Copycat Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara Recipe: Best Recipe In 2024

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara Recipe

Enjoy the creamy goodness of Olive Garden’s Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara in your kitchen. It’s filled with tender chicken, juicy shrimp, and crispy bacon in a rich sauce. All mixed with perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves Olive Garden or wants a top-notch meal at home.

Key Takeaways

• Recreate the iconic Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara at home
• Discover the history and unique features of the classic Carbonara dish
• Learn essential ingredients and equipment needed for restaurant-style Carbonara
• Master the art of preparing the pasta base, cooking the proteins, and crafting the signature cream sauce
• Explore expert tips for achieving the perfect temperature, seasoning, and plating
• Discover storage and reheating guidelines to enjoy your Carbonara leftovers
• Experiment with recipe variations and substitutions to suit your taste preferences

Why This Olive Garden Carbonara Recipe Is a Must-Try

Carbonara is a beloved Italian pasta dish loved by many. The traditional version is simple yet delicious, with eggs, cheese, and cured pork. Olive Garden has elevated this classic with their chicken and shrimp carbonara.

History of the Classic Carbonara

The origins of carbonara come from cucina romana, Rome’s traditional cuisine. It was made for Italian coal workers, called carbonari. They needed a hearty meal after a long day.

The dish combines eggs, cheese, and cured pork. This gave them the energy and protein they needed.

What Makes This Version Special

• Olive Garden’s olive garden carbonara adds chicken and shrimp. This gives a seafood and poultry twist to the classic.
• The creamy sauce makes this version stand out. Unlike traditional carbonara, which is more egg-based.
• The mix of tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and rich cream sauce is decadent. It offers a satisfying dining experience.

If you love Olive Garden or just great Italian food, try this chicken and shrimp carbonara. It’s a must-try for any food lover.

Essential Ingredients for Restaurant-Style Carbonara

Making an authentic olive garden chicken and shrimp carbonara at home needs top-notch ingredients. These ingredients bring out the classic Italian dish’s signature flavors. From the right pasta to the creamy sauce, each part is key to a great chicken and shrimp carbonara experience.

Here are the must-have ingredients for a successful dish:

• Pasta: Choose a long, thin pasta like spaghetti or linguine for your olive garden chicken and shrimp carbonara.
• Chicken and Shrimp: Fresh, high-quality chicken and shrimp are essential for the right texture and taste.
• Bacon: Crispy, smoky bacon adds a rich, deep flavor to the sauce.
• Eggs: Beaten eggs make the sauce creamy and velvety.
• Heavy Cream: Heavy cream adds a luxurious feel to the carbonara.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, salty taste that balances the dish.
• Garlic: Minced garlic boosts the flavor and complements the other ingredients.
• Seasonings: A mix of black pepper, salt, and herbs and spices brings the olive garden chicken and shrimp carbonara to life.

By choosing the finest ingredients and mixing them with care, you can make Olive Garden’s famous chicken and shrimp carbonara in your kitchen.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

To make the perfect Olive Garden Carbonara at home, you need the right kitchen tools. Make sure you have the essential cookware and tools to get a dish that tastes like it’s from a restaurant.

Recommended Pots and Pans

• A large stockpot or Dutch oven for boiling the pasta
• A 12-inch sauté pan or skillet for cooking the chicken and shrimp
• A small saucepan for preparing the carbonara sauce

Essential Cooking Tools

1. A sturdy whisk for blending the carbonara sauce ingredients
2. A set of tongs or a pasta fork for handling and serving the cooked pasta
3. A sharp chef’s knife for prepping the protein and garnishes
4. A microplane or fine grater for freshly grating Parmesan cheese

Optional Equipment

While not necessary, some extra tools can help with making olive garden carbonara:

• A garlic press for mincing fresh garlic
• A meat thermometer to ensure the chicken and shrimp are cooked to perfection
• A high-powered blender or food processor for a silkier carbonara sauce

With the right pots, pans, and tools, you can make a restaurant-quality olive garden carbonara in your kitchen.

Preparing the Perfect Pasta Base

The chicken and shrimp carbonara from Olive Garden starts with great pasta. To get that restaurant feel, follow these steps for the pasta base.

First, cook the pasta al dente. It should be tender with a slight chew. Overcooking it will result in mushy pasta. So, watch the cooking time closely.

