Olive Garden’s Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara is one of those dishes that makes you feel like you’re dining out while at home!
The creamy Parmesan sauce envelops tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and smoky bacon, all tossed with your favorite pasta.
A key trick is to use just the right amount of roasted red peppers to add a pop of color and subtle sweetness.
Don’t rush the sauce — letting it thicken slowly lets the flavors meld beautifully.
How to Make Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Chicken Breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1 lb Shrimp (peeled, deveined)
- 1 lb Spaghetti
- 4 slices Bacon
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Salt
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup Peas (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.
Drain and set aside.
Step 2:
In a non-stick skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp.
Remove bacon and crumble it when cool.
Step 3:
In the same skillet, heat olive oil and sauté chicken breasts for about 5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and fully cooked.
Remove and set aside.
Step 4:
Add shrimp and garlic to the skillet.
Cook until shrimp are pink and opaque.
Remove and set aside.
Step 5:
Reduce the skillet heat to low, combine heavy cream, grated Parmesan, peas, salt, and pepper.
Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens to your liking.
Step 6:
Add spaghetti, chicken, bacon, and shrimp to the sauce and toss gently to coat everything.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Tip 1: Use Fresh Ingredients
Fresh shrimp and quality Parmesan elevate the dish to a new level by providing better flavor and texture than using substitutes.
Tip 2: Don’t Overcook the Pasta
For the perfect carbonara, always aim for the pasta to have a slight bite (al dente) for the best texture in the finished dish.
Tip 3: Season to Taste
Everyone’s taste is different; feel free to adjust the seasonings after mixing all components to ensure the flavor is just right for you.
Tip 4: Adding Cream
Adding the heavy cream slowly allows better mixing and prevents the sauce from becoming too thin by ensuring it thickens appropriately.
Enjoy crafting this delightful meal!
What to Serve with Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara
Pasta Breadsticks
You can’t go wrong with serving warm, buttery breadsticks alongside your chicken and shrimp carbonara.
Their soft, pillowy texture complements the rich, creamy sauce of the carbonara beautifully.
Bake them until golden for a perfect accompaniment that everyone will want to tuck into!
Mixed Green Salad
A fresh mixed green salad pairs nicely with the creamy carbonara.
You can toss in some cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing balance.
It offers a simple yet delicious contrast that I find enhances the meal.
Lemon Garlic Asparagus
For something a bit more unique, try grilling or roasting asparagus with lemon and garlic.
This dish not only adds a splash of color but also a burst of flavor that can cut through the richness of the carbonara.
I love how the tangy lemon elevates the overall experience!
Grilled Pineapple
An unexpected yet delightful side is grilled pineapple.
It brings a touch of sweetness and tropical flair to the plate that pairs surprisingly well with the savory main dish.
Just grill until caramelized for an exciting twist!
Roasted Bell Peppers
Roasted bell peppers are another option that complements the carbonara wonderfully.
Their natural sweetness and slight char add depth to the meal that is truly enjoyable.
I like to season them with just a little olive oil and salt for the best results.
Variations and Substitutions
You can use different types of pasta if you prefer penne or fettuccine instead of spaghetti.
If you don’t have shrimp on hand, try swapping it with scallops or even tofu for a vegetarian twist that works surprisingly well!
Not a fan of chicken? You can substitute it with turkey breast for a slight variation in flavor that still hits the spot.
Consider using a mix of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheeses for a richer and sharper flavor profile in the sauce.
For a healthier alternative, use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to lighten up the dish while still keeping it creamy.
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to add some extra color and nutrition.
Add some red pepper flakes if you’re in the mood for a bit of heat and want to spice things up!
How to Store Leftover Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara
You might have some leftovers, and you’ll want to store them properly to enjoy again!
Make sure your carbonara cools to room temperature before you start packing it up.
I always find airtight containers work best for keeping this dish fresh.
Use separate containers for pasta and sauce to preserve the texture.
Refrigeration
You can store the leftovers in the fridge if you plan to eat them soon.
Place the containers in the refrigerator, and they’ll stay fresh for up to three days!
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a good option.
Use freezer-safe containers and divide the meal into portions before freezing.
You can keep your carbonara in the freezer for up to three months.
Labeling
Labeling the containers with the date helps you remember when you stored them.
That way, you can easily track how long they’ve been kept and when they’re best to eat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Marinating Too Quickly
Take your time with the marinade for chicken and shrimp.
Letting them soak for at least four hours will deepen flavors.
Skipping this will leave the meat bland, so patience is key!
Overcooking the Shrimp
Shrimp cook much faster than you may think; just a few minutes!
Watch for them to turn pink and opaque, then remove immediately.
Overcooking results in a rubbery texture that’s less than appealing.
Ignoring Pasta Consistency
Pasta shouldn’t be overcooked; aim for al dente.
A typical mistake is not watching the clock during boiling.
Drain promptly to maintain the perfect firmness for your pasta.
Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara Recipe
- 2 lbs Chicken Breasts boneless, skinless
- 1 lb Shrimp peeled, deveined
- 1 lb Spaghetti
- 4 slices Bacon
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Salt
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1/2 cup Peas optional
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.
- Drain and set aside.
- In a non-stick skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp.
- Remove bacon and crumble it when cool.
- In the same skillet, heat olive oil and sauté chicken breasts for about 5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove and set aside.
- Add shrimp and garlic to the skillet.
- Cook until shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Remove and set aside.
- Reduce the skillet heat to low, combine heavy cream, grated Parmesan, peas, salt, and pepper.
- Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens to your liking.
- Add spaghetti, chicken, bacon, and shrimp to the sauce and toss gently to coat everything.
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