Indulge in the rich, creamy flavors of this Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara inspired by Olive Garden’s classic dish. With a luxurious cheese sauce, tender chicken, juicy shrimp, and a topping of crispy bacon and breadcrumbs, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality indulgence at home. The roasted red peppers add a sweet touch of vibrancy, complementing the smoky bacon and garlic undertones beautifully. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chopped onion
- 16 ounces chicken strips
- 12 ounces cooked shrimp
- 1 cup butter
- 1½ teaspoons garlic, chopped
- 3 tablespoons bacon bits
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups heavy cream
- 4 cups milk
- ¼ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- Cooked pasta (2 boxes, 14 ounces each)
- Ground black pepper to taste
- Salt to taste
- 3 tablespoons grated Romano cheese
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1¾ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1½ teaspoons chopped garlic
- 1½ tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1½ cups roasted red peppers, cut into small strips
- ¼ cup bacon bits
Directions:
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In a skillet, heat 1 cup of olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken strips, season with salt and pepper, and cook until fully done. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Shrimp: In the same skillet, sauté the shrimp with 1½ teaspoons of chopped garlic. Cook until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt 1 cup butter over medium heat. Stir in chopped onion, garlic, and bacon bits. Cook until fragrant.
- Thicken the Sauce: Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, stirring constantly for 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in heavy cream, milk, and boiling water.
- Add Cheese: Mix in grated Parmesan cheese, Romano cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
- Combine Ingredients: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, crumbled bacon, and roasted red peppers to the sauce. Stir gently to combine.
- Assemble and Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the pasta to a large baking dish. Pour the sauce over the pasta and mix to coat.
- Prepare Topping: In a bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Sprinkle over the pasta.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with additional parsley and serve hot.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 850 kcal (per serving) | Servings: 6-8 servings
A Delightful Fusion of Comfort and Indulgence
When it comes to Italian-inspired cuisine, Olive Garden has carved a niche in our hearts with its hearty and flavorful dishes. Among their best-loved creations is the Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara, a sumptuous combination of tender chicken, juicy shrimp, smoky bacon, and creamy cheese sauce. This dish brings together comfort and indulgence in a way that feels both homely and luxurious. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is guaranteed to impress and delight your guests.
A Dish Rich in History and Flavor
The roots of carbonara trace back to Italy, with the name believed to be derived from “carbonaro,” which means “charcoal burner.” Traditionally, the dish was a simple pasta creation made with eggs, cheese, pancetta, and black pepper, served to sustain Italian charcoal workers. Over time, this rustic dish has been reimagined and elevated into numerous variations, including Olive Garden’s Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara. This adaptation introduces the richness of cream, the savoriness of bacon, and the decadence of roasted red peppers, making it a hearty crowd-pleaser.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This version of carbonara takes a step beyond tradition by incorporating proteins like chicken and shrimp. The dual-protein combination creates a balance between the mild, juicy chicken and the slightly sweet, briny shrimp. Add to this the richness of a cream-based sauce, the smoky depth of bacon, and the brightness of roasted red peppers, and you have a dish that is a harmony of flavors and textures.
What sets this recipe apart is its layered complexity of taste:
- The cream and cheese blend provide a smooth, velvety base.
- Garlic and Italian seasoning infuse the dish with aromatic undertones.
- Bacon adds a crisp, smoky element.
- Roasted red peppers contribute a subtle sweetness that brightens the overall flavor.
This careful balance ensures that every bite is indulgent without being overwhelming, making it a hit for pasta lovers and food enthusiasts alike.
Perfect for Any Occasion
One of the best things about this dish is its versatility. While it’s rich and indulgent enough for special occasions, it’s also approachable and easy enough for a casual weeknight meal. The recipe yields a generous portion, making it ideal for feeding a family or serving a small gathering. Pair it with a fresh green salad and some warm garlic bread to create a full, satisfying meal.
For those who enjoy entertaining, this dish is a fantastic centerpiece. Its colorful presentation with vibrant red peppers, golden breadcrumbs, and melted cheese makes it visually appealing, while its comforting flavors leave a lasting impression on guests.
Customization Options
What makes this dish even more appealing is its adaptability. You can customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs:
- Protein Swaps: Not a fan of shrimp? You can substitute it with scallops, or keep it chicken-only for a simpler approach. For a vegetarian version, replace the proteins with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
- Cheese Choices: While the recipe uses a combination of Parmesan, Romano, and mozzarella, you can experiment with other varieties like Asiago or Fontina to change the flavor profile.
- Dietary Adjustments: To make it gluten-free, simply swap the pasta and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. Similarly, for a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the butter.
Tips for Success
- Cooking the Proteins: Be sure not to overcook the chicken or shrimp, as they can become dry and rubbery. Cooking them just until they’re done ensures tenderness and juiciness.
- Timing the Sauce: The creamy cheese sauce comes together quickly, so have all your ingredients measured and ready before you start. This helps prevent the sauce from thickening too much while you’re working.
- The Pasta: Undercook your pasta by about a minute when boiling it, as it will continue to cook in the oven while absorbing the flavors of the sauce.
- Breadcrumb Topping: For a perfectly crispy breadcrumb topping, combine the breadcrumbs with melted butter and cheese before sprinkling it on the pasta. This ensures even browning and a rich, crunchy texture.
Nutritional Perspective
While this dish is indulgent, it also packs a nutritional punch, particularly if paired with a side of vegetables or a salad. The shrimp provides a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, while the roasted red peppers add antioxidants and vitamins. Of course, moderation is key when enjoying a creamy dish like this, but it’s a delicious treat worth savoring.
Why You’ll Love Making It at Home
Recreating restaurant favorites at home is always rewarding, and this dish is no exception. Not only do you get to enjoy the same creamy, cheesy decadence you’d expect at Olive Garden, but you also have the satisfaction of making it yourself. Plus, making it at home gives you complete control over the ingredients, ensuring a fresher and healthier result.
Conclusion:
Olive Garden-Inspired Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara is a celebration of flavors and textures that come together in a perfect symphony of taste. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is approachable, rewarding, and guaranteed to impress. Its rich, creamy sauce, smoky bacon, and vibrant roasted red peppers make it a dish that’s both indulgent and memorable.
So why not bring the comfort and indulgence of a restaurant-quality meal to your table? Gather your ingredients, pour a glass of wine, and get ready to enjoy a plate of pure Italian-inspired bliss.