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If you’re a fan of Olive Garden’s famous Shrimp Carbonara, this copycat recipe will transport you straight to the restaurant without ever leaving your home. This creamy, indulgent pasta dish combines the richness of carbonara with the deliciousness of shrimp and chicken, creating a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a comforting meal, this recipe for how to make Olive Garden’s Shrimp Carbonara will become your go-to.
How to Make Olive Garden’s Shrimp Carbonara Recipe (Copycat)
Let’s break down the step-by-step guide to recreating this beloved Italian classic at home!
1. Ingredients
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s make sure you have all the ingredients needed for this Homemade Olive Garden’s Shrimp Carbonara Recipe:
For the Carbonara Sauce:
- 4 egg yolks – the base for your carbonara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream – to create the rich, creamy consistency
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – adds depth to the sauce
- 1 cup grated Romano cheese – gives extra flavor and a sharper bite
- 1 tbsp olive oil – for sautéing
- 1 garlic clove, minced – enhances the aroma
For the Shrimp and Chicken:
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined) – the star protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – complements the shrimp for a satisfying meal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour – for dredging the chicken
- 1 tbsp olive oil – for frying the chicken
- Salt and black pepper – to taste
- ½ tsp paprika – adds a mild smokiness
- ¼ cup white wine (optional) – for deglazing the pan
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta – the perfect base for this creamy dish
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Crumbled bacon – adds a crispy texture
- Lemon wedges – for a burst of brightness
2. Instructions
Follow these Homemade Olive Garden’s Shrimp Carbonara Recipe cooking instructions to recreate the magic at home:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. Dredge the chicken in the all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice into thin strips.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
- In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Carbonara Sauce
- Reduce the heat to low and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the white wine (if using) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let it reduce for 1-2 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, heavy cream, Parmesan, and Romano cheeses until smooth. Pour the mixture into the skillet and stir constantly over low heat until the sauce begins to thicken.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Return the pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat with the carbonara sauce. Add the cooked shrimp and chicken strips to the skillet and toss everything together.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Plate your delicious Olive Garden chicken and shrimp carbonara. Top with crumbled bacon, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon for added freshness.
3. Tips for Perfect Shrimp Carbonara
Making a restaurant-quality carbonara at home can be intimidating, but these tips will ensure you get the best results every time:
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, so keep a close eye on them. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery, which can detract from the dish’s overall texture.
- Cook pasta al dente: Be sure to cook the fettuccine until it’s just al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the hot sauce.
- Temper the egg yolks: When making the sauce, keep the heat low to avoid scrambling the egg yolks. Stir constantly to create a smooth, velvety sauce.
- Bacon alternatives: If you’re not a fan of bacon, pancetta is a great substitute for a slightly more authentic Italian flavor.
- Wine substitution: If you prefer to skip the wine, you can substitute chicken broth or simply omit it without sacrificing too much flavor.
4. What to Serve with Shrimp Carbonara
Carbonara is a rich dish, so pairing it with complementary sides, desserts, and drinks will create a balanced meal.
Side Dishes:
- Garlic Bread: Crisp, buttery garlic bread is a classic pairing with any pasta dish.
- Caesar Salad: A fresh Caesar salad with crispy croutons and Parmesan shavings is the perfect light side to accompany your carbonara.
- Roasted Vegetables: A mix of roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers can add texture and balance out the richness of the dish.
Desserts:
- Tiramisu: A traditional Italian dessert like tiramisu offers a sweet and creamy finish to your meal.
- Lemon Sorbet: If you prefer something lighter, a refreshing lemon sorbet will cleanse your palate after the rich pasta dish.
Drinks:
- White Wine: A crisp, chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with shrimp and creamy pasta dishes.
- Sparkling Water: For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a slice of lemon or lime can refresh your palate between bites.
5. Recipe Variations
You can customize this recipe to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are some popular variations:
- Chicken Only: If you prefer chicken over shrimp, simply double the amount of chicken and skip the shrimp.
