Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara

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I still remember the first time I made Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara at home—it was a spontaneous decision inspired by a half-empty fridge and the need to whip up something comforting. What started as a simple idea turned into one of my most delicious creations to date. This dish brings together the best of both worlds: the rich creaminess of a classic carbonara and the bold flavors of surf and turf. The shrimp adds a buttery sweetness that pairs perfectly with juicy chicken chunks and crispy bacon bits, all tied together in a silky, cheesy sauce.

Over time, I’ve fine-tuned this recipe into a go-to favorite for weeknight dinners and dinner parties alike. It’s indulgent but not overly heavy, impressive without being complicated. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just spoiling yourself a little, this Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara delivers every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara

You’ll love this recipe because it’s satisfying, packed with bold flavor, and surprisingly easy to prepare. The creamy parmesan sauce clings to every strand of pasta, while the shrimp and chicken bring protein-rich variety that sets this apart from a standard carbonara. Plus, it looks just as good as it tastes—perfect for when you want something that feels a little extra special without spending hours in the kitchen.

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What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara?

While spaghetti is the traditional choice for carbonara, this dish welcomes flexibility. I usually reach for spaghetti or linguine because they hold the sauce beautifully and keep the dish classic. But fettuccine, bucatini, or even tagliatelle would also be fantastic here. If you’re feeling adventurous, fresh homemade pasta takes it to another level, soaking up every bit of that creamy sauce.

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Options for Substitutions

Don’t worry if you’re missing a few ingredients—this dish is adaptable. Instead of chicken breast, you can use rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even pancetta if you want to skip the seafood. No shrimp? Scallops or chunks of white fish work well too. For a vegetarian version, sautéed mushrooms or artichoke hearts add a savory bite without needing meat. And if you’re dairy-free, swap out the cream and cheese with your favorite plant-based versions—cashew cream and nutritional yeast do the job surprisingly well.

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Ingredients for this Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara

Spaghetti – This is the foundation of the dish. Its long, thin strands soak up the creamy sauce and deliver a satisfying bite with every forkful.

Chicken Breast – Tender, lean pieces of chicken add hearty protein to balance out the richness of the sauce.

Shrimp – Slightly sweet and buttery, shrimp introduces a touch of elegance and a contrast in texture that makes this dish shine.

Bacon – Crisp, salty bacon brings a smoky depth that elevates the creaminess and enhances both the chicken and shrimp.

Egg Yolks – Essential for the carbonara sauce, they create that signature silkiness when combined with hot pasta.

Parmesan Cheese – Sharp and salty, it melts into the sauce, giving it body and an irresistible cheesy finish.

Heavy Cream – While not traditional in Roman carbonara, it adds luscious richness to this hybrid version.

Garlic – Just a touch goes a long way, adding warmth and aroma that ties all the ingredients together.

Olive Oil & Butter – Used to sauté the meats and garlic, these fats contribute to the dish’s luxurious mouthfeel.

Salt & Black Pepper – These simple seasonings highlight all the ingredients and add just the right punch.

Fresh Parsley – Sprinkled on top, it adds a burst of color and a fresh, clean finish to every bite.

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

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Step 2: Cook the Bacon

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.

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Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Season chicken breast pieces with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet with a bit of olive oil if needed. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

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Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

In the same skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter and add the shrimp. Sauté for 2–3 minutes per side or until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside with the chicken.

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Step 5: Sauté the Garlic

Add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

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Step 6: Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, grated parmesan, and heavy cream. Add a generous amount of freshly cracked black pepper.

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Step 7: Combine Everything

Return the cooked pasta to the skillet with a splash of reserved pasta water. Slowly pour in the sauce mixture, stirring quickly to avoid scrambling the eggs. Add more pasta water as needed for creaminess.

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Step 8: Add the Protein

Fold in the chicken, shrimp, and bacon. Toss everything together gently until evenly coated in the sauce and warmed through.

