• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

A Full Living

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Spring Recipes
  • Recipes
  • Portfolio
  • About Us
  • Work Together
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Spring Recipes
    • Recipes
    • Portfolio
    • About Us
    • Work Together
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
  • ×

    A Full Living » Blog » Fish and Shellfish

    Published: Jan 26, 2023 by Briana · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara (Olive Garden Copycat)

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    chicken and shrimp carbonara olive garden copycat

    This Copycat Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara Pasta is perfect for special occasions! Tender chicken pieces, juicy shrimp, and crispy bacon in a creamy sauce with onions, garlic, and red peppers make for a truly spectacular dish. Serve with crispy breadcrumbs and bucatini!

    chicken and shrimp carbonara surrounded by parmesan cheese, cooked shrimp, bacon, parsley, white wine, and a baguette.

    This recipe is not a traditional Italian carbonara, we know. This recipe is the Olive Garden chicken & shrimp version, a fan favorite that's packed with flavor.

    This recipe is perfect for the home cook who wants to skip the takeout and make something next level. It's complete with a rich carbonara sauce made with egg yolks, cream, and parmesan.

    If you're looking for more hearty pasta dishes to try, be sure to try this lobster pasta, this chicken bacon mushroom pasta, this creamy salmon pasta, or this squid ink pasta with calamari!

    You may also like this butter poached lobster, these baked crab legs, or this cajun seafood boil recipe.

    Jump to:
    • ❤️Why we love this recipe
    • 🍤Ingredients
    • ✨Substitutions & variations
    • 🔪Prep work
    • 📋Instructions
    • ✨Tips & tricks
    • 💭Frequently Asked Questions
    • More Recipes To Consider
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Community

    ❤️Why we love this recipe

    • Perfect for date night or special occasions - Maybe you need something extra special for Valentine's Day or date night, or even a birthday! This recipe pulls out all the stops.
    • Made with staple ingredients - Made with pantry staples, you can find anything you don't already have on hand in nearly any grocery store.
    • Hearty and filling - This protein packed pasta makes for a very filling dinner!
    • Cheaper than takeout - Make this Olive Garden copycat at home for a fraction of the price, plus, there will be leftovers!

    🍤Ingredients

    Here are the ingredients we used for this recipe. You can find more information for substitutions below.

    ingredients to make chicken and shrimp carbonara with all of the ingredients labeled to denote each one.
    • Extra virgin olive oil
    • Panko bread crumbs - Optional
    • Bacon - We also will save some of the bacon fat.
    • Boneless skinless chicken breasts - We used chicken breast tenders so that they cooked up even quicker.
    • Large shrimp - Peeled and deveined to remove the shrimp intestines. You can leave the tails on or off, it's up to you.
    • Kosher salt & black pepper
    • Italian seasoning
    • Smoked paprika - Optional, but adds nice color and smokiness.
    • Unsalted butter
    • Onion
    • Red bell pepper
    • Garlic
    • Egg yolks
    • Parmesan cheese
    • Heavy cream
    • Parsley
    • Bucatini pasta
    • Reserved pasta water

    Visit the recipe card for the full quantities and nutritional information.

    ✨Substitutions & variations

    Here are a few suggestions on additional flavors to try, or simple variations to this recipe.

    • Lower calorie - Omit the heavy whipping cream, and bacon.
    • Swap the bacon - If you want to go a more traditional route, you can swap bacon for guanciale or pancetta. This crispy prosciutto would also be great!
    • Omit the red bell pepper - If you don't like red bell pepper, that's no problem, you can just leave it out.
    • Skip the breadcrumbs - The breadcrumbs are an untraditional addition, but they really bring the whole dish together. You can easily leave them out.
    • Spicy - Add some red pepper flakes and/or cayenne pepper to taste. You may also enjoy this cajun shrimp and sausage pasta!
    • Use onion and garlic powder - If you're low on time, you can use garlic and onion powder instead of fresh onion and garlic.

