Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara Recipe

Craving a creamy and indulgent Italian meal? Our Olive Garden-inspired Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara recipe combines succulent shrimp (or chicken) with a rich, homemade carbonara sauce, all atop a bed of linguine pasta. This easy-to-make, restaurant-style dish features creamy Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, crispy bacon bits, and a savory, garlic-infused sauce. The dish is then topped with a flavorful breadcrumb crust, making every bite irresistible! Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, this recipe brings the taste of Olive Garden into your home with simple ingredients and steps.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp (or Chicken):

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (or 1 lb cubed boneless, skinless chicken breast)

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup onion, minced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons bacon bits
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, grated or shredded
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lb linguine or any long pasta of choice

For the Topping:

• ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley

Instructions

1. Marinate the Shrimp (or Chicken):
   In a bowl, combine olive oil, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic. Add the shrimp (or chicken) and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, though marinating longer enhances the flavor.
2. Make the Sauce:
   In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw taste.
   Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and milk, making sure there are no lumps. Stir in the bacon bits and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Cook the Pasta:
   While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of the cooking water. Toss the pasta with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
4. Cook the Shrimp (or Chicken):
   In a separate pan, heat the marinated shrimp (or chicken) over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side, or until pink and opaque. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. Combine Everything:
   Add the cooked shrimp (or chicken) to the sauce and stir to combine. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix until everything is well-coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
6. Make the Topping:
   In a small bowl, combine the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses with the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and parsley.
7. Assemble and Broil:
   Transfer the pasta mixture into an oven-safe dish. Sprinkle the cheese and breadcrumb topping evenly over the pasta. Broil for 5-7 minutes or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve:
   Remove from the oven, sprinkle with extra chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

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Tips

• For Creamier Sauce: Use all heavy cream instead of a mixture of milk and cream for an extra creamy texture.
• Customize the Protein: Swap shrimp for chicken, or add both for a surf-and-turf variation.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: For the best texture, cook your pasta al dente. This will help it absorb the sauce without becoming mushy.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the shrimp or chicken with mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian twist.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free cream and cheese substitute to make this dish suitable for dairy-sensitive diets.
• Add Veggies: Consider adding spinach, peas, or roasted red peppers to the dish for extra flavor and nutrition.

FAQs

Can I use other pasta shapes?
Yes, you can substitute linguine with fettuccine, spaghetti, or any pasta you prefer.

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble and broil the dish right before serving to achieve the crispy, cheesy topping.

Can I freeze this dish?
This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the dairy-based sauce, which can separate when reheated.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delicious Olive Garden-inspired Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara with a simple side salad and warm, buttery garlic bread. A light, citrusy green salad complements the richness of the dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or impressing guests. The combination of shrimp (or chicken), crispy topping, and creamy sauce makes each bite irresistible. Plus, it’s simple to make and packed with Italian flavors that will transport you straight to your favorite Italian restaurant!