Delicious Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara A Taste of Olive Garden at Home

If you're a fan of Olive Garden's delectable dishes, you may have tried their Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara, a delightful blend that combines the richness of creamy sauce with the savory flavors of grilled chicken and succulent shrimp. This hearty dish is perfect for a family dinner or special occasions, and it’s surprisingly easy to recreate in the comfort of your own kitchen. Here’s a recipe that will help you whip up this Italian-inspired feast.

Ingredients

To prepare Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara, you will need the following ingredients

- 8 ounces of fettuccine or spaghetti - 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 strips of bacon - 4 cloves of garlic, minced - 1 cup of heavy cream - 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese - 2 large eggs - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta Begin by boiling a large pot of water. Season it with salt and add the pasta, cooking it according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

2. Prepare the Protein While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Dice the bacon into small pieces and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.

3. Cook the Chicken In the same skillet, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.

4. Sauté the Shrimp In the same skillet, add the shrimp. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes or until they turn pink and opaque. This adds a delightful flavor from the pan’s drippings.

5. Make the Sauce Lower the heat, and add the minced garlic to the skillet with the shrimp. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the heavy cream and let it simmer for a couple of minutes. Stir in the cooked bacon, and gradually mix in the Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.

6. Combine Everything In a bowl, whisk together the eggs with a bit of salt and pepper. Gradually add the cooked pasta to the sauce, ensuring that it is off the heat. This will prevent the eggs from scrambling. Pour in the egg mixture, stirring quickly to create a rich and creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

7. Final Touches Gently fold in the sliced chicken and sautéed shrimp until everything is well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

8. Serve and Enjoy Serve the Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the warmth of your home!

This Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara recipe encapsulates the creamy, savory goodness that Olive Garden is known for. With its blend of flavors and textures, this dish is sure to impress family and friends alike. So the next time you're craving that Italian flair, bring Olive Garden's charm to your table with this easy and delicious recipe!