Copycat Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara: A Restaurant-Quality Dish at Home

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with the creamy, savory goodness of Olive Garden’s Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara. Imagine perfectly cooked pasta coated in a rich carbonara sauce, topped with tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and a crispy, cheesy breadcrumb topping. Now, you can recreate this iconic dish in your own kitchen with this easy-to-follow recipe.

Why You’ll Love Copycat Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara

This recipe is a perfect blend of indulgence and elegance. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this dish brings the taste of a restaurant-quality meal to your table. It’s packed with flavor, from the creamy carbonara sauce to the marinated chicken and shrimp, and the crispy topping adds the perfect finishing touch.

Ingredients for Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara

For the Marinade

Ingredient	Quantity
Chicken tenders	1 pound
Medium shrimp, peeled and deveined	1 pound
Extra virgin olive oil	1 cup
Italian seasoning	1 tablespoon
Garlic, minced	5 cloves
Freshly ground pepper	1 teaspoon
Salt	1/2 teaspoon

For the Carbonara

Ingredient	Quantity
Spaghetti	16 ounces
Red bell pepper, thinly sliced	1
Pancetta, diced	4 ounces
Salted butter	1/2 cup
Egg yolks	3
All-purpose flour	2 tablespoons
Crushed garlic	1 tablespoon
Parmesan cheese, grated	1/2 cup
Heavy cream	2 cups

For the Topping

Ingredient	Quantity
Parmesan Romano cheese, shredded	1/4 cup
Mozzarella cheese, shredded	1 cup
Italian-seasoned panko breadcrumbs	1 cup
Salted butter, melted	1/2 cup
Garlic powder	1 tablespoon
Fresh parsley, chopped	For garnish

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~650
Protein	45g
Carbohydrates	48g
Fats	30g
Fiber	3g

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken and Shrimp

1. In a gallon-sized food storage bag, combine olive oil, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken tenders and shrimp to the bag. Seal and massage to coat evenly.
3. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours for the best flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken and Shrimp

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Pour in the chicken, shrimp, and marinade. Cook for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the red bell peppers to the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Carbonara Sauce

1. In the same pot used for the pasta, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the diced pancetta for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until crispy.
3. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour.
4. Stir in the crushed garlic, grated parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and egg yolks. Whisk constantly for 5 minutes to prevent the eggs from scrambling.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

1. Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and stir until fully coated.
2. Transfer the pasta to a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
3. Top with the cooked chicken, shrimp, and red bell peppers.

Step 6: Prepare the Topping

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine shredded parmesan romano cheese, mozzarella, panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and garlic powder.
2. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the pasta in the baking dish.

Step 7: Broil to Perfection

1. Preheat your oven’s broiler to low for better control.
2. Broil the pasta for 5–7 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

• Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara

1. Marinate for Maximum Flavor
   Letting the chicken and shrimp marinate for several hours enhances their taste and tenderness.
2. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp
   Keep an eye on the shrimp while cooking—they turn rubbery if overcooked.
3. Whisk Constantly
   When making the carbonara sauce, continuous whisking ensures a creamy texture without scrambled eggs.
4. Broil Carefully
   Keep a close watch while broiling to avoid burning the topping.
5. Use Fresh Ingredients
   Fresh parmesan, parsley, and garlic elevate the dish to restaurant-quality.

Creative Variations

1. Spicy Kick
   Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.
2. Vegetarian Option
   Replace chicken and shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini.
3. Gluten-Free Version
   Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly option.
4. Add More Veggies
   Incorporate spinach or asparagus for added nutrition and color.
5. Cheese Lover’s Twist
   Include extra mozzarella or asiago cheese in the topping for a gooey finish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping the Marination
   Without marinating, the chicken and shrimp won’t absorb the flavorful seasoning.
2. Overcrowding the Skillet
   Cooking the protein in batches ensures even browning.
3. Overcooking the Pasta
   Al dente pasta holds up better in the sauce and during broiling.
4. Neglecting the Sauce
   Whisk the carbonara sauce continuously to prevent clumping or curdling.
5. Skipping the Topping
   The breadcrumb topping adds crunch and completes the dish’s texture.

FAQs About Copycat Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara

1. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, but add it at the end of cooking to prevent overcooking.

2. What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

3. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes! Assemble the dish without broiling, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before broiling.

4. Can I use a different pasta?

Absolutely! Fettuccine, linguine, or penne work just as well.

5. How can I make it healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, reduce the butter, and swap cream for half-and-half.

6. Can I prepare the components in advance?

Yes, you can marinate the protein and cook the pasta a day ahead, then assemble and bake when ready.

A Final Word on Copycat Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara

This Copycat Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara is a show-stopping dish that’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. The creamy carbonara sauce, tender chicken and shrimp, and crispy breadcrumb topping come together to create a meal that’s truly unforgettable. With this recipe, you’ll bring the magic of Olive Garden right to your kitchen.

Ready to Try It Out?

Gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home. Your taste buds will thank you!

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