Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

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


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Stacy
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

Bring the taste of Olive Garden to your kitchen with this creamy, flavorful Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara. Featuring perfectly marinated chicken, succulent shrimp, and a rich carbonara sauce, this dish is topped with a cheesy, crispy breadcrumb layer and baked to perfection. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in.


Ingredients

For the Marinade:

  • 1 pound chicken tenders
  • 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Carbonara:

  • 16 ounces spaghetti
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 4 ounces pancetta, diced
  • 1/2 cup salted butter
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon crushed garlic
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups heavy cream

For the Topping:

  • 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan Romano cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup Italian-seasoned panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup salted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

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.

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. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken and Shrimp

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Pour in the marinated 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, heat 1 tablespoon 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 until smooth.
  4. Stir in crushed garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and egg yolks. Whisk constantly for 5 minutes to prevent curdling.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

  1. Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss until fully coated.
  2. Transfer the pasta to a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading 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 cheese, 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 the 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

  1. Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.
  2. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken and shrimp for maximum flavor.
  • Whisk the carbonara sauce continuously to ensure a creamy, lump-free consistency.
  • Keep a close watch while broiling to avoid burning the topping.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking/Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian-American