Spending a cozy evening in the kitchen is special. It’s filled with the scents of Italian food. A few months ago, I missed Olive Garden’s Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara.
This creamy dish, full of shrimp and chicken, was calling me. I wanted to make it at home. Making the best carbonara recipe was fun. I chopped, sautéed, and stirred to make the dish I loved.
The wait to make it was almost as cozy as eating it. I’m excited to share this journey of flavors with you.
Introduction to Olive Garden Chicken And Shrimp Carbonara
My journey into the world of Olive Garden started with a dish that became a family favorite. The Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara is a standout on the menu. It combines rich flavors and textures that remind us of Italy.
This dish is priced at $19.49. It’s a great choice for those who love pasta. It’s perfect for dining out or enjoying at home.
Italian restaurant favorites often bring us joy on special occasions. The Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara is a great choice for any gathering. It has tender chicken, juicy shrimp, and creamy sauce.
Olive Garden has nearly 900 locations across the U.S. They are dedicated to serving classic Italian dishes. Every visit is a memorable experience.
Preparing this dish at home is a fun way to enjoy Italian dining. It lets me impress my loved ones with my cooking. We’ll explore how to make it in your kitchen next.
What Makes Carbonara a Popular Italian Dish
Pasta carbonara is loved for its deep roots in italian cuisine. It comes from Rome and has a perfect mix of flavors. Eggs, cheese, guanciale, and black pepper make it creamy.
The use of guanciale, a cured pork, makes it special. It mixes well with sharp cheese, giving a rich taste. Black pepper adds a nice kick.
Making carbonara is an art. It needs skill to get the creamy texture right. Even with simple ingredients, it’s both humble and indulgent. It shows the beauty of italian cuisine.
Ingredients for Olive Garden Chicken And Shrimp Carbonara
Creating the perfect chicken and shrimp dish starts with the right ingredients. This recipe uses authentic Italian flavors. It makes a rich, creamy meal that wows everyone.
Fresh ingredients make the dish taste great and feel good in your mouth.
Overview of Key Ingredients
This Olive Garden chicken and shrimp carbonara has 21 ingredients. The main ones are:
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins
- 1 pound large shrimp
- 4 slices diced bacon or pancetta
- 1 pound spaghetti or linguine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup plus 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 roasted red bell pepper
- Seasonings (salt, black pepper, and ½ tablespoon Italian seasoning)
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley for garnish
- ½ cup hot water
Alternative Ingredients for Customization
Want to make the dish your own? Try these alternatives:
- Use turkey or tofu instead of chicken for a different taste.
- Add broccoli or spinach for extra health benefits.
- Try half and half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
These changes let you make the recipe your own. Yet, it keeps the true taste of Italian food.
Steps to Prepare Olive Garden Chicken And Shrimp Carbonara
Learning to make carbonara sauce is easier than you think. Follow my guide to make Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara at home. Start by marinating 1 pound of chicken breast strips with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and Italian seasoning.
Then, pound the chicken to 1/2 inch thickness and cut it into 3-inch strips. This makes the chicken cook evenly. Fry the chicken in a pan over medium-high heat for 6 to 8 minutes per batch. Add 4 strips of bacon, cut into small cubes, for extra flavor and crunch.
While the chicken cooks, prepare the pasta. Use ½ package (8 oz.) of spaghetti and boil it until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Save 1/2 cup of pasta water to thicken the sauce later. In another pot, mix ½ cup of heavy cream with 2 egg yolks and 1 tablespoon of butter. Reduce the heat and cook the cream mixture for 6 to 8 minutes.
Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and ¼ cup of diced onion to the sauce. Let them sauté until fragrant. Combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and bacon in the pan. Pour the cream mixture over everything and toss well. Add the reserved pasta water for the right consistency. Sprinkle ½ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese on top and mix it in.
Serve the pasta warm with your favorite Italian sides. This recipe makes 4 servings with 368 calories per serving. Impress your family and friends with this delicious chicken and shrimp carbonara, a favorite among Olive Garden recipes.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chicken | 1 lb (stripped) |
| Bacon | ½ cup (small cubes) |
| Shrimp | 1 cup (peeled & deveined) |
| Pasta | ½ package (8 oz.) spaghetti |
| Heavy cream | ½ cup |
| Egg yolks | 2 |
| Parmesan cheese | ½ cup (shredded) |
| Garlic | 3 cloves (or 3 tsp pre-minced) |
| Onion | ¼ cup (diced) |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
Cooking Techniques for a Creamy Carbonara
Making a creamy carbonara needs some key cooking skills. These skills make the dish better and easier to make. By following these steps, you’ll get a creamy carbonara as good as any restaurant’s.
Importance of Properly Cooking Pasta
When cooking pasta for chicken and shrimp recipes, timing is everything. For carbonara, use bucatini or spaghetti. These noodles catch the sauce well.
It’s important to cook the pasta just right, not too hard or too soft. Use lots of salt in the water. This makes the pasta taste better with the sauce.
How to Avoid Scrambled Eggs in Carbonara Sauce
A big mistake in making creamy carbonara is getting scrambled eggs. To avoid this, whisk the egg yolks well before adding them.
Add a little hot pasta water to the yolks while whisking. This makes the eggs smooth. Then, quickly mix the pasta with the sauce. This way, everything blends well without curdling.
Perfect Pairings with Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara
Adding to the joy of Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara is finding the perfect sides and wines. The right choices can make the dish even better. They bring out the flavors and add class.
