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    Chicken & Shrimp Carbonara Olive Garden Copy Cat Recipe

    by Brendan Cunningham 54 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    This Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara tastes almost identical to the one you'll get at Olive Garden. The pasta features a rich and savory cream sauce laced with garlic, onions, bacon, and parmesan cheese. Then, it's tossed with juicy chicken and shrimp to bring the deliciousness up a notch. Honestly, this homemade carbonara recipe is the perfect easy one-pan meal for date nights, special occasions, or busy weeknights!

    Part of a white bowl filled with chicken and shrimp carbonara.

    Table of Contents

    • The Best Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara
      • Ingredients
      • How to Make Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara
        • Step 1: Prep the ingredients
        • Step 2: Cook the meat
        • Step 3: Make the sauce
        • Step 4: Combine and serve
      • How to Store Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara
        • How to Reheat Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara
      • Wrapping It Up
    • EASY Copycat RECIPES
    • Olive Garden Chicken & Shrimp Carbonara
      • Ingredients
      • Instructions
      • Nutrition
      • Did you make this recipe?

    The Best Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara

    If you've ever had the Olive Garden chicken and shrimp carbonara, then you know how good it is. It's the ultimate comfort food dish - creamy, cheesy, and savory pasta with chicken, shrimp, and salty bacony goodness.

     

    But, what if I told you that you could make an even better version at home using the simplest ingredients in under 30 minutes?

    Well, with this recipe, you can!

    This homemade chicken and shrimp carbonara recipe is based on the classic Italian pasta dish but with a few tasty tweaks.

    First, the garlic and onions add a delicious depth of flavor. Then for the sauce, I use both heavy cream and egg yolks to create a rich carbonara sauce that coats the pasta in a warm blanket of savory and creamy deliciousness.

    The final result is an elegant dish that will have you - and anyone else eating it - thinking it's Olive Garden's chicken and shrimp carbonara. 

    Oh, and if you like Olive Garden, you need to try this lasagna fritta, these cheese stuffed shells, and this chicken margherita recipe next!

    Just like this carbonara, they all taste just like they came straight from Olive Garden's kitchen itself!

    Shrimp and chicken carbonara in a white bowl that has a utensil in it. The white bowl is on a gray counter and there is part of a white cloth in front of it.

    Ingredients

    Another thing I love about this recipe is that it only requires a few common pantry ingredients. In fact, I bet you already have most of these in your kitchen right now!

    Here's the full list of ingredients you'll need to make this carbonara recipe from scratch:

    • 1 tbsp. Olive Oil
    • ½ cup Bacon, in small cubes
    • 1 Chicken Breast, cubed
    • 1 cup Shrimp, peeled and deveined
    • 1 tbsp. Garlic, chopped
    • ¼ cup Onion, diced
    • ½ cup Heavy Cream
    • 2 Egg Yolks
    • ½ Package (8 oz.) Bucatini, or your favorite pasta
    • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese, shredded

    That's it! And you can easily customize this dish and add in some other ingredients - the sauce goes so well with a variety of things! 

    For example, if you don't like shrimp, you can swap it out with sausage. To add a little spice, you can make this Qdoba Chicken to add to the pasta.

    Or, if you're a vegetarian, you can leave the meat out altogether. And if you want to add even more veggies, add in mushrooms, peas, asparagus, broccoli, or roasted red peppers - whatever your heart desires.

    Oh, and if you like pasta dishes, you have to make this vodka pasta and this copycat Cheesecake Factory chicken piccata recipe next.

    A white bowl of chicken, pasta noodles, a bowl of onion, a bowl of shrimp, a bowl of bacon, a bowl of egg yolk, and a bowl of heavy cream all on a gray counter.

    How to Make Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara

    Once you see how easy it is to make this dish, you'll be whipping it up all the time. 

    It doesn't take too much time or effort, so it's really great for any occasion. And this recipe makes about 2 servings, so if you want more, just double, triple, or quadruple the recipe.

