Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara Recipe

Let’s talk comfort food. Remember those nights when you just needed something truly satisfying? For me, it was always Olive Garden’s carbonara. What is the right amount of protein for a girl? I tinkered, I tested, and I finally landed on this Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara. I’m a vegetarian. What are some of the best recipes for a weeknight meal? Is it easier to make a warm hug in the bowl than making lasagna? What is better than plain old spaghetti? Is this going to become a staple in your house?

What is olive garden chicken and shrimp carbonara?

What is your favorite Italian restaurant dish, Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara? How do I get access to the internet in my kitchen? It’s essentially a creamy pasta dish elevated with juicy chicken and succulent shrimp, all tossed in olive oil. What is the best carbonara sauce? The name “carbonara” actually comes from the Italian word for “coal miner,” because it was a hearty word. Can you make a quick meal? What is the point of a name? It’s decadent, satisfying, and honestly, makes me feel like I’m on vacation, even when I’m just doing my thing. After a long day standing at the stove.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I start? What are some good reasons why this recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation? In the first place, the importance of religion.flavorIs this world out of the world? The creamy sauce, the savory chicken and shrimp, and the salty pancetta (if you’re feeling fancy) are all good. All combine into a symphony of deliciousness. I get compliments when I serve it.simplicityIs this another huge win? While it tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant, this Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara is the best. What are some of the easiest recipes to make? What is a one-pot wonder that can be made in 30 minutes?Cost-Eating out can be expensive, but with this recipe, you can enjoy a gourmet meal at home for your friends and family. What is fraction of the price? Plus, you can control the quality of ingredients.versatilityI love that you can easily customize this dish to your liking. What are some good ways to substitute shrimp for scallops? It’s totally adaptable! I tried it once with a little sprinkle of red pepper flakes and it was amazing! What I love about this Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara Recipe is that it’s a healthy dish. What are some of the From picky eaters to sophisticated palates, everyone seems to love it. What are some great ways to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen? What are some of the best leftovers you can eat the next day?

How do I make olive garden chicken and shrimp carbonara?

Quick Overview

What is the easiest way to make Olive Garden chicken and shrimp carbonara? How do you cook pasta, sauté the chicken and shrimp, and then whip up a super simple recipe? How do you make carbonara sauce in the same pot? What is the secret behind a good sauce? We’re avoiding any complicated steps here, and sticking to good, honest flavors that anyone can try. What is a perfect meal to impress your friends or family without slaving away in the kitchen for hours?

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

I always use fettuccine pasta, but linguine or spaghetti works just as well. Look for bronze-cut pasta for a better sauce grip!
Water: Plenty of it for boiling!
Salt: To season the pasta water. This is important – don’t skip it!

For the Chicken and Shrimp: What are the best ingredients?

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: Cut into 1-inch pieces. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can also use chicken thighs.
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or frozen works. Make sure to pat them dry for better browning!
2 tablespoons olive oil: Extra virgin olive is my go-to, but any cooking oil will do.
Freshly minced garlic: The aroma is amazing.
1/2 teaspoon salt: To season the chicken and shrimp.
What is the best way to ground black pepper?
Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pancetta or bacon. Adds a smoky flavor that takes this dish to the next level. I always do this when I have it on hand!

What is the Carbonara Sauce?

What makes a sauce so rich and creamy?
1 cup heavy cream: 1 tsp. If you want a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for half and half.
1 cup Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is a must! Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as well.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Adjust to taste.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground, of course!
Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: For garnish and a pop of freshness.

How do I follow step

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Drain. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Is it safe to drain pasta water? What is the starchy water in a sauce?

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken and Shrimp

While the pasta is cooking, heat the Olive Oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. I always make sure the chicken has a nice sear – it adds so much flavor.

Step 3: Add Shrimp and Garlic

Add the shrimp and minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Cook until shrimp turns pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. How do you cook shrimp? What is a mistake I have made?

