Make the rich, creamy Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara at home! This recipe captures the classic dish’s essence with tender chicken, juicy shrimp, and a rich carbonara sauce mixed with spaghetti or bucatini, roasted red peppers, and a crunchy Parmesan topping. Enjoy Olive Garden’s flavors at home in a tasty, wallet-friendly way.
Key Takeaways
- Crispy chicken tenders and succulent shrimp tossed in a rich, creamy carbonara sauce.
- Spaghetti or bucatini pasta, roasted red peppers, and a crunchy Parmesan topping.
- Easy to make, delicious, and budget-friendly.
- Brings the classic Olive Garden flavor to your kitchen.
- Satisfies your cravings for the restaurant’s signature dish.
Introduction to Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara
Olive Garden is a favorite for those who love Italian food. Their Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara is a hit, known for its rich taste. Now, you can make this dish at home, enjoying chicken, shrimp, and carbonara sauce without leaving the house.
The Popularity of Olive Garden Recipes
Olive Garden is famous for its pasta dishes, especially the Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara. This dish is loved for its creamy carbonara sauce, tender chicken, and juicy shrimp. The quality of ingredients and perfected recipes keep customers coming back for more.
Why Make a Copycat Olive Garden Recipe?
Making Olive Garden’s Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara at home has many perks. You get to enjoy restaurant-quality flavors in your kitchen. It’s also a way to customize the dish to your taste. Plus, it’s a great option for a family dinner that’s both tasty and budget-friendly.
Ingredients for Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara
To make the famous Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara at home, you need the right ingredients. You’ll need tender chicken tenders, juicy shrimp, and creamy carbonara sauce. Each part is key to getting that Olive Garden taste.
Essential Ingredients
- 8 oz bucatini pasta
- 1/2 cup bacon, diced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
Preparing the Carbonara Sauce
The creamy carbonara sauce is the dish’s heart. Mix egg yolks, Parmesan, and heavy cream in a bowl. Slowly add this mix to hot pasta water to create a smooth sauce.
Adding Alfredo Sauce for Extra Creaminess
For more creaminess, add a bit of Alfredo sauce to the carbonara. This step makes the dish even more like the Olive Garden version.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making a delicious Copycat Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara is easy and fun. Follow these steps to make a dish that tastes just like the restaurant.
Preparing the Chicken and Shrimp
Begin by marinating the chicken tenders and shrimp in olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic, and black pepper. This mix gives the proteins a great flavor. Then, coat the chicken in flour, milk, and breadcrumbs seasoned with more Italian spices. Fry it until it’s crispy and golden brown.
Cooking the Pasta to Perfection
While the chicken cooks, boil the pasta until it’s al dente. Save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This water will be used in the sauce later.
Combining Ingredients for the Carbonara Sauce
Cook pancetta or bacon until it’s crispy. Then, mix in butter, flour, garlic, Parmesan, heavy cream, and egg yolks. Keep stirring as the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
How to Serve Chicken Carbonara
Combine the cooked pasta with the carbonara sauce. Add crispy chicken, sautéed shrimp, and roasted red peppers on top. Sprinkle a cheesy breadcrumb mix on top and broil until it’s golden brown. Serve the dish hot, garnished with fresh parsley for extra freshness.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Copycat Recipe
Want to make Olive Garden-style Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara at home? It’s all about mastering a few key techniques. The secret to a creamy sauce is handling the egg yolks and heavy cream right. Whisk these ingredients while cooking to prevent the eggs from scrambling. This ensures a smooth, silky texture.
Also, don’t overcook the pasta. If it’s overcooked, it can become mushy when mixed with the sauce. Cook it just until it’s al dente to keep the perfect bite and texture.
Secrets to Perfecting the Carbonara Sauce
- Whisk the egg yolks and heavy cream continuously while cooking to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
- Be careful not to overheat the sauce, as this can cause the eggs to curdle.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce off the heat to allow the residual heat to gently finish cooking the eggs.
Alternatives and Substitutes for Ingredients
For the protein, choose grilled or rotisserie chicken instead of the breaded tenders. You can also swap shrimp for scallops or leave it out for a chicken-only dish. Traditional pasta shapes like spaghetti or bucatini work well, but you can also use linguine or fettuccine.
To lighten the dish, use less heavy cream or mix it with low-fat milk and cornstarch for a creamy, lower-calorie sauce. You can also skip the bacon or use guanciale or pancetta for a leaner option.
| Ingredient | Substitution |
|---|---|
| Chicken Tenders | Grilled or Rotisserie Chicken |
| Shrimp | Scallops or Omit |
| Heavy Cream | Low-fat Milk + Cornstarch |
| Bacon | Guanciale or Pancetta |
Serving Suggestions
To make your Copycat Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara meal complete, think about adding classic Italian side dishes. A minestrone soup or an Italian chopped salad would go great with the rich, creamy sauce. For dessert, you could try Olive Garden’s famous breadsticks or a creamy hot chocolate tiramisu.