    Now let's get cooking!

    Step 1: Prep the ingredients

    Since it all comes together quickly, it's best to prepare the ingredients before you start cooking.

    First, chop the garlic and onions and cut the chicken and bacon into cubes. Then, peel and devein the shrimp, and you can keep the tail on or remove it. 

    Finally, cook the pasta of your choice according to the package directions. Set a timer for the pasta and make sure to drain the noodles when they're done.

    A skillet filled with chicken and shrimp. Behind it is above a girl going in front of it is a bowl of heavy cream.

    Step 2: Cook the meat

    While the pasta is cooking, you can cook the meat. First, add the bacon to a heated pan, and let it cook until golden brown and crispy. Once it is, remove it and set it aside.

    Next, add the chicken breast and shrimp to the skillet. Sauté until the chicken has browned and is cooked through - the internal temp should be 165°F - and the shrimp turns pink. Then, remove both and set them aside.

    By the way, if you have any chicken leftover after making this recipe, I highly recommend putting it to good use by making this copycat Cheesecake Factoy Thai lime chicken recipe next.

    Hey skillet filled with chicken, shrimp, bacon, onion, and garlic. A wooden spoon is stirring everything around.

    Step 3: Make the sauce

    Now it's time to make that heavenly carbonara sauce. Start by adding the garlic and onion to the same skillet, and cook until translucent.

    Then, add the heavy cream, and let it simmer in the skillet with the onion and garlic for about 5 minutes.

    Next, turn off the heat, add the egg yolks and constantly whisk until it becomes thick and velvety.

    Hey skillet filled with chicken and shrimp carbonara. A hand is holding tongs in the pasta.

    Step 4: Combine and serve

    Now that the sauce is ready, return the bacon, chicken, and shrimp to the skillet and add the pasta. 

    Then, mix everything together in the carbonara sauce. 

    Finally, top with Parmesan cheese and serve. Enjoy!

    A white bowl filled with chicken and shrimp carbonara. A hand is holding a fork in the dish that has some of the pasta wrapped around the prongs.

    How to Store Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara

    Got leftovers? Lucky!

    This Olive Garden chicken and shrimp carbonara tastes even better the next day, and it's perfect for bringing to work, or as a quick lunch.

    To store, allow it to cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container or Ziploc bag, making sure to squeeze out all excess air. Then you can store it in the fridge for up to four days. 

    Chicken and shrimp carbonara and part of a white bowl with a utensil submerged in the pasta.

    How to Reheat Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara

    There are several ways to reheat carbonara, but the best is on the stovetop. It slightly fries the pasta, which is so good, like this Fried Spaghetti Recipe.

    To reheat, add 1-2 teaspoons of water to a skillet over medium heat. Then add the leftovers to the skillet and constantly stir until the carbonara is hot. If the pasta appears too dry, just drizzle with a bit of olive oil and toss. Then sprinkle some grated fresh parmesan if you wish and enjoy.

    Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the carbonara in a covered, oven-safe dish. Heat for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

    And for the quickest method, you can microwave it. Place the desired amount on a microwave-safe dish and cover. Then, heat for 1-3 minutes, stirring halfway.

    Part of a white bowl with chicken and shrimp carbonara in it. Or utensils submerged in pasta behind the ball is a small white bowl of Parmesan cheese.

    Wrapping It Up

    Well, that is how to make chicken and shrimp carbonara Olive Garden style. All you need is just one pan and less than 30 minutes to make it! 

    And there's a reason this dish is such an Italian classic. It's incredibly flavorful, easy to make, and will satisfy any pasta craving.

    Best of all, it's perfect for just about any occasion. Serve it up for a comforting weeknight dinner, bring it to a potluck or party, or make it for your significant other on a special night. It's sure to be a hit!

    Anyway, I hope you like this chicken and shrimp carbonara recipe as much as my family and I do.