    🔪Prep work

    • Thinly slice bell peppers.
    • Dice the onion.
    • Mince the garlic and (optional) parsley.
    • Peel and devein the shrimp if necessary.
    • Grate parmesan cheese.
    • If using breadcrumbs, preheat the oven to 400°F, with a rack on the lower middle position. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Measure out all remaining ingredients.

    📋Instructions

    Toast the breadcrumbs

    If making crispy bread crumbs, continue to steps 1 & 2. If you are skipping the breadcrumbs, skip to step 3.

    Add panko breadcrumbs in a single layer to the baking sheet, then season with salt, pepper, parsley, and olive oil. (Image 1) Bake for 5-10 minutes, until the desired color is achieved, then immediately remove from heat and set aside. (Image 2)

    hand seasonings bread crumbs on a baking sheet with parchment with salt, pepper, parsley, and olive oil.
    crispy baked breadcrumbs on a baking sheet.

    Make the bacon

    Add bacon to a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the bacon is browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. (Image 3) Reserve two tablespoons of bacon grease, and discard the rest. Set bacon on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any extra grease.

    cooked bacon in a large skillet.

    Cook the chicken

    In a mixing bowl, season the chicken with 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of pepper, ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning. (Image 4)

    Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet, then cook the chicken until browned on both sides, and the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F, then remove from the skillet and set aside. (Image 5) Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes then cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

    seasoned chicken breast tenders in a mixing bowl.
    cooked chicken breast tenders in a large skillet.

    Pro tip: Cook time will vary depending on the size of the chicken. For a large chicken breast, it will take roughly 5-6 minutes per side to cook through. Smaller pieces (like tenders) will cook much faster. That's why using an instant-read thermometer (affiliate link) is helpful.

    Cook the shrimp

    In a separate mixing bowl, add the shrimp, along with 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of pepper, ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning. (Image 6)

    Increase to medium-high heat, and add the remaining olive oil, followed by the shrimp in a single layer.

    Cook until translucent and the internal temperature reaches 145°F with a thermometer. This should take about one minute per side. You may have to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. (Image 7)

    Once cooked, remove from the skillet and set aside.

    Meanwhile, bring a large pot of pasta to a boil. Once boiling, salt the water heavily (it should taste very salty) then add the bucatini. Cook for about 2-3 minutes under the suggested cooking time according to the package. The pasta will finish cooking in the sauce.

    raw shrimp on large plate being seasoned with tongs.
    cooked shrimp in a skillet seasoned with paprika.

    Cook the veggies

    Reduce the heat to medium, and add the butter and reserved bacon fat. Then, add the onions and bell peppers with a good pinch of salt. Cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes, then add in the garlic and cook until the garlic is fragrant about 30 seconds. (Image 8)

    cooked red peppers, and onions in a skillet with fresh garlic.

    Make the rich carbonara sauce

    In a mixing bowl, combine egg yolks, heavy cream, parmesan, some salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously with a heavy-duty wire whisk to combine. (Image 9)

    Using tongs, add the cooked pasta right into the skillet, then remove the skillet from the heat, and add in the egg yolk mixture. (Image 10)

    Toss constantly with the tongs while very slowly pouring in small amounts of pasta water to help gently cook the egg, and make the sauce cling to the noodles. (Image 11)

    hand whisking egg yolks, cream, and parmesan in a bowl.
    tossing bucatini with an egg yolk, cream and parmesan mixture in a large skillet.
    hand tossing pasta with tongs and pouring in pasta water to form a sauce.

    Bring it all together

    Add back the cooked chicken, bacon bits, shrimp, and fresh parsley. Toss to combine and adjust seasonings to taste. (Image 12)

    parsley, shrimp, bacon, and chicken added to an enameled skillet with pasta and tongs in the skillet.

    Garnish with the toasted breadcrumbs, more parsley, salt, pepper, and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

    stunning macro shot of pasta with chicken, shrimp, bacon, and parsley in it with a creamy sauce.

