Recipes

[IamMrsG]

This is a new one we tried this evening. My saved file credits Luvmybichon for posting this; however, archives (that have expired for replies) go back to Beebee. Regardless who originated this one, it is delicious. Thanks to everyone responsible for sharing it!

Chicken Carbonara

2 teaspoons olive oil

4 ounces thinly sliced pancetta, chopped

2 teaspoons minced garlic

2 1/2 cups whipping cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan

8 large egg yolks

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves

1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves

Salt

1 pound spaghetti

4 cups coarsely shredded chicken (from 1 roasted chicken)

Freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted

1 tablespoon finely grated lemon peel

Heat the oil in a heavy large frying pan over medium heat. Add the pancetta and garlic and saute until it is brown and crisp, about 8 minutes. Cool slightly.

In a large bowl, whisk together the cream, cheese, yolks, basil, and parsley to blend.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the spaghetti and cook until it is just tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Drain.

Add the chicken to the pan with the pancetta and stir to combine. Next, add the spaghetti and the cream mixture and toss over medium-low heat until the chicken is heated through and the sauce coats the spaghetti thickly, about 4 minutes (do not boil or you might end up scrambling the eggs). Season the pasta, to taste, with pepper and salt if needed (the pancetta will likely add all the salt you need). Transfer the pasta to a large wide serving bowl. Sprinkle the walnuts and lemon zest over, and serve.

*My notes: The only thing I would change next time would be to omit the toasted walnuts. While not unpleasant, three of us agreed the walnuts contributed nothing to the dish. Conversely, do not eliminate the lemon zest, as it adds a whole 'nother layer of flavor.

Edited to correct a typo.