Rachid Yousfi
While Four Cheese Chicken Carbonarais often thought of as an iconic Roman dish, my version adds a playful twist to the classic. Traditionally made with eggs, pecorino Romano, and pancetta, this Four Cheese Chicken Carbonara takes the essence of the dish and transforms it into a rich, indulgent creation with four different cheeses, delivering an unforgettable creamy texture. It’s a beautiful fusion of classic Italian pasta with a touch of surprise, making it the perfect meal for those evenings when you want to spoil yourself with something truly special.
Why I Love This Recipe?
There are few dishes that can warm the soul like a creamy pasta, and this Four Cheese Chicken Carbonara does just that. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—it’s an easy weeknight meal, but it feels like a celebration. The moment I take the first bite, the flavors wrap around me like a warm hug. The velvety sauce made from a blend of Parmesan, mozzarella, Gouda, and creamy ricotta coats each bite of perfectly cooked chicken and pasta, creating a symphony of flavors that’s both indulgent and comforting.
But beyond the flavors, what I love most about this recipe is the way it brings people together. I remember making it for my family one evening after a busy day. Everyone gathered around the table, the delicious aromas filling the air, and there was an immediate sense of connection. No one could resist digging in, and as we shared bites and stories, it was clear that this dish wasn’t just about food—it was about creating memories.
Four Cheese Chicken Carbonara Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Skillet or sauté pan for cooking the chicken and making the sauce
- Mixing bowl for combining ingredients
- Pasta strainer
- Tongs or spoon for tossing pasta and chicken
- Grater for cheese
Ingredients
- 2 skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup Gouda cheese
- Salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tsbp butter
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente (about 8–10 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Prepare the chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from the pan, let it rest for a couple of minutes, and then slice it into thin strips.
- Make the creamy sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter (if using) and sauté the garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Stir in ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, and Gouda, mixing until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce gets too thick, you can add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Combine the pasta and chicken: Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy cheese sauce. Let everything heat through for a couple of minutes, then adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Divide the carbonara among plates. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
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Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese: Pre-grated cheese can contain anti-caking agents, which can affect the sauce’s texture. Freshly grated cheese will melt better and create a smoother sauce.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: To keep the chicken tender and juicy, avoid overcooking it. Aim for a golden-brown crust with a tender, moist interior.
- Adjust the sauce thickness: If the sauce becomes too thick while mixing the cheese, simply add some reserved pasta water to loosen it up. It will help the sauce cling to the pasta better.
- Season as you go: Taste the sauce and pasta as you cook, and adjust the salt and pepper. The cheeses are salty, so be mindful of how much salt you add, especially if you’re using a salted pasta water.
- Make it your own: Feel free to add extra flavors like crushed red pepper flakes for heat or fresh basil for an aromatic finish. This dish is easily customizable to your taste preferences!
Nutrition
Serving Suggestions For Four Cheese Chicken Carbonara Recipe
Here are four different ways to enjoy your Four Cheese Chicken Carbonara. These suggestions will help elevate the dish to different occasions or give you a fresh perspective each time you cook it:
- With a Fresh Green Salad
The richness of the carbonara pairs beautifully with the crispness of a fresh green salad. A simple arugula salad dressed with a light balsamic vinaigrette will cut through the creaminess of the dish and offer a refreshing contrast. You can even add some cherry tomatoes or thinly sliced red onions for an extra burst of flavor. - With Garlic Bread
Sometimes, you just want to make a meal feel extra cozy. Serve this carbonara with some warm garlic bread to mop up the creamy sauce that gets left behind on the plate. The buttery, garlicky goodness of the bread complements the richness of the pasta beautifully, making it feel like the ultimate comfort food combo. - With Roasted Vegetables
If you’re looking for a way to make this meal a bit lighter without sacrificing flavor, add a side of roasted vegetables. Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or carrots, simply roasted with olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of salt, offer a great balance to the decadence of the carbonara while adding more texture to your plate. - As a Family-Style Feast
There’s something special about sharing a big platter of pasta with your loved ones. Serve the Four Cheese Chicken Carbonara in a large, family-style dish with a side of grated Parmesan and extra crushed black pepper. Let everyone dig in together and savor the meal as a communal experience—perfect for Sunday dinners or when you’re hosting friends.