    ✨Tips & tricks

    • Undercook the pasta. Remove the pasta from the water and place right into the skillet when it is about 2-3 minutes under the package instructions for cook time. We want the pasta to be al dente, this ensures the pasta doesn't become mushy and overcooked, as it will continue to cook with the hot veggies in the pan.
    • Once the pasta is added, remove the skillet from the heat. Don't add in the egg yolk mixture until the pasta is removed from the heat, or else you will end up with scrambled eggs.
    • Keep the pasta and egg yolk mixture moving with tongs when adding pasta water. You want to toss the mixture constantly to ensure the noodles are well coated, and that you don't scramble the egg yolk.
    • Use freshly grated parmesan cheese. This ensures your sauce doesn't become lumpy.

    Need supplies? Shop our Amazon store! Stock your pantry, and find all of our favorite kitchen tools! A Full Living LLC earns a small commission through purchases on our storefront to help support this site.

    💭Frequently Asked Questions

    What is traditional Italian carbonara?

    Traditional Italian carbonara is a pasta dish from Rome made with egg yolks, hard cheese (usually parmesan or pecorino romano), cured pork (usually guanciale or pancetta), and black pepper.

    Is this Olive Garden copycat recipe authentic?


    Absolutely not, but it is delicious! This shrimp and chicken carbonara is definitely not an authentic Italian food, but has been made popularized by the Italian-American chain Olive Garden.

    Although it's not authentic, it's certainly delicious, and includes onion, garlic, bacon, chicken, shrimp, bell peppers, and cream.

    Is carbonara safe to eat with raw eggs?

    The raw egg yolks in carbonara actually get cooked by the residual heat of the hot pasta and pasta water. Essentially, the egg is not raw by the time you eat it, and is generally considered safe to eat!

    How to store the leftovers:

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Leave off any breadcrumbs until right before serving, or they will become soggy. Do not freeze.

    We also highly recommend storing leftover pasta water in a separate container in the fridge, and adding a bit of it to the pasta when reheating it.

    When reheating, add a bit of pasta water, and reheat gently on the stovetop until warmed through, or on 50% power in the microwave in a microwave-safe dish.

    More Recipes To Consider

    • lobster pasta recipe on a fork
      Lobster Pasta Recipe
    • squid ink pasta
      Squid Ink Pasta with Calamari
    • lemon garlic pasta
      Easy Lemon Garlic Pasta (Pasta al Limone)
    • chicken bacon mushroom pasta with spinach
      Chicken Bacon Mushroom Pasta with Spinach

    Did you try this recipe? Make sure to leave a 5-star review below! 🌟 This helps other readers find our recipes and encourages them to try them. Also, be sure to leave a comment with your experience. Follow along, and tag @AFullLiving on Instagram with your photos!

    📖 Recipe

    chicken and shrimp carbonara

    Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara

    This Olive Garden Copycat Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara is packed with flavor and is even better than the restaurant version! It's hearty, filling, and great for date nights and other special occasions or even cozy weekends in.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate SaveSaved!
    Prep Time: 25 minutes
    Cook Time: 35 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour
    Servings: 10 servings
    Author: Briana

    Equipment

    • large skillet
    • large stock pot or dutch oven

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)
    • 4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
    • 1.5 teaspoons black pepper, divided
    • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
    • fresh parsley (optional)
    • 12 ounces bacon, cut into small pieces
    • 2 tablespoons reserved bacon fat
    • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
    • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (can use chicken tenders)
    • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
    • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • 1 large yellow onion, diced
    • 1 large red bell pepper, sliced thin
    • 10 cloves garlic, minced
    • 4 large egg yolks
    • 4 ounces parmesan cheese, freshly grated
    • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
    • 1 pound bucatini
    • 1 cup reserved pasta water

