Who doesn't love a good pasta dish?! I do try to watch my carbs and calories as much as I can, but when in the mood I go all out. This chicken carbonara dish has a little bit of everything in it. It hits the spot and for sure fills you up. Make sure to use a linguine noodle to soak up all the goodness and I always suggest using whole wheat. This was the first time I've ever made carbonara.
I was hesitant about the uncooked egg and my husband straight up refused to even try it, at first. When it was complete and looking it's best in the serving dish he quickly changed his mind and decided he would give it a try. Well, let's just say that him trying the dish turned into him polishing off two whole bowls 🙂
Why you should eat green peas
I decided to add some peas to this dish because I always use spinach as my added green. I still kept the spinach because it is my favorite, but changed it up by adding the peas, another green veggie.
I'll always remember growing up and watching my Mom literally eat an entire bowl of peas because she loved them so much. I always thought, eww disgusting! Now, I add them into my meals because I learned they are pretty nutritious for you. They actually contain a decent amount of fiber. Since having a baby my whole digestive system has been completely flipped around. I need the extra fiber in my diet. I just try not to eat too many peas because they are high in complex carbs and are considered a starchy veggie, along with potatoes, corn, and squash.
Different variations of Carbonara
- Sensational Chicken Carbonara Busy Creating Memories gives you this delicious recipe! www.busycreatingmemories.com
- Creamy Chicken, Bacon, and Mushroom Carbonara Southern Parm is the creator of this mouth watering meal! www.southerncharm.com
- Classic Carbonara This scrumptious recipe can be found on the lovely site from An Italian in my Kitchen www.anitalianinmykitchen.com
Ingredients to make this dish
I linked the products here and also below.
I started this recipe with boiling water in a large pot.
A large non-stick skillet was used to cook the panko mix in. Different sized bowls are used throughout the recipe, as well. A shallow dish is used to whisk the eggs and cheese in. It is a good idea to use a small bowl for the panko mix and a large bowl for the pasta. These plastic ones are great because when my daughter helps I don't have to worry about anything breaking. You will also need a strainer to drain the pasta mix. Tongs are also helpful when mixing everything together so that you are grabbing the linguine to help coat.
Chicken Carbonara with Peas and Spinach
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup panko
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 2 tbsp parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tbsp parsley chopped
- 9 oz whole wheat linguine
- 8 cups spinach chopped
- 1 package frozen peas
- 1 egg
- 2 eggwhites
- 2 tbsp parmesan cheese grated
- kosher salt to taste
- ground black pepper to taste
- 1 lb chicken cooked and chopped
Instructions
- Boil and large pot of water. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet to medium high heat. Add olive oil, panko, and garlic. Cook until garlic is fragrant, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and stir in cheese and parsley.
- In the same pan, add 1 tbsp of olive oil and cook your chicken until it is cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes per side and the inside should reach 165°. Once chicken is cooked cut into strips and set aside.
- Once water is boiling add linguine and peas. Boil for 10 minutes and drain. Add the spinach in the last 3 minutes. Pour into a large bowl. Save the cooking water for later in the recipe.
- In a separate shallow bowl, whisk in eggs, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of the cooking water into the egg mix. Gradually add the pasta and toss with tongs. Top with the panko mix.
- Mix in chicken and serve!
Leave a Reply