Description
Craving something rich, comforting, and absolutely unforgettable? This Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara brings together tender, golden-seared chicken and succulent shrimp in a velvety parmesan cream sauce, loaded with crispy pancetta and tossed with pasta to perfection. Inspired by Olive Garden’s iconic dish, this easy dinner recipe is ideal for cozy nights in or impressive weekend meals. It’s a fusion of classic carbonara with a luxurious twist — perfect for fans of quick yet indulgent food ideas, weeknight dinner ideas, or anyone looking for a high-impact easy recipe with minimal fuss. Every creamy, savory bite delivers layers of flavor and irresistible texture. Let this restaurant-style pasta be your next go-to favorite for both comfort and celebration.
Ingredients
Protein & Pasta:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced)
- 12–16 large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
Sauce Base:
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup Pecorino Romano cheese (optional)
Flavor & Aromatics:
- 6 strips pancetta or bacon (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small onion (chopped)
Seasonings & Extras:
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
- In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, cream, Parmesan, and Pecorino. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook pancetta until crisp. Remove and set aside.
- Season and sauté chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove.
- Cook shrimp in the same skillet for 1–2 minutes per side. Remove.
- Add garlic and onion to the skillet and cook until soft and fragrant.
- Return pasta to skillet. Reduce heat and stir in the egg-cream-cheese mixture.
- Add pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Stir in pancetta, chicken, and shrimp. Toss gently to coat everything.
- Garnish with parsley, extra cheese, and red pepper flakes. Serve hot!.