It’s also important to save some pasta water. This water is key to making the olive garden carbonara sauce stick to the noodles. It makes the dish silky and smooth. Don’t throw away that pasta water!

To stop the pasta from sticking, toss it with olive oil or butter. This keeps the strands apart and ready for the creamy sauce.

• Cook pasta al dente for the perfect texture
• Reserve a cup of the starchy pasta cooking water
• Drizzle cooked pasta with a bit of olive oil or butter to keep it from sticking.

With these tips, you’re on your way to making Olive Garden-style chicken and shrimp carbonara at home. The key is a well-made pasta base.

Mastering the Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara

Making the perfect olive garden chicken and shrimp carbonara is about getting the ingredients right and mastering the sauce. Here are some tips to make your homemade carbonara as good as Olive Garden’s.

Protein Preparation Tips

The protein in olive garden chicken and shrimp carbonara is key to its taste and texture. Here’s how to cook your chicken and shrimp just right:

1. Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and your choice of spices. Pan-fry until golden and cooked, then cut into small pieces.
2. Shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp, then dry them with paper towels. Cook in hot oil until pink and done.

Sauce Making Techniques

The creamy sauce is what makes olive garden chicken and shrimp carbonara special. The trick is to temper the eggs to avoid curdling:

• Temper the Eggs: Whisk egg yolks and Parmesan in a bowl. Slowly add hot pasta water while whisking to temper the eggs.
• Toss with Pasta: Mix the tempered egg mixture with pasta, chicken, and shrimp. Toss over low heat until the sauce thickens.

By using these tips for protein and sauce, you’ll soon be making the famous olive garden chicken and shrimp carbonara at home.

Creating the Signature Cream Sauce

Making the perfect olive garden carbonara sauce is crucial. It’s all about the sauce. Follow these steps to make the Olive Garden’s signature cream sauce at home.

Begin by mixing egg yolks, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese in a bowl. Heat this mix gently over a double boiler, stirring constantly. This ensures it thickens smoothly without curdling.

When the sauce is thick enough, take it off the heat. Add a bit of butter to make it silky smooth. Season with black pepper and nutmeg for extra flavor.

The secret to a great chicken and shrimp carbonara sauce is slow mixing. Take your time and keep the temperature steady. This way, you’ll get a creamy sauce that coats everything beautifully.

Expert Tips for Cooking Chicken and Shrimp

Making the perfect olive garden chicken and shrimp carbonara needs careful attention. This is especially true when cooking the proteins. Follow these expert tips to make sure your chicken and shrimp are just right. This will improve the taste and texture of this favorite dish.

Temperature Control Guidelines

It’s important to control the temperature for juicy chicken and tender shrimp. Here are some tips:

• Chicken should be cooked to 165°F (74°C) to be fully cooked and safe.
• Shrimp should be opaque and pink, cooked for 2-3 minutes per side, depending on size.
• Use a meat thermometer for chicken and check shrimp visually to ensure they’re cooked.

Seasoning Secrets

The right seasoning can make the olive garden chicken and shrimp carbonara even better. Here are some seasoning tips:

1. Season chicken with salt, black pepper, and spices like garlic powder or paprika.
2. For shrimp, use salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice to highlight their natural taste.
3. Don’t over-season, as the carbonara sauce will add to the dish’s flavor.

By following these tips on temperature and seasoning, your olive garden chicken and shrimp carbonara will be a hit. It will be full of delicious flavors.

Assembling and Plating Your Carbonara

Making a perfect chicken and shrimp carbonara is like art. Follow these steps to make your Olive Garden-inspired carbonara look great.

Combining the Elements

Start by mixing the cooked pasta with the creamy sauce. Then, fold in the chicken and shrimp until they’re spread out well. Finish with some Parmesan cheese and parsley for extra flavor and color.

Plating for Perfection

1. Twirl the pasta into a neat mound in a bowl or plate.
2. Place the chicken and shrimp on top of the pasta in a pretty way.
3. Top it off with more Parmesan cheese and parsley.

To make your dish look like it’s from Olive Garden, aim for a balanced and pretty presentation. This will highlight the chicken and shrimp carbonara beautifully.

With a bit of care, your chicken and shrimp carbonara can look like a restaurant dish. It will surely wow your guests.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

After enjoying the olive garden chicken and shrimp carbonara, it’s key to store and reheat it right. This ensures you get the most out of your leftovers. Here are some expert tips to keep your dish fresh and tasty.

