Step-by-Step Guide to Olive Garden’s Famous Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara 2025
Imagine indulging in a rich, creamy pasta dish brimming with tender chicken, succulent shrimp, crispy bacon, and a luscious cheese sauce that perfectly coats every strand of spaghetti. This is the magic of Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara—a beloved twist on the classic Italian recipe that brings together land and sea in one unforgettable plate. Whether you’re craving a comforting weeknight meal or planning a special dinner to impress guests, this dish delivers flavor, texture, and ease all at once.
Unlike traditional carbonara, which uses only eggs, cheese, pancetta, and black pepper, this version incorporates cream, chicken, and shrimp to add heartiness and a modern flair. The result is an indulgent yet approachable recipe that anyone can master at home, elevating everyday dinner into an experience worthy of a restaurant.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find everything you need to create this dish perfectly—from selecting ingredients and cooking techniques to expert tips, variations, nutrition details, and answers to common questions. Let’s dive into making your own Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara, step by step.
What is Carbonara?
Traditional Carbonara Origins
Carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish originating from Rome, traditionally made with simple ingredients: eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, cured pork (pancetta or guanciale), black pepper, and spaghetti. The magic lies in the technique—mixing hot pasta with eggs and cheese off the heat to create a creamy, silky sauce without scrambling the eggs.
How Olive Garden’s Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara Differs
While traditional carbonara is minimalistic, Olive Garden’s version expands on the idea by adding cream for extra richness and incorporating protein variety with chicken and shrimp. The bacon substitutes pancetta, and the cream helps create a sauce that’s more stable and forgiving for home cooks.
This variation balances indulgence with approachability, making it a favorite for those who want the creamy, smoky flavors of carbonara with added substance and flavor layers.
Ingredients You’ll Need and Why They Matter
Protein Components
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless breasts are tender and mild, absorbing the flavors of the sauce well. Slicing after cooking ensures juiciness.
- Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp add a sweet, briny contrast and tender bite, complementing the chicken.
- Bacon: Provides smoky, crispy texture and umami depth. Bacon fat is also used to cook chicken and shrimp for extra flavor.
Pasta and Sauce Ingredients
- Spaghetti: The classic choice for carbonara. It holds the sauce well, but fettuccine or linguine can work too.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness and smoothness to the sauce, helping bind the cheese and egg yolks.
- Egg Yolks: Create a silky texture in the sauce, essential to carbonara’s characteristic creaminess.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor and thickens the sauce.
- Butter and Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and flavor layering.
- Garlic: Provides aromatic depth.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Basic seasoning; freshly ground black pepper adds mild heat and complexity.
- Fresh Parsley: For freshness and color at the end.
- Optional Red Pepper Flakes: For those who like a little heat.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Create Perfect Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara
Step 1: Cooking the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Salt enhances the pasta’s flavor from the inside out. Add spaghetti and cook according to the package until al dente—cooked but still firm to the bite. Avoid overcooking as the pasta will continue to cook slightly when combined with sauce.
Reserve about half a cup of pasta water before draining; this starchy water helps adjust sauce consistency later.
Step 2: Preparing the Bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, add chopped bacon and cook until it’s crisp and golden brown. This renders the fat, which imparts deep flavor.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon onto paper towels to drain excess grease. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet for cooking chicken and shrimp; it infuses them with smoky richness.
Step 3: Searing the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper.
Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet with bacon fat. Sear the chicken on medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the surface is nicely golden.
Remove chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist. Then slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces.
Step 4: Cooking the Shrimp
Using the same skillet, add a tablespoon of butter and melt it over medium heat.
Add shrimp, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Cook 2 to 3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside with chicken.
Step 5: Making the Carbonara Sauce
Lower the heat to medium-low. Add more butter if necessary.
Sauté minced garlic in butter for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned, as burnt garlic tastes bitter.
Pour in heavy cream and gently simmer, stirring occasionally.
In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth.
Temper the yolks by slowly adding a few tablespoons of warm cream while whisking constantly; this prevents eggs from scrambling.
Then, gradually pour the tempered yolks into the cream mixture, whisking continuously.
Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce thickens slightly, becoming silky and creamy.
If sauce becomes too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it.
Step 6: Combining All Ingredients
Add cooked spaghetti directly into the sauce, tossing gently to coat every strand evenly.
Add sliced chicken, shrimp, and crispy bacon back to the pan.
Toss everything together carefully and warm through for 1–2 minutes on low heat.
Step 7: Garnishing and Serving
Plate the carbonara, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for color and freshness.
Add red pepper flakes if you like a mild spicy kick.
Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Avoid Scrambled Eggs: Always temper yolks with warm cream slowly and stir constantly. Use low heat when adding eggs to the sauce.
- Pasta Water Magic: Starchy pasta water is your friend—it smooths the sauce and helps it cling better to pasta.
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook fast and become rubbery if overdone.
- Rest Chicken: Never slice chicken immediately after cooking to avoid dryness.
- Cheese Quality Matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor; pre-grated powders won’t melt as smoothly.
- Add Heat Carefully: Red pepper flakes add great contrast but start with a pinch.
Variations to Customize Your Carbonara
- Vegetarian: Skip meat and shrimp. Add sautéed mushrooms, peas, or baby spinach for texture.
- Healthier Version: Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream; reduce bacon or substitute with turkey bacon.
- Different Proteins: Try scallops, crab meat, or tofu for unique flavors.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute spaghetti with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.
Storing and Reheating Your Carbonara
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently on stove or microwave; add splash of cream or milk to restore sauce consistency.
- Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per Serving)
- Calories: 780
- Protein: 45g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Cholesterol: 275mg
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
Note: Nutritional values vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw completely before cooking for best texture.
Q2: How do I prevent sauce from curdling?
Whisk yolks slowly into warm (not boiling) cream and avoid high heat.
Q3: What wine pairs well?
Try a crisp Pinot Grigio or buttery Chardonnay to balance richness.
Q4: Can I make this ahead of time?
Prepare components separately and combine when ready to serve.
Q5: What if I don’t eat pork?
Use turkey bacon or smoked paprika to add smoky flavor.
Conclusion
Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara is a dish that effortlessly combines comfort and sophistication. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a meal that tastes like it belongs in a restaurant yet is perfectly suited for home dining. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this creamy, flavorful pasta dish will satisfy your cravings and impress anyone lucky enough to share the table.
Give this recipe a try, personalize it with your favorite ingredients, and enjoy a little slice of Italian-inspired comfort in your own kitchen.
