Quick Chicken Carbonara

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• ½ package (8 oz.) spaghetti
• 8 slices bacon, cut into ½-inch pieces
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
• 2 cups cut-up rotisserie chicken
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (Plus additional for topping if desired)
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• Cracked black pepper (Optional)
• ¼ cup finely chopped parsley (Optional)

Directions:

Cook spaghetti per package directions for al dente. Set the pasta aside. Meanwhile, cook bacon bits in a large frying pan over medium heat until crispy, stirring frequently to brown on all sides. Remove cooked bacon from the frying pan with a slotted spoon. Set bacon on a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb the grease. Drain most of the excess fat from the frying pan, reserving one tablespoon of fat in the pan. To the remaining tablespoon of fat, add the onion and garlic. Sauté the onion and garlic, stirring frequently over medium heat, until they are tender (about 3 minutes). Stir in the cooked spaghetti, rotisserie chicken, Parmesan cheese, and whipping cream. If desired, add some cracked black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally until heated through. Mix in the bacon and parsley. Serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese.

Switch-up tip: For authentic Italian flavor, use pancetta, a cured meat imported from Italy, instead of bacon.

Food serving suggestions: Best served with a crusty loaf of bread, an Italian-style green salad, or a green vegetable such as broccoli rabe or green beans with basil.

Wine suggestions: For wine pairing, an Italian white wine with some acidity is highly recommended. Or serve with non-alcoholic sparkling water.

Did you know… that parsley is a versatile herb that is rich in vitamins A, C, and K? The herb also contains antibacterial properties to support bone health and the immune system. Add it to meals when you can!