    If you make it, leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And as always, thanks for reading!

    EASY Copycat RECIPES

    If you liked this and want some more delicious and easy dinner recipes from your favorite restaurants, we have a few on the blog that I think you'll like just as much.

    Try making one of these next:

    • Olive Garden Asiago Tortelloni Alfredo 
    • Olive Garden Crispy Chicken Fritta
    • Olive Garden Chicken Parmesan
    • Ruth Chris Stuffed Chicken Breast
    • Ruth Chris Lobster Mac & Cheese
    • Applebee's Bourbon Chicken & Shrimp

    And for even more deliciousness check out our YouTube channel.

    Print

    Olive Garden Chicken & Shrimp Carbonara

    Part of a white bowl with chicken and shrimp carbonara in it. Or utensils submerged in pasta behind the ball is a small white bowl of Parmesan cheese.
    Print Recipe

    ★★★★★

    5 from 46 reviews

    This Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara tastes almost identical to the one you'll get at Olive Garden. The pasta features a rich and savory cream sauce laced with garlic, onions, bacon, and parmesan cheese. Then, it's tossed with juicy chicken and shrimp to bring the deliciousness up a notch. Honestly, this homemade carbonara recipe is the perfect easy one-pan meal for date nights, special occasions, or busy weeknights!

    • Author: Brendan Cunningham
    • Prep Time: 5 minutes
    • Cook Time: 20 minutes
    • Total Time: 25 minutes
    • Category: Dinner
    • Method: Stovetop
    • Cuisine: Italian

    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 1 tbsp. Olive Oil
    • ½ cup Bacon, in small cubes
    • 1 Chicken Breast, cubed
    • 1 cup Shrimp, peeled and deveined
    • 1 tbsp. Garlic, chopped
    • ¼ cup Onion, diced
    • ½ cup Heavy Cream
    • 2 Egg Yolks
    • ½ Package (8 oz.) Bucatini, or your favorite pasta
    • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese, shredded

    Instructions

    1. Make pasta of your choice according to the package instructions.
    2. While the pasta is cooking, heat a non-stick skillet to medium-high and add olive oil.
    3. Add the bacon and let it cook until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
    4. Add the shrimp and chicken breast to the skillet and cook until shrimp turns pink and chicken browns. Remove and set aside.
    5. Add the garlic, onion, heavy cream and let it cook in the skillet for 5 minutes.
    6. Turn off the heat and add the egg yolks, stirring constantly.
    7. Return the bacon, shrimp, and chicken to the skillet and add the pasta. Mix everything together to combine.
    8. Serve immediately with parmesan cheese on top.

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 serving
    • Calories: 650
    • Fat: 39
    • Carbohydrates: 49
    • Fiber: 1
    • Protein: 40

    Keywords: chicken and shrimp carbonara, olive garden chicken and shrimp carbonara, shrimp and chicken carbonara, shrimp and chicken carbonara recipe, chicken and shrimp carbonara olive garden, shrimp carbonara recipe, chicken and shrimp carbonara recipe, chicken and shrimp carbonara olive garden recipe, chicken and shrimp carbonara easy recipe, chicken and shrimp carbonara olive garden ingredients, how to make chicken and shrimp carbonara, chicken carbonara recipe,

    Did you make this recipe?

    Share a photo and tag us @ImHungryForThat — we can't wait to see what you've made!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Terry

      December 23, 2021 at 7:30 pm

      Made it tonight - so good!!!!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Janice

        July 13, 2022 at 5:44 pm

        My family and I Love this recipe.. Its made once a week in my home.. Very delicious.

