Craving the comforting flavors of Olive Garden’s Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara but can’t make it to the restaurant? With this easy copycat recipe, you can bring the taste of Italy right to your kitchen. Creamy, savory, and loaded with tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and crispy bacon, this dish is a delightful indulgence.
Perfect for a cozy dinner at home, it pairs beautifully with a crisp salad or a warm loaf of garlic bread. Let’s get cooking and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without leaving the house!
Steps
- Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning. Cook while stirring until the chicken is cooked through, approximately 6 to 8 minutes, then transfer to a bowl.
- In the same skillet, heat another tablespoon of oil and 1 tablespoon of garlic until aromatic, for about 1 minute. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn bright pink and opaque, roughly 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Move the shrimp to the bowl with the chicken.
- Cook the diced bacon in the skillet until it is just crispy, around 6 minutes. Drain the bacon on a plate lined with paper towels, keeping the grease in the skillet.
- In a large pot, bring lightly salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, cooking until the pasta is al dente, about 11 minutes. Drain the pasta and keep it warm.
- In a bowl, combine the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, egg yolks, the remaining tablespoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Sauté the diced onion in the reserved bacon grease over medium heat until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Pour in the wine, increase the heat, and let it boil.
- Add the cream and cheese mixture to the skillet, reduce the heat, and simmer until the sauce starts to thicken, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the chicken, shrimp, and bacon until everything is well-coated, then serve the mixture over the cooked linguine.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic, divided
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 slices smoked bacon, diced
- 1 (16 ounce) package linguine pasta
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 large egg yolks
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 1 medium onion, diced
- ¼ cup Sauvignon Blanc wine
Nutritional Values
Total Calories: 6208 | Total Fat: 368g | Saturated Fat: 160g | Cholesterol: 2520mg | Sodium: 4872mg | Total Carbohydrate: 376g | Dietary Fiber: 24g | Total Sugars: N/A | Protein: 352g | Vitamin D: N/A | Calcium: 2264mg | Iron: 40mg | Potassium: 4248mg
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of pasta for Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara?
- Yes, you can substitute linguine with spaghetti or fettuccine according to your preference.
- Can I prepare the chicken and shrimp in advance?
- Absolutely, you can grill or marinate and sous vide the chicken beforehand to enhance its flavor. This preparation can be done the night before.
- What can I do if I don’t have Sauvignon Blanc wine?
- If you don’t have Sauvignon Blanc, any dry white wine can be used as a substitute in the recipe.
- Is it possible to add vegetables to this dish?
- Yes, you can include additional ingredients like mushrooms or other vegetables of your choice to enhance the flavor and nutritional value.
- Can I make this dish healthier by reducing the fat content?
- To lower the fat content, consider using a lighter cream or reducing the amount of bacon used. Adjusting the cheese quantity can also help.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: Consider preparing the chicken and shrimp a day in advance by marinating or grilling them. This can enhance their flavor and save time when you’re ready to cook.
- Customize the Seasoning: If you’re not a fan of Italian seasoning, feel free to tailor the spices to your taste. Try using thyme, oregano, and basil for a personalized touch.
- Pasta Flexibility: While the recipe calls for linguine, you can substitute with spaghetti or fettuccine if you prefer a different pasta texture.
- Extra Ingredients: Enhance the dish with additional ingredients like mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
Equipment
- Large Skillet: A good quality large skillet for cooking chicken, shrimp, and bacon.
- Large Pot: For boiling the linguine pasta.
- Mixing Bowls: For mixing the cream, Parmesan cheese, egg yolks, and seasonings.
- Chef’s Knife: A sharp knife for cutting chicken, onion, and bacon.
- Cutting Board: A durable cutting board for preparing ingredients.
- Tongs: Useful for handling the chicken and shrimp during cooking.
- Colander: For draining the cooked pasta.
- Whisk: For blending the cream mixture smoothly.