Pairing Wines with Shrimp and Chicken Pasta
Choosing the right wine is key for this dish. Medium-bodied white wines are perfect. A crisp Pinot Grigio or a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc would match the creaminess of the sauce well. If you prefer red wine, a light to medium-bodied Chianti or Montepulciano d’Abruzzo would also work well.
| Wine Pairing | Reason |
|---|---|
| Pinot Grigio | The light, citrusy notes of Pinot Grigio help to balance the richness of the carbonara sauce. |
| Sauvignon Blanc | The crisp acidity and herbaceous flavors of Sauvignon Blanc complement the creamy pasta dish. |
| Chianti | The medium-bodied, fruit-forward profile of Chianti provides a nice contrast to the dish’s creaminess. |
| Montepulciano d’Abruzzo | The smooth, easy-drinking Montepulciano d’Abruzzo enhances the richness of the chicken and shrimp carbonara. |
Whether you pick a white or red wine, aim for a medium-bodied option. This will let the delicate flavors of the Copycat Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara shine. With the right wine, your meal will be even more enjoyable.
Taking My Carbonara To Go!
This copycat recipe brings Olive Garden’s Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara right to your kitchen. It offers the same indulgence as the restaurant version but at home. You get crispy chicken, tender shrimp, and a rich carbonara sauce over pasta.
It’s perfect for the whole family or a special treat for yourself. The Copycat Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara is a new favorite. It has restaurant-quality taste and is easy to make at home. You can enjoy this classic Italian dish whenever you want.
So, why not have a delicious, authentic Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara at home? This recipe is sure to impress and save you money.
FAQs to Make Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Carbonara Recipe
What are the main ingredients in the Copycat Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara recipe?
The main ingredients include chicken tenders, large shrimp, and pasta like spaghetti or bucatini. You’ll also need butter, flour, crushed garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Heavy cream, egg yolks, pancetta or bacon, and roasted red peppers are also key.
How do I prepare the carbonara sauce for this recipe?
First, cook pancetta or bacon. Then, mix in butter, flour, garlic, Parmesan, heavy cream, and egg yolks. Keep whisking the sauce to avoid scrambled eggs and get a smooth, creamy texture.
Can I use grilled or rotisserie chicken instead of the breaded chicken tenders?
Yes, you can use grilled or rotisserie chicken instead of breaded chicken tenders. You can also swap the shrimp for scallops or skip it if you like.
What type of pasta is best for this Copycat Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara?
Traditional choices for carbonara are spaghetti or bucatini. But, you can also use other long pasta like linguine or fettuccine.
What are some good side dishes to serve with this Copycat Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara?
Great side dishes include minestrone soup, an Italian chopped salad, or roasted vegetables. For a treat, make Olive Garden’s famous breadsticks or a creamy hot chocolate tiramisu for dessert.
What type of wine pairs well with this Copycat Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara?
Medium-bodied white wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc go well with the dish. If you prefer red, a light to medium-bodied Chianti or Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is a good choice.
The Best Copycat Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Pasta You Ever Did See!
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Small pot
- Non-stick skillet
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Shallow bowls for dredging chicken
- Wooden spoon
- Knife
- Grater
- Large serving platter or individual plates
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 skinless boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup bacon diced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 tbsp garlic minced
- 1/4 cup onion finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese shredded
- 2 egg yolks
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz bucatini or spaghetti
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Mix flour with salt and pepper in a shallow bowl.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs with 2 tsp of water.
- Dredge chicken in flour, dip in egg wash, then coat in bread crumbs.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side. Set aside.
Cook the Shrimp:
- Boil the shrimp in a small pot of water for 2-3 minutes until pink. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, cook diced bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Add butter to the skillet, sauté garlic, onion, and red bell pepper until tender.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, cooking until cheese is melted and the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and quickly stir in egg yolks until smooth.
Combine and Serve:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and add to the skillet with the sauce.
- Add chicken, shrimp, and bacon to the skillet. Toss to coat.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper.
Notes
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Additional Notes:
- Pasta Options: Bucatini is recommended for its unique texture, but regular spaghetti or fettuccine can be used as substitutes.
- Egg Safety: When adding the beaten egg to the hot pasta and sauce, ensure to stir quickly to avoid curdling. Pasteurized eggs can be used for safety.
- Shrimp Preparation: Boil shrimp only until they turn pink to prevent overcooking, which can make them rubbery.
- Chicken Marination: For added flavor, marinate the chicken and shrimp in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Bacon Crispiness: Fry the bacon until crispy for a nice texture contrast in the dish.
- Vegetable Variations: Sun-dried tomatoes can be used instead of red bell peppers if preferred.
- Cheese Garnish: Additional Parmesan cheese can be grated over the top before serving for extra flavor.
- Pasta: Substitute bucatini with spaghetti or fettuccine.
- Bacon: Use pancetta for a more authentic Italian flavor.
- Cream: Half-and-half can be used instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Chicken: Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for juicier meat.
