Name: Delicious Chicken Carbonara Spaghetti Pie Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons Butter (Grease the pie plate; cooking spray works for a lighter option.); 8 ounces Dry Spaghetti (Consider whole wheat spaghetti for added fiber.); 1/2 cup Romano Cheese (Grated; can be substituted with Parmesan cheese if desired.); 2 whole Eggs (Beaten; flaxseed mixed with water can be used as a vegan alternative.); 8 ounces Bacon (About 8 slices; substitute turkey bacon for a lighter choice.); 1.5 pounds Boneless Chicken (For a meatless option, sauté mushrooms instead.); 1/2 cup Onion (Diced; shallots can be a milder alternative.); 1/2 Red Bell Pepper (Diced; any bell pepper can work here.); 1 tablespoon Garlic (Minced; powdered garlic is an easy substitute.); 1 cup Whole Milk (Key for creaminess; almond or oat milk serves as a non-dairy substitute.); 1 cup Heavy Cream (Adds richness; for a lighter version, use half and half.); 1 whole Egg Yolk (Thickens the sauce; you can omit it for a lighter mix.); 2 tablespoons Butter (For preparing the sauce; olive oil can also be a substitute.); 4 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour (Thickens the sauce effectively; gluten-free flour works as an alternative.); 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt (Enhances flavor; adjust regular salt accordingly.); 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (Adds mild heat; white pepper can be swapped.); 1/4 teaspoon Dry Mustard (Introduces tanginess; Dijon mustard is a perfect substitute.); a few grinds of Nutmeg (Provides warmth to the sauce; this can be omitted if preferred.); 1 cup Fontina Cheese (Shredded; Gruyere or mozzarella work well.); 1 cup Ricotta Cheese (Adds a creamy layer; cottage cheese can lighten it up.); 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (A bubbling topping; opt for vegan cheese for a dairy-free option.)

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Chicken Carbonara Spaghetti Pie is a delightful culinary twist that combines the classic flavors of carbonara with a unique spaghetti crust. This dish is not just a simple pasta recipe; it’s a comforting pie that is perfect for family dinners. The combination of creamy filling, savory chicken, and crispy bacon creates a satisfying meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive into this decadent recipe that is sure to impress your guests!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Carbonara Spaghetti Pie

This Chicken Carbonara Spaghetti Pie is an experience that you will love for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly comforting, making it a perfect choice for those cozy nights in. Second, the recipe is versatile; you can easily swap ingredients to suit your dietary needs, resulting in a Chicken Carbonara Pasta Bake or a Chicken Spaghetti Carbonara Casserole. Third, it’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family gatherings or dinner parties. Additionally, it’s a great way to enjoy a classic Italian dish in a new format, ensuring you’re never bored with your meals. The use of bacon and cheese adds richness, while the spaghetti crust provides a fun twist. Lastly, you can make it ahead of time, making weeknight dinners easier!

Ingredients for Chicken Carbonara Spaghetti Pie

Gather these items:

2 tablespoons Butter (Grease the pie plate; cooking spray works for a lighter option.)
8 ounces Dry Spaghetti (Consider whole wheat spaghetti for added fiber.)
1/2 cup Romano Cheese (Grated; can be substituted with Parmesan cheese if desired.)
2 whole Eggs (Beaten; flaxseed mixed with water can be used as a vegan alternative.)
8 ounces Bacon (About 8 slices; substitute turkey bacon for a lighter choice.)
1.5 pounds Boneless Chicken (For a meatless option, sauté mushrooms instead.)
1/2 cup Onion (Diced; shallots can be a milder alternative.)
1/2 Red Bell Pepper (Diced; any bell pepper can work here.)
1 tablespoon Garlic (Minced; powdered garlic is an easy substitute.)
1 cup Whole Milk (Key for creaminess; almond or oat milk serves as a non-dairy substitute.)
1 cup Heavy Cream (Adds richness; for a lighter version, use half and half.)
1 whole Egg Yolk (Thickens the sauce; you can omit it for a lighter mix.)
2 tablespoons Butter (For preparing the sauce; olive oil can also be a substitute.)
4 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour (Thickens the sauce effectively; gluten-free flour works as an alternative.)
1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt (Enhances flavor; adjust regular salt accordingly.)
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (Adds mild heat; white pepper can be swapped.)
1/4 teaspoon Dry Mustard (Introduces tanginess; Dijon mustard is a perfect substitute.)
a few grinds of Nutmeg (Provides warmth to the sauce; this can be omitted if preferred.)
1 cup Fontina Cheese (Shredded; Gruyere or mozzarella work well.)
1 cup Ricotta Cheese (Adds a creamy layer; cottage cheese can lighten it up.)
1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (A bubbling topping; opt for vegan cheese for a dairy-free option.)

