Description
This creamy, zesty Lemony Garlic Chicken Carbonara Pasta is high in protein and gluten-free. Packed with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and parmesan, it’s a fresh twist on the Italian classic that’s as comforting as it is energizing.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 10 oz. gluten-free brown rice spaghetti
- 1 large egg
- 2 egg yolks
- 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 slices thick-cut no-sugar-added bacon, chopped
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt (for chicken)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest, divided
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
- In a bowl, whisk together the egg, egg yolks, parmesan, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
- In a skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving 1 tablespoon bacon fat in pan.
- Season chicken with salt, oregano, red pepper flakes, and half the lemon zest. Cook in same skillet until browned and cooked through. Add garlic, cook 1 minute, stir in lemon juice and remaining zest. Set aside.
- Return pasta to warm pot (off heat). Quickly add egg mixture, tossing well. Gradually stir in reserved pasta water until sauce is creamy.
- Stir in cooked chicken, garlic, and bacon. Toss to combine.
- Plate pasta, top with parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use freshly grated parmesan for best texture and flavor.
- Do not add the egg mixture over direct heat—toss pasta off the burner.
- Use a splash of pasta water to revive leftovers when reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 195mg