Proper Storage Methods

To keep your olive garden chicken and shrimp carbonara at its best, proper storage is crucial. Here’s what you need to do:

• Let the dish cool down completely before putting it in an airtight container.
•  Refrigerate the carbonara within 2 hours of cooking. It’s best to eat it within 3-4 days.
•  For longer storage, freeze it for 2-3 months. Use freezer-safe containers or bags.

Best Reheating Practices

When reheating your olive garden chicken and shrimp carbonara, follow these steps for the best results:

1. Thaw frozen carbonara in the fridge overnight, if needed.
2. Heat the carbonara on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring often until it’s warm.
3. You can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds to avoid burning.
4. Adding a bit of milk or cream when reheating helps keep it creamy.

By using these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy the olive garden chicken and shrimp carbonara even after the first time you eat it.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

The Olive Garden chicken and shrimp carbonara is a beloved dish. Feel free to make it your own by experimenting with new ingredients. Want a veggie option or something lighter? This recipe is perfect for getting creative.

Protein Swaps

For a veggie version, try using tofu, tempeh, or roasted veggies. Or, swap the chicken and shrimp for pork or beef. It’s a great way to mix things up.

Lower-Calorie Modifications

• Choose low-fat or non-fat dairy for a lighter sauce.
• Use milk and cornstarch instead of heavy cream for less fat.
• Try baking or air-frying the proteins to use less oil.

Flavor Variations

Want to spice up the chicken and shrimp carbonara? Add herbs, spices, lemon, or white wine to the sauce. Smoked paprika or bacon can add a smoky flavor. Feel free to try different pasta types, like whole-wheat or gluten-free.

The Olive Garden carbonara recipe is all about trying new things. Mix up the proteins, cut calories, and play with flavors. It’s a chance to make the dish your own and show off your cooking skills.

Conclusion

In this article, you’ve learned how to make the famous Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara at home. You now know the history of carbonara and how to make this dish special. You’re ready to make a dish that will wow your family and friends.

With the right steps and tips, your chicken and shrimp carbonara will be amazing. You’ll have perfectly cooked pasta, tasty protein, and a creamy sauce. It will be just like Olive Garden’s.

So, get your ingredients ready and start cooking. Show off your cooking skills with this Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara. Enjoy making a dish that feels like Olive Garden, but in your own kitchen.

FAQ

What is the Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara?

The Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara is a tasty pasta dish. It has a creamy sauce, tender chicken, juicy shrimp, and crispy bacon. It’s a creative take on the classic Italian carbonara.

How does the Olive Garden version differ from traditional carbonara?

Traditional Italian carbonara uses eggs, Parmesan cheese, and cured pork. Olive Garden’s version adds chicken and shrimp for more protein. It also has a rich, creamy sauce that makes it stand out.

What are the key ingredients in Olive Garden’s Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara?

The main ingredients are pasta, chicken, shrimp, bacon, eggs, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and seasonings. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients is key to getting the Olive Garden taste right.

What kitchen equipment do I need to make this dish?

You’ll need a big pot for pasta, a pan for cooking proteins, and a whisk for the sauce. Optional tools include a garlic press and a microplane for Parmesan cheese.

How do I properly cook the pasta for this dish?

Cook pasta al dente and save some starchy water for the sauce. Coat the cooked pasta with olive oil to keep it from sticking.

What are the keys to making the creamy Olive Garden-style carbonara sauce?

To make the creamy sauce, slowly add the egg-and-cream mix to hot pasta while stirring. Keep the temperature right and add ingredients gradually for the best consistency.

How can I ensure the chicken and shrimp are cooked perfectly?

Check internal temperatures, seasonings, and cooking methods for the proteins. Sear chicken and shrimp quickly to get a caramelized outside and a tender inside.

How should I assemble and plate the Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara?

Mix cooked pasta with the creamy sauce, then add the seared chicken and shrimp. Serve in a bowl or plate, topped with Parmesan cheese and parsley for a fancy look.

How can I store and reheat leftover Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan, stirring often, until warm. Avoid microwaving to prevent sauce separation.

Can I make any substitutions or variations to the Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara recipe?

Yes, you can make it your own. Try vegetarian options like tofu or mushrooms, or different seafood. You can also change seasonings or make it healthier to fit your diet.