A Restaurant-Quality Dish at Home

If you love creamy, indulgent pasta dishes, then you’re in for a treat! This Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara recipe brings the rich, savory flavors of the restaurant favorite straight to your kitchen. It’s perfect for family dinners, date nights, or impressing guests with a decadent homemade meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich & Creamy – The luscious sauce made with heavy cream, Parmesan, and bacon bits creates a velvety texture.
Easy to Customize – Use shrimp, chicken, or both for a protein-packed dish.
Perfect for Special Occasions – This dish has a luxurious feel without the restaurant price tag.
Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters will love the combination of cheese, pasta, and crispy topping.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound 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 pound linguine (or any long pasta)

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

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Large pot for boiling pasta
Medium skillet for cooking shrimp or chicken
Large saucepan for making the sauce
Whisk for smooth sauce blending
Baking dish for broiling the topping
Wooden spoon for stirring

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Shrimp

Combine olive oil, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic in a bowl. Add the shrimp and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (if time allows).

2. Prepare the Sauce

Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add the minced onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant and translucent.
Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw taste.
Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and milk until smooth.
Add the bacon bits and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce thickens.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Cook the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, cook pasta according to the package instructions.
Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
Toss the pasta with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

4. Cook the Shrimp (or Chicken)

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the marinated shrimp.
Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are opaque.
If using chicken, cook until golden brown and fully cooked through.
Add the cooked protein and any juices into the sauce.

5. Assemble the Dish

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until fully coated.
Transfer everything to an oven-safe baking dish.

6. Make the Topping

In a small bowl, mix Parmesan, mozzarella, panko, minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, melted butter, and parsley.
Sprinkle evenly over the pasta.

7. Broil and Serve

Place under the broiler for 5 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top.

Recipe Tips and Variations

Make it Spicier: Add red pepper flakes for a kick.
Swap Proteins: Use scallops, salmon, or tofu instead of shrimp/chicken.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour with cornstarch.
Lighter Version: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use turkey bacon.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Store in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months.

Reheat: Warm on the stove with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess. For best results, broil again to restore crispiness.

What to Serve With This Dish

Pair your Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara with:

Side Dish: Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables.
Wine: A crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.
Beverage: A refreshing lemonade or sparkling water.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp? Yes, but add it at the end to prevent overcooking.

2. Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Assemble the dish and refrigerate. Broil just before serving.

3. What if my sauce is too thick? Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it.

4. Can I make this without bacon? Yes! The bacon adds smokiness, but you can skip it or use a vegetarian alternative.

Final Thoughts

This Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara recipe is the perfect way to bring restaurant-quality Italian flavors into your home. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

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Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara Recipe