Oh wow, you have to try this Lazy Day Chicken Carbonara Skillet! It’s creamy, cozy, and comes together in just one pan. Trust me, it’s comfort food made easy.
Tender chicken, crispy bacon, and pasta all tossed in a rich, cheesy carbonara sauce—yum! And the best part? No fuss, no fancy steps, just simple ingredients and big flavor.
This is my go-to on those busy nights when I still want something delicious. It’s quick, filling, and totally satisfying. Once you try it, you’ll keep it in your weeknight rotation for sure!
Let’s make it together! Grab your chicken, pasta, and bacon—I’ll walk you through it step-by-step. You’re gonna love how easy and tasty this skillet dinner is!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food Classic: The creamy sauce with Parmesan and eggs delivers rich flavor without heaviness.
- One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks together in a single skillet for easy prep and cleanup.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 45 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
- Flexible Ingredients: Use whatever pasta you have on hand and adjust seasonings to taste.
- Family Friendly: Mild, creamy flavors that appeal to kids and adults alike.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: About 45 minutes
Servings:
This recipe serves 4 people generously.
Difficulty:
Easy to moderate—perfect for home cooks with some experience or anyone wanting a straightforward dinner.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Large skillet or sauté pan with lid
- Tongs or spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this creamy chicken carbonara skillet (exact amounts are in the recipe card below):
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Pasta: Spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine work well
- Olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and garlic
- Garlic: Freshly minced for that classic carbonara aroma
- Eggs: Whole eggs or a mix of whole eggs and yolks for richness
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for the best flavor and creaminess
- Heavy cream: Adds smoothness to the sauce (optional, for a creamier texture)
- Salt and pepper: To season
- Parsley: Fresh, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Variations for Lazy Day Chicken Carbonara Skillet
- Bacon or Pancetta: Add diced bacon or pancetta for a traditional carbonara twist with smoky flavor.
- Vegetables: Toss in peas, spinach, or mushrooms to add color and nutrition.
- Cheese Swap: Substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
- Light Version: Skip the cream and use just eggs and cheese for a classic, lighter sauce.
- Herbs: Experiment with fresh thyme or basil for a fresh herbal note.
How to Make Lazy Day Chicken Carbonara Skillet — Step-by-Step
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and grate the Parmesan cheese. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil for the pasta.
2. Cook the Pasta
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until just al dente (firm to the bite). Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
3. Cook the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Sauté until cooked through and golden, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté Garlic
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add a bit more oil if needed, and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Avoid browning the garlic.
5. Combine Pasta and Chicken
Return the chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss to combine.
6. Make the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, grated Parmesan, heavy cream (if using), salt, and pepper. Slowly pour this mixture over the pasta and chicken in the skillet while stirring quickly. The residual heat will cook the eggs gently, forming a creamy sauce. If the sauce seems thick, add reserved pasta water little by little until you reach desired consistency.
How to Serve Lazy Day Chicken Carbonara Skillet
Serve this dish hot, straight from the skillet. Garnish with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and freshness. It pairs nicely with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables on the side. This skillet meal works well as a satisfying dinner or a hearty lunch.
Storing and Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving directly, which can cause the sauce to curdle.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Use fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese can be dry and won’t melt as smoothly.
- Temper the eggs: Stir a little hot pasta water into the egg mixture before combining to avoid scrambling.
- Don’t overcook pasta: Al dente pasta absorbs the sauce better and keeps texture.
- Work quickly: Stir the egg mixture in promptly so the sauce thickens smoothly without scrambling.
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Protein | 42g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 210mg |
| Sodium | 620mg |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 2g |
Lazy Day Chicken Carbonara Skillet
Course: Uncategorized4
servings15
minutes30
minutes520
kcalIngredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 large eggs
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Directions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, drain pasta.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken with salt and pepper until golden and cooked through, 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return chicken and pasta to skillet, toss to combine.
- Whisk eggs, Parmesan, cream (if using), salt, and pepper. Slowly pour over pasta and chicken while stirring quickly to create sauce. Add pasta water as needed to thin sauce.
- Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Lazy Day Chicken Carbonara Skillet FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, but thaw it completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
Q: Is heavy cream necessary?
A: No, traditional carbonara uses just eggs and cheese. Cream adds extra richness but can be skipped for a lighter sauce.
Q: How do I avoid scrambled eggs in the sauce?
A: Stir the egg mixture quickly into the hot pasta off the heat. You can also temper the eggs by slowly mixing in a bit of warm pasta water before adding.
Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: You can omit the chicken and add mushrooms or roasted vegetables instead.
Q: What pasta works best?
A: Long pastas like spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine are traditional, but feel free to use your favorite shape.
Conclusion
This Lazy Day Chicken Carbonara Skillet is a great go-to meal when you want comfort food without the fuss. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and pasta all come together easily in one pan for a satisfying dinner. Whether you’re cooking for fa