| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 677 | 31g | 14g | 54g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 4g | 3g | 52g | 1.9g |
Why I Love British Chicken and Ham Carbonara
There’s something undeniably comforting about the Chicken and Ham Carbonara recipe. Maybe it’s the way the flavors dance together in a savory symphony; or perhaps it’s the bit of nostalgia it creates, transporting me to times I’ve spent in English country inns. Though I’m a Southern gal through and through, my heart holds a special place for a good British classic.
International Flavours with Southern Flair
Having grown up in the biscuit-baking, shrimp-frying heart of Charleston, it’s not surprising that my palate leans toward hearty, soul-satisfying dishes. But I also love venturing out of my culinary comfort zone and bringing international flavors into my kitchen. This recipe strikes the right balance with the creamy goodness of a Southern supper and the refined elegance of British cuisine. It reminds me a bit of Alfredo pasta, one of my go-to comfort foods.
A Southern Gal’s Take on a British Classic
Staying true to my roots, I’ve sprinkled a bit of Southern magic into this recipe. While it’s a full mile away from my usual fried chicken and biscuits, I’ve found ways to make it my own. For instance, lightly browning the chicken strips in a hot pan to make them every bit as crispy as my staple Southern fried chicken. Or taking a cue from the delicate nuance of coastal seafood by adding a dash of sea salt to the creamy sauce.
While there wasn’t a specific inspiring chef for this recipe, my culinary approach has always been influenced by chefs like James Martin, who believes in celebrating regional flavors while introducing global elements. I believe this chicken and ham carbonara is exactly that – a celebration of tastes and textures.
Coming together in one pan, this chicken and ham carbonara recipe exudes simplicity and elegance. From the egg yolk and heavy cream base to the generous topping of Parmesan, it’s the kind of dish that warms the soul, serves up sophistication and pairs well with a simple green salad or a refreshing glass of chardonnay.
What You’ll Need
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 tsp olive oil
- 4 boneless chicken breast halves, cut into thin strips
- 4 slice of smoked ham, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Method
Step One
Begin by cooking your linguine pasta according to package instructions to achieve al dente texture. Drain the pasta, but make to save 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use. Set the pasta aside.
Step Two
As your pasta is cooking, take this opportunity to mix your large eggs and grated Parmesan cheese together in a bowl. Stir until you get a consistent mixture and then set it aside.
Step Three
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add your thinly sliced chicken breasts to the skillet and cook until they turn golden and no longer pink in the middle. This should take approximately 5 – 7 minutes.
Step Four
Next, add the diced smoked ham to the skillet. Stir this into the chicken, cook for about 2 minutes until the ham is slightly crispy. Follow with the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another minute until you notice a pleasant garlic aroma.
Step Five
At this point, pour the heavy cream into the skillet. Bring it to a light simmer, season with salt and black pepper to your liking, then mix well. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step Six
Reduce the heat to low, then add the egg and cheese mixture slowly to the skillet. Keep stirring so that the mixture does not clump. Continue to stir until the mixture becomes creamy.
Step Seven
Once your sauce is creamy, add the cooked linguine pasta and the reserved pasta water, then stir all the ingredients together to make sure everything is well-coated. Remove from heat and finish by sprinkling the chopped fresh parsley on top.
Step Eight
Serve your Chicken and Ham Carbonara hot and enjoy immediately.