No matter how you serve it, this Four Cheese Chicken Carbonara is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The rich flavors and creamy texture will keep everyone coming back for more.
Try this also : Heavy Whipping Cream Recipe
Variations of Four Cheese Chicken Carbonara Recipe
While this recipe is delicious as-is, you can experiment with these variations to put your own spin on the dish. Here are four ways to shake things up:
- Add Bacon for Extra Flavor
If you’re a fan of the classic carbonara recipe with pancetta or bacon, you can add crispy bacon to the mix. The salty, savory crunch of bacon adds an extra layer of flavor that complements the creamy cheese sauce perfectly. - Swap the Chicken for Shrimp
For a seafood twist, consider swapping the chicken for shrimp. Shrimp cooks quickly and pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce and pasta. It’s a great variation if you’re in the mood for seafood or want to impress guests with a more elegant option. - Use Different Cheese Combinations
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility when it comes to cheese. While Parmesan, mozzarella, Gouda, and ricotta work wonderfully together, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Try a sharp cheddar, fontina, or Gruyère for a unique twist that will change the flavor profile of the dish entirely. - Go Meat-Free with Veggies
For a vegetarian version of this dish, simply leave out the chicken and load up on roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. The cheeses will still create that rich, creamy sauce, and the veggies provide a healthy and hearty alternative. It’s a great option for Meatless Mondays or if you’re looking to reduce your meat intake.
These variations make the dish easy to personalize based on dietary preferences, ingredient availability, or what you’re in the mood for. Whether you’re looking for a lighter option or a more indulgent twist, the recipe can be adapted to fit your taste.
Storage and Shelf Life of Four Cheese Chicken Carbonara Recipe
If you have leftovers, you’re in for a treat! Here’s how to store and preserve your Four Cheese Chicken Carbonara:
- In the Fridge: Let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the creamy texture of the sauce.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the dish. It’s best to freeze the pasta and sauce separately from the cheeses to maintain the creamy consistency.
- When Ready to Reheat: Thaw the pasta and sauce, then stir in the cheeses before reheating. This will ensure the dish tastes fresh and creamy.
This Four Cheese Chicken Carbonara is perfect for meal prepping or storing leftovers. Whether you’re saving it for later in the fridge or freezing it for future enjoyment, it’s a convenient and satisfying meal ready to go when you need it.
Health Benefits of Four Cheese Chicken Carbonara Recipe
While this Four Cheese Chicken Carbonara is undeniably indulgent, it also provides some valuable nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of the health benefits:
- Lean Protein from Chicken: Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle building, tissue repair, and overall health.
- Calcium for Bone Health: The cheeses in this recipe, particularly Parmesan and ricotta, are rich in calcium, which supports strong bones and dental health.
- Healthy Fats: The cheeses and olive oil provide healthy fats that are important for heart function and overall well-being.
- Fiber Boost: By using whole wheat pasta or adding vegetables like roasted broccoli or a fresh green salad on the side, you can increase the fiber content of the meal, promoting digestive health and keeping you fuller longer.
While this dish is indulgent, it offers nutritional benefits when enjoyed in moderation. Pairing it with lighter, nutrient-dense sides can help balance out the richness, making for a satisfying and well-rounded meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While I recommend using spaghetti for its classic carbonara feel, you can easily substitute it with fettuccine, penne, or any other pasta shape you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to suit the pasta type.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! The Four Cheese Chicken Carbonara can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to three days. It’s great for meal prepping, and reheats beautifully. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to preserve the flavors.
3. What if I don’t have all four cheeses?
No worries! While the combination of Parmesan, mozzarella, Gouda, and ricotta gives the dish its signature creamy texture, you can experiment with other cheeses. A mixture of Parmesan, cheddar, and a soft cheese like cream cheese or mascarpone can work as great substitutes.
4. Can I use a dairy-free alternative for this recipe?
Yes, you can! For a dairy-free version, swap out the cheese for a plant-based alternative, and replace the cream with a coconut milk-based cream or a dairy-free heavy cream. The result will be a slightly different flavor profile, but still delicious!
5. How can I make this recipe spicier?
If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or even add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. The spiciness will contrast beautifully with the rich creaminess of the carbonara sauce.
No matter how you make it, this Four Cheese Chicken Carbonara is bound to be a hit. It’s a dish full of heart, flavor, and memories—just the way food should be.