Best Side Dishes to Complement Your Pasta
For pasta like carbonara, I choose sides that balance the creamy sauce. Here are some top picks:
- Garlic bread for a crunchy and buttery touch
- Caesar salad, which adds a refreshing crispness
- Steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans, to provide a healthy contrast
Recommended Wines to Enhance the Flavor
A great wine can take Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara to the next level. The right wine can make the dish taste even better. Try these:
- An Italian Pinot Grigio, which offers a crisp and clean taste
- A light Chardonnay, perfect for complementing the creamy sauce
Nutritional Information on Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara
Olive Garden’s Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara is a mix of rich flavors and hearty ingredients. It’s a creamy pasta dish that’s both indulgent and satisfying. It’s important to know its calories and nutritional benefits when enjoying it.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the ingredients commonly found in this mouthwatering pasta dish:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken | 3 lbs | 1,500 |
| Butter | 1 cup | 1,600 |
| Heavy Cream | 4 cups | 1,600 |
| Milk | 4 cups | 600 |
| Parmesan Cheese | 1 cup + 3 tbsp | 500 |
| Romano Cheese | 3 tbsp | 100 |
| Mozzarella Cheese | 1 3/4 cups | 600 |
| Panko Breadcrumbs | 1/2 cup | 200 |
| Bacon Bits | 3 tbsp + 1/4 cup | 200 |
| Garlic | 3 tbsp | 30 |
| Italian Seasoning | 1 tbsp | 10 |
| Salt & Black Pepper | To taste | 10 |
The total calories for the dish are over 6,500. It’s important to think about portion sizes to keep a balanced diet. This dish is great for a family meal, but moderation is key.
Each bite is a mix of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and juicy shrimp. Creamy pasta dishes are rich and high in calories. You can make a lighter version by using less of each ingredient or smaller portions.
Why This Recipe is Better than Dining Out
Making Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara at home is better. It saves money and tastes great. Restaurants can cost a lot, with drinks and tips added on.
By cooking it myself, I can pick the ingredients. I can make it just how I like it. This way, I can eat what I want without spending too much.
Cost-Effectiveness of Homemade Meals
Let’s look at the cost of making this dish at home versus eating out. I use 1 lb of shrimp and 1 lb of chicken. Plus, pasta, eggs, cheese, and olive oil. I make 2 big servings for less than what Olive Garden charges.
The total cost is about $15. This shows how much money I save by cooking at home. Here’s a comparison:
| Item | Homemade Cost | Restaurant Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Shrimp (1 lb) | $10 | $15 |
| Chicken (1 lb) | $5 | $10 |
| Pasta & Other Ingredients | $5 | $8 |
| Total | $20 | $33 |
Cooking at home saves a lot of money. I can enjoy Olive Garden recipes without spending too much.
The Joy of Creating Authentic Italian Flavors at Home
Cooking this recipe is very rewarding. It’s fun to make real Italian flavors at home. I love making it for my family and friends.
It’s not just about saving money. It’s about the joy of cooking. The kitchen becomes a cozy Italian place. I feel proud of what I’ve made.
Knowing what’s in my food makes it even better. It’s a special treat to enjoy at home. Every bite is a delight.
Variations of Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipes
Exploring pasta recipes is fun. When making chicken and shrimp dishes, I try new things. I add fresh veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or peas. They make the dish colorful and healthy.
Changing the protein is exciting. Using scallops or lobster makes the dish fancy. You can also change the sauce to tomato or pesto. This changes the taste of the dish.
Choosing different pasta shapes is a good idea. You can use spaghetti, bucatini, penne, or fettuccine. This makes the dish better and fits different diets.
Cooking becomes a way to express yourself. You can use special ingredients or try new ways of cooking. There are so many things you can do!
Additional Olive Garden Specials to Try
Olive Garden has more than just Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara. They have many olive garden specials that are like Italian comfort food. Try Shrimp Alfredo or Fettuccine Alfredo for creamy treats in a cozy setting.
The “2 for $25” menu is a great deal. It comes with two meals, soup or salad, and breadsticks. Prices start at $11.99 for Spaghetti with Meat Sauce and go up to $14.49 for Chicken Alfredo. Plus, you get endless breadsticks.
The Tour of Italy is a hit. It has lasagna, chicken, and fettuccine all in one. For just $7.99, you can get unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks with any meal.
Here are some other popular choices at Olive Garden:
| Dish | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Fettuccine Alfredo | $13.49 | 1,480 |
| Lasagna Classico | $9.99 | 930 |
| Shrimp Alfredo | $24.99 | 1,520 |
| Tour of Italy | $16.99 | 1,100 |
| Chicken Parmigiana | $12.99 | 1,060 |
Whether you eat out or have Olive Garden takeout, these specials are great. They bring real Italian taste to your home. Each dish is a new twist on a classic, so there’s something for everyone.
Tips for Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Storing leftovers in airtight containers is important. It keeps food fresh and stops bacteria. Leftovers should go in the fridge within two hours. This way, your pasta stays good for up to four days.
Reheating leftovers can be done a few ways. The oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit works well. Covering the dish with foil keeps it moist.
The air fryer at 370 degrees Fahrenheit is also great. It takes about 10 minutes. Make sure not to fill the basket too much. This helps food heat evenly and stay crispy.
Adding milk or Parmesan while reheating makes the dish creamier. But, microwaving can make food soggy. So, try the oven or air fryer for better results.
