Creamy pasta in a dish with bacon and herbs

Poor Man's Carbonara

Author: Shawhan Farms

This carbonara-style pasta brings together simple ingredients for a rich, balanced dish. Bacon adds depth, chicken makes it more filling, and a creamy Parmesan sauce ties everything together.

It’s a flexible, approachable recipe that works well when you want something satisfying without overcomplicating the process.

Ingredients

  • Pasta of choice
  • 2 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 chicken breasts, cubed
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • Shawhan Farms Chimichurri seasoning, to taste
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Reserved pasta water

Directions

  1. Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
  2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook bacon until crisp. Remove and set aside, leaving fat in the pan.
  3. Add garlic and cook briefly, then add chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes.
  4. Deglaze with white wine, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
  5. Season with chimichurri seasoning, then reduce heat and stir in heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  7. Add cooked pasta and bacon back to the skillet, tossing to coat. Use reserved pasta water as needed to adjust consistency.
  8. Serve warm, topped with additional Parmesan if desired.

Recipe Notes

  • Use pasta water to control sauce thickness.
  • Adjust seasoning based on saltiness of bacon and Parmesan.
  • Works with a variety of pasta shapes.

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