- Vegetarian Carbonara: Swap out the proteins for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a vegetarian twist.
- Spicy Carbonara: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?
While fresh shrimp is preferred for the best flavor and texture, you can use pre-cooked shrimp. Just make sure to heat them through without overcooking.
How can I prevent the eggs from scrambling in the sauce?
To avoid scrambling, keep the heat low and stir constantly. Tempering the eggs by adding a little warm sauce to them before mixing them into the skillet can also help.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Carbonara is best served fresh, but you can cook the chicken and shrimp in advance and reheat them when assembling the dish.
Can I substitute bacon for pancetta?
Yes, pancetta is a traditional Italian alternative to bacon and works beautifully in this dish.
7. Substitutes
If you’re missing an ingredient or need to accommodate dietary restrictions, here are some substitute ideas:
- Heavy cream: You can use half-and-half or even whole milk to lighten up the sauce, though the sauce may be less creamy.
- Egg yolks: If you prefer a lighter version, you can reduce the number of egg yolks or substitute them with a low-fat cream alternative.
- Gluten-Free Flour: For those avoiding gluten, use gluten-free flour for dredging the chicken, and pair with gluten-free pasta.
8. Nutrition Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 980
- Protein: 45g
- Fat: 60g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Cholesterol: 300mg
- Sodium: 1200mg
This recipe is undeniably indulgent but worth every bite. Copycat Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara will become a regular on your meal rotation, delivering both comfort and a touch of restaurant-style flair to your home-cooked dinners.
With these detailed instructions and tips, you now know How to make Olive Garden’s Shrimp Carbonara Recipe just like the pros! Happy cooking!
Ingredients
Before we dive into the cooking process, let's make sure you have all the ingredients needed for this Homemade Olive Garden’s Shrimp Carbonara Recipe:
For the Carbonara Sauce:
- 4 egg yolks – the base for your carbonara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream – to create the rich, creamy consistency
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – adds depth to the sauce
- 1 cup grated Romano cheese – gives extra flavor and a sharper bite
- 1 tbsp olive oil – for sautéing
- 1 garlic clove, minced – enhances the aroma
For the Shrimp and Chicken:
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined) – the star protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – complements the shrimp for a satisfying meal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour – for dredging the chicken
- 1 tbsp olive oil – for frying the chicken
- Salt and black pepper – to taste
- ½ tsp paprika – adds a mild smokiness
- ¼ cup white wine (optional) – for deglazing the pan
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta – the perfect base for this creamy dish
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Crumbled bacon – adds a crispy texture
- Lemon wedges – for a burst of brightness
Instructions
Follow these Homemade Olive Garden’s Shrimp Carbonara Recipe cooking instructions to recreate the magic at home:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. Dredge the chicken in the all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice into thin strips.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
- In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Carbonara Sauce
- Reduce the heat to low and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the white wine (if using) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let it reduce for 1-2 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, heavy cream, Parmesan, and Romano cheeses until smooth. Pour the mixture into the skillet and stir constantly over low heat until the sauce begins to thicken.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Return the pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat with the carbonara sauce. Add the cooked shrimp and chicken strips to the skillet and toss everything together.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Plate your delicious Olive Garden chicken and shrimp carbonara. Top with crumbled bacon, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon for added freshness.
Notes
Tips for Perfect Shrimp Carbonara
Making a restaurant-quality carbonara at home can be intimidating, but these tips will ensure you get the best results every time:
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, so keep a close eye on them. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery, which can detract from the dish's overall texture.
- Cook pasta al dente: Be sure to cook the fettuccine until it’s just al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the hot sauce.
- Temper the egg yolks: When making the sauce, keep the heat low to avoid scrambling the egg yolks. Stir constantly to create a smooth, velvety sauce.
- Bacon alternatives: If you’re not a fan of bacon, pancetta is a great substitute for a slightly more authentic Italian flavor.
- Wine substitution: If you prefer to skip the wine, you can substitute chicken broth or simply omit it without sacrificing too much flavor.
