If you’ve ever savored a meal at Olive Garden, chances are their Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara left an impression. This dish blends tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and a creamy carbonara sauce into a pasta lover’s dream.
The best part? You don’t need to step into a restaurant to enjoy it. With this Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara recipe, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal right at home. It’s rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make.
This article will guide you step-by-step to recreate that iconic Olive Garden taste. It’s packed with tips, ingredient details, and cooking secrets to ensure your dish turns out perfect. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe delivers Italian comfort food at its finest. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara Recipe
Olive Garden’s take on carbonara elevates the classic Italian dish with a luxurious twist. Traditional carbonara uses eggs, cheese, and pancetta, but this version adds a creamy sauce, grilled chicken, and shrimp for a heartier meal. It’s a delightful mix of textures and flavors that keeps you coming back for more.
What makes this recipe special is its balance of simplicity and indulgence. The smoky bacon, juicy shrimp, and tender chicken pair beautifully with the velvety sauce and al dente pasta. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels fancy but doesn’t require advanced cooking skills. Plus, making it at home lets you control the ingredients and tweak it to your taste.
Ingredients for Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara
To create this delicious dish, gather these fresh and simple ingredients. Most are pantry staples or easy to find at your local grocery store.
- 12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti – The classic pasta choice for carbonara, holding the sauce perfectly.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Sliced into thin strips for quick cooking.
- 1/2 lb medium shrimp – Peeled and deveined for a sweet, tender bite.
- 4 slices bacon – Chopped, adding smoky depth to the dish.
- 1 cup heavy cream – For that signature creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Brings nutty, salty richness.
- 2 large egg yolks – Essential for traditional carbonara silkiness.
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers – Red or yellow for color and a slight crunch.
- 1/2 cup diced onion – Adds subtle sweetness and flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic – Minced for aromatic punch.
- 2 tbsp olive oil – For cooking the chicken and shrimp.
- Salt and pepper – To taste, enhancing every layer.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning – For that classic Italian flair.
- Fresh parsley – Chopped, for a vibrant garnish.
These ingredients come together to mimic Olive Garden’s beloved recipe while keeping it approachable for home cooks.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara
Ready to cook? Follow these detailed steps to bring this dish to life. Each part is broken down for clarity and ease.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. This usually takes 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water, then set aside. The reserved water will help adjust the sauce later if needed.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Shrimp
While the pasta cooks, season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes, until pink and opaque. Set the shrimp aside with the chicken.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon and Veggies
In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the drippings in the pan. Toss in the diced onion and sliced bell peppers, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring to avoid burning.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Carbonara Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts into a smooth sauce, about 2-3 minutes. In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks with a splash of the reserved pasta water to temper them. Slowly add the yolks to the skillet, stirring constantly to prevent scrambling. The sauce should thicken slightly but remain silky.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce to coat evenly. Return the chicken, shrimp, and bacon to the pan, mixing gently to distribute them throughout. If the sauce feels too thick, add a bit more reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Sprinkle in the remaining Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Transfer the carbonara to plates or a large serving dish. Top with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately while it’s hot and creamy for the best experience.
Tips for the Perfect Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara
Want to nail this recipe every time? These tips will help you achieve that restaurant-quality result.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp – They cook fast, so watch them closely to keep them tender.
- Temper the egg yolks – Adding a little warm pasta water prevents them from curdling in the sauce.
- Use fresh Parmesan – Pre-grated cheese can be grainy, while freshly grated melts smoothly.
- Adjust the sauce – The reserved pasta water is your secret weapon for a perfect consistency.
- Prep ahead – Chop veggies and season the protein in advance to save time during cooking.
These small tweaks make a big difference in flavor and texture, bringing you closer to Olive Garden’s masterpiece.
Why This Recipe Works for Home Cooks
This Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara recipe is designed with home kitchens in mind. It uses everyday ingredients and straightforward techniques, so you don’t need to be a chef to succeed. The steps are flexible, letting you adjust based on your schedule or preferences.
