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
- In a gallon-sized food storage bag, combine olive oil, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken tenders and shrimp to the bag. Seal and massage to coat evenly.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken and Shrimp
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Pour in the marinated chicken, shrimp, and marinade. Cook for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 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
- In the same pot used for the pasta, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the diced pancetta for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until crispy.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour until smooth.
- 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
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss until fully coated.
- Transfer the pasta to a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
- Top with the cooked chicken, shrimp, and red bell peppers.
Step 6: Prepare the Topping
- In a small mixing bowl, combine shredded Parmesan Romano cheese, mozzarella cheese, panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and garlic powder.
- Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the pasta in the baking dish.
Step 7: Broil to Perfection
- Preheat the oven’s broiler to low for better control.
- 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.
- 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