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Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped parsley and extra parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

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How Long to Cook the Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara

This dish comes together quickly—perfect for a weeknight meal. The pasta takes about 8–10 minutes to cook. Chicken should be seared and cooked through in around 6–7 minutes depending on the thickness, while shrimp only needs 4–6 minutes total. Once everything is combined, the sauce thickens within 1–2 minutes. Altogether, expect about 25–30 minutes from start to finish.

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Tips for Perfect Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara

• Use room temperature eggs: This helps the yolks blend more smoothly into the sauce without clumping.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp: They cook fast, so keep an eye on them—once they turn pink and firm, they’re done.
• Stir constantly when adding the sauce: The key to a silky sauce is gentle, quick mixing as the egg yolks blend with the pasta and heat.
• Reserve pasta water: It’s starchy and perfect for adjusting the consistency of your sauce.
• Grate your own parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as nicely and can lead to a gritty texture.
• Finish with cracked black pepper: It’s not just seasoning—it gives the dish its iconic carbonara kick.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Adding sauce over high heat – This can scramble the eggs. Always remove the skillet from direct heat before stirring in the sauce.
• Using cold ingredients – Cold eggs or cheese may not melt or blend properly. Bring them to room temperature before starting.
• Overcrowding the pan – Searing chicken or shrimp in a crowded skillet leads to steaming instead of browning. Cook in batches if needed.
• Skipping the pasta water – It’s liquid gold for your sauce, so save some before draining.
• Not seasoning at each step – Add salt and pepper as you go to build layers of flavor.

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What to Serve With Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara?

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, garlicky dressing, and crunchy croutons offer a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.

Garlic Bread

Warm, buttery, and loaded with garlic—this is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.

Roasted Broccoli

The slight bitterness of roasted broccoli pairs well with the rich carbonara, adding balance.

A Glass of Pinot Grigio

Light and crisp, it cuts through the richness of the dish beautifully.

Antipasto Platter

Start the meal with cured meats, olives, and marinated veggies to set the Italian tone.

Lemon Asparagus

Lemony, tender asparagus adds brightness and a pop of green to your plate.

Tiramisu

End the night with something sweet and classically Italian—this creamy dessert complements the savory main perfectly.

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Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers, store the Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do it gently over low heat on the stove or in short intervals in the microwave. Add a splash of milk, cream, or pasta water to loosen the sauce, as it tends to thicken in the fridge. For best results, remove shrimp before reheating and add them back at the end to avoid overcooking.

Freezing isn’t ideal for this dish due to the cream and eggs, which can separate and affect texture after thawing.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 610
• Protein: 39g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 31g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Cholesterol: 265mg
• Sodium: 690mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g

Note: These values are approximate and will vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What pasta shape can I use instead of spaghetti?

You can use fettuccine, linguine, bucatini, or even short pasta like penne if that’s what you have. Just make sure it holds sauce well.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep components like the chicken, shrimp, and sauce ingredients ahead, but for the best texture, assemble and serve fresh.

Do I have to use heavy cream?

While not traditional, it helps stabilize the sauce. You can use half-and-half or omit it if you prefer a more authentic carbonara.

How do I know the eggs are cooked in the sauce?

If the sauce thickens and coats the pasta smoothly, the residual heat has cooked the eggs just right. Stirring quickly prevents curdling.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Just thaw them fully and pat dry before cooking to ensure they sear rather than steam.

What cheese is best for carbonara?

Freshly grated parmesan or pecorino romano gives the best melt and sharpness. Avoid pre-shredded cheese.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can try dairy-free cream and parmesan alternatives. The flavor and texture will change slightly, but it’s doable.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not inherently, but you can add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for some heat if you like.

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Conclusion

Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara is that luxurious yet easy dish that turns a simple dinner into something truly memorable. It balances richness with freshness, and familiar comfort with a little flair. Once you try it, I promise it’ll become one of those meals you’ll crave again and again. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing guests, this dish delivers every single time.

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