    Instructions

    • If making breadcrumbs, add panko breadcrumbs in a single layer to the baking sheet, then season with salt, pepper, parsley, and olive oil. Bake for 5-10 minutes, until the desired color is achieved, then immediately remove from heat and set aside. If not making breadcrumbs, skip ahead to the next step.
    • Add bacon to a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the bacon is browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside on a paper-towel-lined plate. Reserve two tablespoons of bacon grease, and discard the rest.
    • In a mixing bowl, season the chicken with 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of pepper, ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet, then cook the chicken until browned on both sides, and the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F, then remove from the skillet and set aside. Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes then cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
    • In a separate mixing bowl, add the shrimp, along with 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of pepper, ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Increase the heat to medium-high heat, and add the remaining olive oil, followed by the shrimp in a single layer. Cook until translucent and the internal temperature reaches 145°F with a thermometer. This should take about one minute per side. You may have to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Once cooked, remove from the skillet and set aside.
    • Meanwhile, bring a large pot of pasta to a boil. Once boiling, salt the water heavily (it should taste very salty) then add the bucatini. Cook for about 2-3 minutes under the suggested cooking time according to the package. The pasta will finish cooking in the sauce.
    • Reduce the heat to medium, and add the butter and reserved bacon fat. Then, add the onions and bell peppers with a good pinch of salt. Cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes, then add in the garlic and cook until the garlic is fragrant about 30 seconds.
    • In a mixing bowl, combine egg yolks, heavy cream, parmesan, some salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously with a heavy-duty wire whisk to combine.
    • Using tongs, add the cooked pasta right into the skillet, then remove the skillet from the heat, and add in the egg yolk mixture. Toss constantly with the tongs while very slowly pouring in small amounts of pasta water to help gently cook the egg, and make the sauce cling to the noodles.
    • Add back the cooked chicken, bacon bits, shrimp, and fresh parsley. Toss to combine and adjust seasonings to taste. Garnish with the toasted breadcrumbs, more parsley, salt, pepper, and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
    • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Do not freeze. When reheating, add a bit of pasta water, and reheat gently on the stovetop until warmed through, or on 50% power in the microwave in a microwave-safe dish.

    Notes

    • You can swap bacon with guanciale or pancetta for a more traditional ingredient. 
    • Always reserve salty pasta water and store leftovers in the fridge, as it helps the sauce come together when the egg yolks are added, and it's great for reheating the pasta later. 
    • Be sure to use freshly grated parmesan to ensure it melts properly. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 688kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 259mg | Sodium: 1459mg | Potassium: 588mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1263IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 158mg | Iron: 2mg

    These nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy and are only estimates. We cannot guarantee the accuracy.

    Did you love it?If you made this recipe, make sure to show us on Instagram at @AFullLiving or tag #AFullLiving! We love to see what you guys are making!
    Course: Main Course, Pasta
    Cuisine: American, Italian-American
    « Protein Overnight Oats
    Air Fryer Waffle Fries »

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Briana and Chamere in Norway Opera House

    Hi, We're A Full Living! Bringing wholesome recipes, treats, & drinks for all occasions!

    Everything here is made with love. We make all of our recipes as approachable as possible so that you can enjoy them as much as we do!

    More about us→

    Spring Recipes

    • mozzarella stuffed chicken wrapped in parma ham
      Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Wrapped in Parma Ham
    • keto glazed carrots with herbs on a white scallop plate
      Keto Glazed Carrots (No Sugar Added Maple Glazed Carrots)
    • Cold asparagus salad.
      Cold Asparagus Salad
    • rose latte
      Rose Latte
    • arugula spinach salad
      Arugula Spinach Salad
    • keto carrot cake recipe
      Keto Carrot Cake Recipe

    More Spring Recipes

    Trending Recipes

    • cowboy butter dipping sauce
      Cowboy Butter Dipping Sauce
    • cajun chicken alfredo.
      Cajun Chicken Alfredo
    • air fryer short ribs
      Air Fryer Short Ribs
    • seafood boil with cajun garlic butter sauce.
      Cajun Seafood Boil Recipe
    • dutch oven corned beef and cabbage.
      Dutch Oven Corned Beef and Cabbage
    • lavender gin cocktail lavender gin fizz
      Lavender Gin Cocktail (Gin Fizz)
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • About us
    • Accessibility

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Work With Us
    • Portfolio

    As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This website earns income from ads.

    Copyright © 2023 A Full Living