If you’re dreaming of creating a delicious Olive Garden Shrimp Carbonara at home, trust me…I get you!
This delightful dish combines tender shrimp, juicy chicken, and creamy pasta to make your meal truly special.
I’ll share below tips like being sure to marinate your chicken and shrimp in olive oil, Italian seasoning, and garlic for a few hours to infuse them with extra flavor.
How to Make Olive Garden Shrimp Carbonara Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb Spaghetti
- 1 lb Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 Chicken Breasts (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- 4 strips Bacon (chopped)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 cup Italian Parsley (chopped)
- 2 tbsp Butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions.
Drain and set it aside.
Step 2:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat, then add chicken.
Cook until the chicken is golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side.
Remove and set aside.
Step 3:
Add shrimp to the same skillet, cooking until they’re just pink, about 2 minutes per side.
Remove and set aside.
Step 4:
In another pan, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp.
Add garlic, stirring for 1 minute, followed by heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
Gently stir until the sauce thickens.
Step 5:
Mix the chicken, shrimp, and cooked spaghetti into the sauce.
Add butter and parsley, combining well.
Serve warm.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Balance the Cooking Times
To prevent overcooking, keep an eye on the shrimp as they cook quickly, often just needing a couple of minutes on each side for a perfect result.
Customize Your Protein Choices
Feel free to swap chicken for other proteins you enjoy, like turkey or even tofu, to add variety to your dish with unique flavors.
Enhance the Flavor
Consider adding a splash of white wine to your sauce right before the cream for an extra depth of flavor.
Pasta Cooked Just Right
For the right texture, make sure you cook the spaghetti al dente, which gives that pleasant bite and holds up well in the sauce.
Garnish with Freshness
Sprinkle a bit of freshly chopped parsley on top right before serving to add a pop of color and fresh taste.
What to Serve with Olive Garden Shrimp Carbonara
Caprese Salad
You can’t go wrong with a classic Caprese Salad!
The fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil complement the creamy carbonara perfectly.
A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a delightful tang that enhances the whole meal.
Garlic Breadsticks
Garlic Breadsticks are a must-have side!
They are perfect for scooping up any leftover creamy sauce on your plate.
Their crunchy exterior and soft interior provide a great contrast to the tender shrimp and chicken.
White Beans and Spinach
Another traditional option is White Beans and Spinach.
The earthy flavors of the beans pair beautifully with the sauce, while the spinach adds a touch of freshness.
It’s a simple yet hearty side dish that won’t steal the limelight.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
For a slightly unconventional option, try Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon.
The crispy bacon and caramelized sprouts lend a savory depth that enhances the main dish.
This unexpected side will surprise and satisfy everyone’s palate!
Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest
Looking for something light and different? Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest is the way to go.
The bright and zesty lemon flavor cuts through the richness of the carbonara and refreshes your taste buds.
This fresh twist makes for a vibrant addition to your meal.
Spicy Corn Salsa
How about a bold choice that will delight everyone at the table? Give Spicy Corn Salsa a try!
The sweet corn and spicy jalapeños offer a delightful contrast to the creamy pasta dish.
Your guests will appreciate the unexpected pop of flavor and texture!
Variations and Substitutions
Pasta Choices
You can use different pasta types to change up this dish!
Try fettuccine or penne for a hearty twist.
Alternative Proteins
If you’re feeling adventurous, you might swap the shrimp with scallops or crab.
Both offer a delicate flavor.
Shredded rotisserie chicken can also replace regular chicken for convenience.
Vegetarian Options
For a vegetarian version, remove the chicken and shrimp completely.
Instead, load the dish with mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
Dairy Substitutes
Lactose-free cream and cheese alternatives work well without sacrificing taste.
Experimenting with these can keep the dish creamy and delicious.
Spice Level
Add crushed red pepper for a spicy kick!
You can always adjust the amount to match your heat preference.
How to Store Leftover Shrimp Carbonara
Let those delicious leftovers shine by storing them properly.
Wrap the bowl or dish tightly with plastic wrap to keep the air out.
Alternatively, use an airtight container for easy storage.
Refrigerate Promptly
Aiming to store those flavors doesn’t mean leaving them out.
Make sure to refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
This helps to maintain the quality and taste of the dish.
Freeze for Longer Storage
If you can’t finish it soon, freezing is a great choice.
Divide the shrimp carbonara into portions for easy thawing later.
Use freezer-safe containers, and remember to label them with the date.
Keep Track of Time
Timing is essential when storing leftovers to avoid spoilage.
Refrigerated shrimp carbonara is best consumed within three to four days.
If you’ve frozen it, aim to use it within one to two months for maximum flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Shrimp
You don’t want your shrimp to be rubbery and tasteless, so pay close attention to their color while cooking.
If you see they are just pink, it’s time to take them off the heat.
Otherwise, you might find them tough and unappetizing instead of tender and delightful.
Not Seasoning Properly
Another common pitfall is forgetting to season each component of your dish.
Make sure you add salt and pepper to the chicken, shrimp, and even the pasta water.
This ensures every bite is flavorful and brings out the best in each ingredient.
Ignoring the Pasta Water
Keeping a cup of pasta water is a trick that changes your sauce’s texture for the better.
I’m always surprised at how a splash can make the sauce creamy without being too thick or watery.
Never drain the pasta without reserving some water first!

Olive Garden Shrimp Carbonara Recipe
- 1 lb Spaghetti
- 1 lb Shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 Chicken Breasts thinly sliced
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 4 strips Bacon chopped
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 cup Italian Parsley chopped
- 2 tbsp Butter
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions.
- Drain and set it aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat, then add chicken.
- Cook until the chicken is golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Remove and set aside.
- Add shrimp to the same skillet, cooking until they’re just pink, about 2 minutes per side.
- Remove and set aside.
- In another pan, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp.
- Add garlic, stirring for 1 minute, followed by heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
- Gently stir until the sauce thickens.
- Mix the chicken, shrimp, and cooked spaghetti into the sauce.
- Add butter and parsley, combining well.
- Serve warm.
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