A twist on the classic Italian dish with peas, mushrooms, parmesan cheese, and the creamiest sauce! Made in a crock pot this dish would be perfect for those busy weeknight dinners. I also opted to use no egg in my version of Chicken Carbonara!
Who doesn't love a good pasta dish?! This chicken carbonara dish has a little bit of everything in it. It hits the spot and for sure fills you up. I recommend using a linguine noodle to soak up all the goodness.
The Italian chicken carbonara dish uses raw eggs in their recipe. I chose not to use the egg since I made this dish in the crockpot. The added bacon also infuses the dish with a boom of flavor. With every bite, you can taste the aroma of the bacon and it is absolutely divine.
Looking for more delicious easy, healthy, comfort food then you need to try my Chicken Sausage Pasta and my Creamy Mushroom Pasta.
If you are also in the hunt for the tastiest crock pot dinners then you can throw Slow Cooker Ground Turkey Lentil Soup on the list of things to make and Slow Cooker Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup!
Table of contents
Ingredients
Here is a list of the ingredients you will need for this easy crock pot dinner along with a little info. about each ingredient.
- bacon or turkey bacon - cooked, cooled, and chopped. I like adding in bacon or turkey bacon for that added crunch.
- peas - some added fiber and a pop of color. A bag of frozen peas works just fine here.
- pasta - I recommend using linguine or spaghetti.
- onion - small and diced.
- garlic clove - minced.
- cornstarch - to help thicken up that creamy sauce.
- mushrooms - sliced.
- parmesan cheese - grated and sprinkled on top just before serving.
- parsley - you can use either fresh and chopped or buy the seasoning to cut corners.
- chicken - I like to lay the breasts on the bottom of the crockpot and once they are cooked I shred them with 2 forks.
- unsalted butter - adds to the creaminess and enhances the flavor.
- chicken stock - to help cook the chicken and have added flavor.
- heavy cream - adds to the creaminess
Directions
Step-by-step directions for this delicious easy crock pot meal.
Step 1 - turn on the crock pot and set it to high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours. Lay your chicken breasts on the bottom first.
Step 2 - add in the onion, garlic, cornstarch, mushrooms, salt, pepper, butter, heavy cream, and chicken stock. Using a wooden spoon mix the ingredients making sure to leave the chicken on the bottom of the crockpot.
Step 3 - Meanwhile, heat a non-stick skillet to medium heat and cook your bacon. Once cooked through lay on a paper towel to soak up the excess grease and let cool. Once cool, chop up into tiny pieces.
Step 4 - Once the crockpot has completed the cooking time take 2 forks and shred the chicken. Add in your peas and bacon and cook for another 10 minutes.
Step 5 - While the crockpot is cooking for the final 10 minutes. Boil 6 cups of water and sprinkle with a touch of salt. Once boiling add in your pasta and cook to desired consistency. Strain the pasta.
Step 6 - To serve; plate your pasta first, then top with the chicken carbonara mixture. Add some parmesan cheese and parsley on top then serve!
Substitutions and Variations
Linguine - if you aren't a fan of linguine, feel free to swap it out for your favorite noodle. You could try spaghetti, penne, rigatoni, bowtie, or even macaroni.
Peas and Mushrooms- you can always choose to omit these veggies.
Heavy Cream - in place of heavy cream I have also subbed in cream cheese. If you decide to use cream cheese then use an 8 oz block.
Parmesan Cheese - this is what I chose to add on top at the end, but you can also use Pecorino Romano. Romano is the traditional cheese used in carbonara sauce.
Make it Vegan - don't add the chicken or the bacon. The creamy sauce is enough to love this dish without the protein.
Equipment needed
- large pot - for boiling your noodles.
- large non-stick skillet - to cook your turkey bacon in.
- strainer - to drain the pasta mix.
- tongs - helpful when mixing everything together. Easier to grab the linguine to help coat.
How can the kids help
I love including my kiddos in the cooking process of all my meals. If you have them help make the meal they will be more inclined to want to eat the meal or at least try it. Here are some fun ways to include your child in this recipe.
- Have them add each ingredient to the crock pot. This can be a great math lesson teaching them how to measure out quantities.
- Once your pasta is strained have your child help plate each dish.
- Your child can add the parmesan and parsley on top at the end.
Tips and FAQ's
This meal is super hearty I usually have it as my main dish and don't make sides, but if you are looking to add more to the whole dinner then a simple side salad would compliment this dish to perfection.
If you happen to have any leftovers you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Then, when ready to eat just pop a plate in the microwave for about 1 minute and add some more parmesan and parsley on top, and voila!
Yes, after you cook bacon or turkey bacon there is a ton of grease in the pan. You do not want that extra grease mixed into your Carbonara dish. Soaking your cooked bacon will soak up all that grease making your bacon even crispier.
Other crockpot recipes you will also LOVE
If you give this recipe a try don't forget to rate the recipe below! Always love hearing what you all think. You can also Stay in touch with me through social media on @Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my healthy recipes!
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Carbonara
Equipment
- tongs
- slow cooker
- large pot for boiling the noodles
- strainer
- medium non-stick skillet for cooking the bacon
Ingredients
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 tsp garlic clove minced
- 2 tbsp corn starch
- 8 oz. mushrooms sliced
- 2 tbsp parmesan cheese grated (optional topping)
- 1 tbsp parsley chopped (optional topping)
- 1 lb linguine I like using whole wheat
- 1 package frozen peas
- salt to taste
- ground black pepper to taste
- 1 lb chicken fat-trimmed
- 5 slices bacon or turkey bacon cooked, cooled, and chopped
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 10 oz chicken stock
- 10 oz heavy cream
Instructions
- Step 1 - turn on the crock pot and set it to high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours. Lay your chicken breasts on the bottom first.
- Step 2 - add in the onion, garlic, cornstarch, mushrooms, salt, pepper, butter, heavy cream, and chicken stock. Using a wooden spoon mix the ingredients making sure to leave the chicken on the bottom of the crockpot.
- Step 3 - Meanwhile, heat a non-stick skillet to medium heat and cook your bacon. Once cooked through lay on a paper towel to soak up the excess grease and let cool. Once cool, chop up into tiny pieces.
- Step 4 - Once the crockpot has completed the cooking time take 2 forks and shred the chicken. Add in your peas and bacon and cook for another 10 minutes.
- Step 5 - While the crockpot is cooking for the final 10 minutes. Boil 6 cups of water and sprinkle with a touch of salt. Once boiling add in your pasta and cook to desired consistency. Strain the pasta.
- Step 6 - To serve; plate your pasta first, then top with the chicken carbonara mixture. Add some parmesan cheese and parsley on top then serve!
Notes
- Have them add each ingredient to the crock pot. This can be a great math lesson teaching them how to measure out quantities.
- Once your pasta is strained have your child help plate each dish.
- Your child can add the parmesan and parsley on top at the end.
Nutrition
Jillian is the creator of Jillian's Healthful Eats. She is the one who cooks all the meals, develops all the recipes, takes all the photographs, and washes all the dishes! She is a very busy wife and mother of 4 who enjoys cooking with her children and instilling in them her love for health and nutrition!
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