How to Make Chicken Carbonara Spaghetti Pie Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 10-inch deep dish pie plate with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Cook 8 ounces of dry spaghetti in salted boiling water until just shy of al dente, about 7-8 minutes, then drain and rinse under cold water.
Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled spaghetti with melted butter, Romano cheese, and beaten eggs. Press the mixture into the greased pie plate and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes.
Step 4: Cook 8 slices of bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 6-8 minutes, then chop and set aside, reserving the bacon fat.
Step 5: In the same skillet with the bacon fat, sauté ½ cup of diced onions and ½ diced red bell pepper for about 3 minutes until the onions are translucent.
Step 6: Add 1.5 pounds of cubed boneless chicken to the skillet, cooking until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 7: In a separate saucepan, heat whole milk and heavy cream over medium-low heat, whisking in a little of the hot milk into the egg yolk to temper it.
Step 8: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat in a different pan, whisk in 4 tablespoons of flour to form a roux, and gradually whisk in the tempered milk mixture.
Step 9: Season the roux with kosher salt, black pepper, dry mustard, and nutmeg as it thickens.
Step 10: Stir in the chicken mixture, bacon bits, and shredded Fontina cheese, mixing until melted and creamy.
Step 11: Spread ricotta cheese over the chilled spaghetti crust, then pour the creamy chicken mixture evenly on top.
Step 12: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes or until set and golden brown. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Step 13: Switch the oven to broil for 2-3 minutes for an extra crispy top, watching closely to prevent burning.
Step 14: Remove from oven, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 20 minutes before slicing and serving warm.

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Carbonara Spaghetti Pie

Keep these in mind:

Make sure your spaghetti is not overcooked; it should be al dente for the best texture.
Using freshly grated cheese will enhance the flavor significantly.
For a lighter option, consider using turkey bacon or less cream in the recipe.

Best Ways to Serve Chicken Carbonara Spaghetti Pie

This dish is excellent on its own, but you can elevate your dining experience by serving it with:

A fresh green salad to balance the richness of the pie.
Garlic bread for an Italian touch.
A glass of white wine to complement the creamy flavors.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Carbonara Spaghetti Pie

For leftovers, cover the pie with foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. This makes it a fantastic meal prep option!

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Carbonara Spaghetti Pie

What’s the secret to perfect Chicken Carbonara Spaghetti Pie?

The secret lies in the balance of flavors and textures. Ensuring that the spaghetti is perfectly cooked and the filling is creamy but not watery will lead to the best results. Experiment with the cheeses for a unique flavor profile!

Can I make Chicken Carbonara Spaghetti Pie ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it before serving. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Chicken Carbonara Spaghetti Pie?

To avoid common pitfalls, ensure your ingredients are fresh, and don’t rush the cooking time. Properly temper the egg yolk to avoid scrambling in the sauce, and let the pie rest before slicing for clean pieces.

Variations of Chicken Carbonara Spaghetti Pie You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with these variations:

Use zucchini noodles instead of spaghetti for a healthier, low-carb option.
Incorporate spinach or kale for added nutrition.
Replace chicken with shrimp or a meat substitute for a different flavor.

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