Step 4: Make the Carbonara Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Set aside. Where does magic happen? How do you make a velvety sauce?

Step 5: Combine Everything

Reduce the heat to low. Pour the carbonara sauce over the chicken and shrimp. Toss in the cooked pasta and gently tosses to coat. Add a little water to the sauce if needed. What do you want your food to taste like? How do you add pasta water to pasta?

Step 6: Serve

What are some good side dishes to serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley? You’ve just created a restaurant-worthy meal in your own kitchen. I promise you, this Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara Recipe will become a family favorite.

What should I serve it with?

What is a complete meal in itself? What are some of the best serving suggestions?

For a Simple Side:What’s a good salad to serve with fresh greens and Olive Oil? The acidity of the dressing helps to cut through the richness of carbonara.

For an Elegant Dinner: What are some examples?Serve with Garlic Bread or crusty Italian bread for soaking up the delicious sauce. I sometimes add a small caprese salad to round out the Italian meal.

To Complete the Meal: Pair with a glass of crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. The wine’s acidity complements the creamy sauce.

For the Kids: My kids love this with a side of steamed broccoli or Green Beans. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies!

Growing up, my grandma always served her pasta dishes with a simple side salad and a loaf of warm bread. It’s a tradition I’ve carried on, and it always makes the meal feel extra special.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara

Want to make your Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara even better? Here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years:

Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the flavor. Invest in good quality Parmesan cheese and fresh seafood for the best results.

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Overcooked shrimp are tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.

Cook the Pasta Al Dente: Al dente pasta has a slight bite to it, which is the perfect texture for this dish. It also holds its shape better in the sauce.

Use Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is the secret to creating a creamy, emulsified sauce. Don’t skip this step!

Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains cellulose, which prevents it from melting smoothly. Grate your own cheese for a creamier sauce. I also feel like it gives more flavor than pre-shredded!

Work Quickly: Carbonara sauce can thicken quickly, so it’s important to work quickly once you add the sauce to the pasta. This helps prevent the eggs from scrambling.

Adjust the Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, cook the pasta for a minute or two longer to thicken it up.

Don’t Boil the Sauce: Boiling the sauce can cause the eggs to scramble and the sauce to separate. Keep the heat low and stir constantly to prevent this from happening.

One of my biggest “lessons learned” was about the cheese. I used to buy the pre-shredded stuff to save time, but the sauce was never quite right. Once I started grating my own Parmesan, it made a world of difference!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat your Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara:

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken slightly as it cools, but it will still taste delicious.

Freezer Instructions: Freezing is not recommended, as the sauce may separate and become watery when thawed.

Reheating Instructions: To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to the pasta and heat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the sauce to separate. I like to reheat mine in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s nice and creamy again.

I always try to eat my leftovers within a day or two to ensure the best quality. And if I know I’m going to have leftovers, I sometimes hold back a little bit of the sauce so I can add it when I reheat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional for carbonara, you can definitely use other types of pasta like spaghetti, linguine, or even penne. Just make sure to cook it al dente!

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make this vegetarian by omitting the chicken and shrimp. You can add some sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, asparagus, or spinach for extra flavor and texture.

Can I use bacon instead of pancetta?

Definitely! Bacon is a great substitute for pancetta and will add a delicious smoky flavor to the dish. Just make sure to cook it until crispy before adding it to the pasta.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich and creamy. You can also use milk, but the sauce will be thinner.

How can I prevent the eggs from scrambling?

The key is to keep the heat low and stir constantly while adding the sauce to the pasta. This will help prevent the eggs from cooking too quickly and scrambling. You can also temper the eggs by whisking a little of the hot pasta water into the egg mixture before adding it to the pasta.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it! My take on the classic Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara Recipe. It’s creamy, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make. I hope you love it as much as my family does. If you’re looking for other easy and satisfying pasta dishes, be sure to check out my recipes for creamy tomato pasta and pesto Chicken Pasta. And I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Happy cooking!