This Copycat Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara recipe combines tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and a creamy, rich sauce made with garlic, Parmesan, and heavy cream. Served over a bed of pasta, it’s the perfect comfort dish that replicates the iconic restaurant favorite. Simple to make and full of flavor, this dish is sure to be a hit at home!
Craving Olive Garden’s famous Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara? Now you can enjoy it at home with this easy copycat recipe! Featuring tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and a creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce, this dish is served over pasta for a comforting, restaurant-quality meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
This is one of my favorite Copycat Olive Garden Recipes, it’s so good, you won’t believe how easy this recipe is! Serve with a plate of homemade Air Fryer Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks, for an amazing meal!
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Restaurant-Quality Flavor at Home: Enjoy the rich, creamy taste of Olive Garden’s Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara without leaving the house.
- Quick & Easy: This copycat recipe is made even faster in the air fryer, cutting down on cooking time while keeping all the flavor.
- Perfectly Cooked Protein: The air fryer ensures that both the chicken and shrimp are tender, juicy, and cooked to perfection.
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce: The indulgent sauce made with garlic, cream, and Parmesan adds the perfect finishing touch to this dish.
- Customizable for Your Taste: You can adjust the seasoning and ingredients to suit your preferences, making it your own personal version of this beloved classic.
Ingredients Needed
- Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless, sliced into strips.
- Shrimp: Peeled and deveined for cooking.
- Spaghetti: Cooked al dente and drained.
- Bacon: Cooked crispy and crumbled for topping.
- Egg Yolks: Used for creamy sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated, plus extra for garnish.
- Heavy Cream: Optional for extra richness.
- Garlic Powder: For added flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning the dish.
- Olive Oil: For coating and cooking.
- Parsley: Freshly chopped, for garnish.
How To Make Copycat Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara
Step One: In a bowl, toss the chicken strips and shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F (190°C), for 3-5 minutes.
Step Two: Place the chicken and shrimp in the basket in a single layer. Set cook time for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken is fully cooked and the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
Step Three: In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream (if using) until smooth.
Step Four: In a large skillet over low heat, combine the cooked spaghetti and crumbled bacon. Slowly pour in the egg yolk mixture, stirring constantly to coat the pasta without scrambling the eggs. Gently toss in the cooked chicken and shrimp, ensuring everything is evenly distributed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Step Five: Serve the pasta on plates, garnished with parsley and extra Parmesan, and enjoy while warm.
Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara Recipe Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh chicken, shrimp, and Parmesan cheese. Freshly grated Parmesan will give a richer, more authentic taste.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken or Shrimp: Overcooking can lead to dry, tough protein. Cook the chicken and shrimp just until they’re done, then set them aside to avoid overcooking.
- Pasta Cooking Tip: Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue cooking when mixed with the sauce. Reserve a bit of pasta water to help thin the sauce if it gets too thick.
- Creaminess: For an ultra-creamy sauce, feel free to add a bit more heavy cream. Adjust the consistency by adding reserved pasta water if necessary.
- Low Heat for the Sauce: When adding the egg yolk mixture to the pasta, do so on low heat and stir constantly to avoid scrambling the eggs and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
- Customize with Veggies: Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the pasta for added flavor and texture.
- Garnish: Don’t forget the garnish! Fresh parsley and a little extra Parmesan on top will elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise.
Storing and Reheating
- Storing: Store leftover Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Make sure the pasta and sauce are completely cooled before sealing to maintain freshness.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the Carbonara in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the sauce has thickened, add a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creamy texture.
What To Serve With Copycat Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara Recipe
Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara pairs perfectly with a variety of sides to complete the meal. Serve it with a light salad, such as a simple mixed greens salad with Italian dressing, to balance the richness of the creamy pasta.
You can also add a side of garlic bread or crusty baguette for dipping into the sauce. Roasted vegetables, like broccoli or asparagus, are another great option to complement the dish and add a touch of freshness.
Copycat Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara Recipe Faqs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with something else? If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and a little butter, though it may alter the richness of the sauce.
Can I add vegetables to the Carbonara? Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or peas for extra flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them with the chicken and shrimp.
How do I prevent the egg yolks from scrambling in the sauce? To prevent the egg yolks from scrambling, make sure to add them to the pasta over low heat and stir constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free? Simply swap the pasta for a gluten-free alternative, and ensure your bacon and seasonings are gluten-free as well.
Can I make this ahead of time? While Carbonara is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the chicken, shrimp, and sauce in advance, then combine and heat everything just before serving.
More Copycat Olive Garden Recipes
- olive garden chicken scampi
- olive garden chicken tortellini alfredo recipe
- olive garden stuffed ziti fritta
- olive garden chicken marsala recipe
- olive garden creamy garlic sauce
- air fryer copycat olive garden chocolate lasagna
- air fryer olive garden copycat lasagna fritta
- air fryer copycat olive garden shrimp alfredo
- air fryer copycat olive garden chicken parmigiana
- air fryer olive garden toasted ravioli
- instant pot copycat olive garden spinach artichoke dip
- air fryer olive garden fried mozzarella
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Copycat Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara
Description
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken Breast, boneless, skinless, boneless, skinless, sliced into strips.
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined.
- 8 ounces spaghetti, cooked al dente.
- 4 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled.
- 3 large egg yolks
- 3/4 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for coating
- 2 tablespoon parsley, freshly chopped, for garnish.
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss the chicken strips and shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the chicken and shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken is fully cooked and the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove from the air fryer and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream (if using) until smooth.
- In a large skillet over low heat, combine the cooked spaghetti with crumbled bacon.
- Slowly pour in the egg yolk mixture, stirring constantly to coat the pasta without scrambling the eggs.
- Carefully toss the cooked chicken and shrimp into the pasta, ensuring everything is evenly mixed. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Serve the pasta on plates, garnished with parsley and extra Parmesan, and enjoy while warm.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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