It’s also a one-pan dish (aside from boiling the pasta), which means less cleanup. The combination of protein, veggies, and pasta makes it a complete meal, saving you from preparing extra sides. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, it’s a reliable crowd-pleaser.
Nutritional Information
Curious about the nutrition? Here’s a rough estimate per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 850-900 kcal
- Protein: 45g
- Fat: 50g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Sodium: 1200mg
These values can vary depending on portion size and specific brands of ingredients. It’s a rich dish, so enjoy it as a treat or pair it with a light salad to balance things out.
Serving Suggestions
This carbonara shines on its own, but a few extras can elevate the meal. Serve it with garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness. For drinks, a glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio or a sparkling water with lemon complements the flavors.
If you’re feeding a crowd, double the recipe and serve it family-style in a big bowl. Leftovers (if you have any!) reheat well with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce.
Conclusion
The Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara recipe brings restaurant magic to your table with minimal effort. It’s a creamy, comforting dish that combines the best of Italian cuisine with a touch of indulgence. From the tender chicken and shrimp to the smoky bacon and silky sauce, every bite feels like a treat. Perfect for date nights, family dinners, or whenever you crave something special, this recipe is a keeper.
By following these steps, you’ll master a dish that rivals Olive Garden’s own. So grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and enjoy a taste of Italy at home. Once you try it, you’ll see why this carbonara is a fan favorite—and it might just become yours too!
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! While fettuccine or spaghetti mimics Olive Garden’s style, penne or rigatoni works well too. Choose a pasta that holds sauce nicely.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream to keep it creamy.
Can I skip the shrimp or chicken?
Absolutely. You can make it with just chicken, just shrimp, or even vegetarian by omitting both and adding more veggies like mushrooms.
Is there a lighter version of this recipe?
For a lighter take, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese. You can also skip the bacon and use turkey bacon instead.
Why did my sauce curdle?
If the sauce curdles, the egg yolks might have cooked too quickly. Temper them with warm pasta water and add them slowly while stirring to avoid this.
Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Large skillet (for cooking chicken, shrimp, bacon, and sauce)
- Slotted spoon (to remove bacon)
- Tongs or spatula (for tossing pasta and mixing)
- Small bowl
- Cutting board and knifeMeasuring cups and spoons
- Colander
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti – The classic pasta choice for carbonara holding the sauce perfectly.
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts – Sliced into thin strips for quick cooking.
- 1/2 lb medium shrimp – Peeled and deveined for a sweet tender bite.
- 4 slices bacon – Chopped adding smoky depth to the dish.
- 1 cup heavy cream – For that signature creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Brings nutty salty richness.
- 2 large egg yolks – Essential for traditional carbonara silkiness.
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers – Red or yellow for color and a slight crunch.
- 1/2 cup diced onion – Adds subtle sweetness and flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic – Minced for aromatic punch.
- 2 tbsp olive oil – For cooking the chicken and shrimp.
- Salt and pepper – To taste enhancing every layer.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning – For that classic Italian flair.
- Fresh parsley – Chopped for a vibrant garnish.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. This usually takes 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water, then set aside. The reserved water will help adjust the sauce later if needed.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Shrimp
- While the pasta cooks, season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes, until pink and opaque. Set the shrimp aside with the chicken.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon and Veggies
- In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the drippings in the pan. Toss in the diced onion and sliced bell peppers, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring to avoid burning.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Carbonara Sauce
- Lower the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts into a smooth sauce, about 2-3 minutes. In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks with a splash of the reserved pasta water to temper them. Slowly add the yolks to the skillet, stirring constantly to prevent scrambling. The sauce should thicken slightly but remain silky.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce to coat evenly. Return the chicken, shrimp, and bacon to the pan, mixing gently to distribute them throughout. If the sauce feels too thick, add a bit more reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Sprinkle in the remaining Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Transfer the carbonara to plates or a large serving dish. Top with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately while it’s hot and creamy for the best experience.
