish. Is it supposed to be thin like that or did I miss something that thickens it?

      Reply
      • 730 Sage Street

        June 13, 2020 at 10:06 pm

        Hard to say Dan, I'd need to see it to know for certain. Thoughts include: Less chicken broth? (maybe to much in your case). Swap out heavy whipping cream for sour cream (thicker, good base). Lastly simmer longer, this should help the water evaporate, causing the sauce to thicken.

        Reply
    6. Serina

      July 10, 2020 at 2:50 am

      5 stars
      I found this recipe super easy to follow and make. I used whole chicken thighs bone-in and it was delicious! My whole family had seconds! The sauce was very runny so I modified and added more whipping cream and cheese to get the consistency I like. We also added noodles so it definitely wasn't keto friendly but it was delicious nonetheless! This will definitely become one of the meals I make on the regular. Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
    7. Alicia

      July 26, 2020 at 5:04 pm

      I made this tonight. This recipe is sooooo so good!! I see a few people commented that the sauce was really thin. The instructions didn't elaborate so if you're not familiar with making a cream based sauce, know that you should bring the sauce to a boil then reduce to a simmer for probably about 15 minutes or so until it thickens. I'd add in the parmesan and spices about halfway through that time and the spinach right at the end before putting the chicken back in. It's also very important that you stir continuously throughout this time. Typically sauces use cornstarch or flour as a thickener, of course that is not keto friendly, but you can add two to three tablespoons of almond flour, which will also help this thicken. I used three and mine came out great! Also the spinach soaks up some of the moisture so don't skip that step. I served mine over cauliflower rice, and it was divine.

      Reply
    8. 730 Sage Street

      August 10, 2020 at 4:40 pm

      Servings: 5 listed in the recipe card.

      Reply
    9. Lauren

      August 10, 2020 at 5:56 pm

      4 stars
      This turned out delicious! I sampled the sauce about half way through and thought it was going to be bland, but once everything came together it turned out to be very flavorful. 4 stars instead of 5, only because the sauce was a bit thin. I added about 1/2 cup of sour cream and that helped it stick to the chicken better.

      Reply
      • 730 Sage Street

        August 10, 2020 at 7:05 pm

        Hi Lauren, glad you liked our Chicken Carbonara.

        If the sauce is a bit thin, you can simmer it down. Simmering any sauce helps water evaporate and naturally thicken any sauce. Otherwise almond flour works in a pinch and if your pressed for time.

        Reply
      • Cat

        November 11, 2020 at 3:38 pm

        I have yet to try but I would think that adding a little Arrowroot flour or starch would fix the thin consistency.

        Reply
    10. Jessica

      August 15, 2020 at 7:41 am

      I don’t EVER leave comments for food I’ve made. But holy cow. This recipe was a favorite. To me it tasted just like the chicken gnocchi soup from Olive Garden. My boyfriend inhaled it. I served it with loaded cauliflower mashed and breadsticks.
      I will have to work on thickening up the sauce. I did let it simmer for a while before I added bacon and spinach.

      For my next trick I will be adding more chicken broth and more heavy cream and making this into a soup, I might even add some mushrooms for texture. Thanks for a great recipe!!!

      Reply
    11. Rose

      August 16, 2020 at 10:49 pm

      5 stars
      Very good!!! Thank you!!

      Reply
    12. Brandi

      November 04, 2020 at 12:10 pm

      Can I use chicken breast in place of thighs?

      Reply
      • 730 Sage Street

        November 06, 2020 at 10:35 am

        Definitely, I typically use whatever I have on hand.

        Reply
    13. Avriel Lacy

      November 04, 2020 at 5:39 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious! The longer you simmer the more it thickens up and the flavors mesh well together.

      Reply
    14. Gisella

      November 05, 2020 at 11:38 am

      Have you ever made it with chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

      Reply
      • 730 Sage Street

        November 06, 2020 at 10:34 am

        Of course, I typically make it with whatever I have on hand.

        Reply
    15. Joni

      January 01, 2021 at 7:33 pm

      Can you make this ahead of time and put in fridge over night then bake next day?

      Reply
      • 730 Sage Street

        January 05, 2021 at 12:04 am

        Yes of course! I've done this many times, it tastes even better.

        Reply
        • 730 Sage Street

          January 22, 2021 at 8:41 pm

          Becky, always per serving. Since this recipe serves 5, one serving is 1/5th of this recipe.

          Reply
    16. Tami

      January 13, 2021 at 8:54 pm

      I made this dish for dinner. It was amazing! The flavors blend together so well and my entire family gave it a thumbs up!

      Reply
      • Gissela Martinez

        January 20, 2021 at 3:18 pm

        I am so happy to read this!! This recipe is definitely one of our favorites at home to 🙂

        Reply
    17. Sandy

      January 19, 2021 at 9:16 pm

      5 stars
      So delicious, this is definitely going in my rotation. Thank you

      Reply
    18. Debbie Lowndes

      January 27, 2021 at 9:26 pm

      5 stars
      This was so delicious- thank you for the ability to change serving size.

      Reply
    19. Tina

      July 10, 2021 at 6:58 pm

      5 stars
      We love this recipe. My husband had me make it twice in one week. I took a picture but don't know how to send it to you.

      Reply
      • 730 Sage Street

        July 11, 2021 at 12:23 am

        Thanks Tina, this made my day!

        Reply
    20. Lori

      March 05, 2022 at 6:43 pm

      5 stars
      Have made this multiple times with chicken breast. Wondering if the sauce would be the same for Shrimp Carbonara?

      Reply
      • 730 Sage Street

        March 06, 2022 at 6:53 pm

        Absolutely, try the raw shrimp from Costco. One important step: pat the shrimp dry! You want really dry shrimp, otherwise, the moisture will transfer to your Carbonara Sauce.

        Reply
    21. Mandy

      March 14, 2022 at 7:10 pm

      Hi- when does the egg go in? Can’t see it listed in either recipe? Thanks!

      Reply
      • Kimberly Grabinski

        March 14, 2022 at 7:12 pm

        There is NO egg in my chicken carbonara, which is why you do not see it.

        Reply
        • Mandy

          March 14, 2022 at 7:22 pm

          Thank you for the quick reply! Under "CAN I MAKE CHICKEN CARBONARA WITHOUT EGG?" it says "I provided instructions for making this dish with and without an egg, in case you run out of eggs or if you have an egg allergy."
          So that's why I was looking for it. No worries, will make it without anyway!

          Reply
    22. Tanya

      July 10, 2022 at 9:19 pm

      5 stars
      This dish is absolutely delicious, quick, and easy. I’ve made it twice already and shared with neighbors. Thanks for sharing. Definitely a keeper 🙂

      Reply

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    Kim @ 730 Sage Street

    Hi, I'm Kim!

    Creating easy recipes with everyday ingredients since 2008. I believe you can make quality homemade recipes even if you are short on time and budget-conscious. You just need to dive in and learn as you go!

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