        ★★★★★

        Reply
    2. Ian

      December 23, 2021 at 9:45 pm

      Absolutely incredible.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    3. Amy Lawrence

      January 13, 2022 at 10:53 am

      Oh my gosh so good! I used penne because my kids like those noodles the best and my family loved this!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    4. Jennifer

      January 16, 2022 at 11:02 am

      Restaurant quality recipe that my husband and I loved!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    5. Tay

      January 16, 2022 at 3:08 pm

      Better than OG. For real thooooo

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    6. Nikky

      January 16, 2022 at 8:25 pm

      Absolutely tasty as could be.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    7. Martha

      January 17, 2022 at 10:49 am

      It was a popular meal at the dinner table last night. Thanks for the delicious recipe!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    8. Kelsey

      January 18, 2022 at 4:58 pm

      Has to be my fav pasta recipe I've made in a long time.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    9. Julianna

      January 19, 2022 at 8:18 pm

      Never been to olive garden but gave this a shot and really liked it. My kids thought it was great too. Thanks.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    10. Elaina

      January 21, 2022 at 8:52 am

      Great meal all around. Sauce was delis and flavors were perfect.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    11. Kelly M.

      January 21, 2022 at 10:53 pm

      I had this with zucchini noodles because I'm watching my carbs and it was a fantastic dinner that I will make again!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    12. Sara G

      January 25, 2022 at 5:44 pm

      Yum it was a really good pasta dish!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    13. Jill

      January 29, 2022 at 2:04 pm

      Fantastic recipe!!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    14. Caitlin

      February 01, 2022 at 2:33 pm

      So delicious I could eat this with just the pasta and sauce!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    15. Rita

      February 01, 2022 at 7:07 pm

      Holy Jesus this was good.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    16. Nate

      February 01, 2022 at 8:15 pm

      Better than the OG.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    17. Ken T

      February 02, 2022 at 9:05 am

      1. Where do you buy bacon that is thick enough to be cubed? Will regular sliced bacon, cut into small pieces work?

      2. Would half-and-half work in lieu of heavy cream?

      Reply
      • Brendan Cunningham

        February 02, 2022 at 2:17 pm

        Yes regular sliced bacon will work great! And half and half will work, just add about 1/2 tbsp of butter with it.

        Reply
    18. Cassie

      February 02, 2022 at 2:17 pm

      Everything about this we loved!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    19. Madison

      February 02, 2022 at 4:45 pm

      This is one of my favourite recipes from you.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    20. Maddison

      February 03, 2022 at 2:53 pm

      I added some broccoli to it and everything was excellent!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    21. Mj

      February 03, 2022 at 3:16 pm

      My my my this was so goooooood.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    22. Danielle

      February 04, 2022 at 12:48 pm

      No joke my favorite pasta recipe I've cooked in a really long time.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    23. Brittany

      February 05, 2022 at 4:06 pm

      Do you drain the bacon grease or cook everything in it?

      Reply
      • Joe Duff

        February 05, 2022 at 6:19 pm

        It's up to you. We did, but you can drain some or all of it if you'd like to.

        Reply
    24. Lexi

      February 05, 2022 at 10:22 pm

      This is second to none my gosh it was good!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    25. Jenny

      February 08, 2022 at 4:53 pm

      Oh wow this was delicious! We ate it with a side salad and garlic bread to make it a full Olive Garden meal!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    26. Jenavive

      February 10, 2022 at 9:32 am

      Hey ya'll I would recommend making this it's a tasty pasta recipe and my kids and hubby loved it!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    27. Avery

      February 12, 2022 at 2:17 pm

      So my entire family loved this so much that I'm making it for the second time this week. It is delish!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    28. Randy

      February 14, 2022 at 1:10 pm

      Delicious. We will absolutely make it again.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    29. Daniel

      February 15, 2022 at 4:40 pm

      Delicious! Keep up the good work and recipes like this coming!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    30. Kelly D

      February 16, 2022 at 7:50 am

      My kids don't like shrimp so I used extra chicken and it was delicious! We all very much enjoyed it and will have it again!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    31. Benedict

      February 18, 2022 at 8:48 pm

      We used this with penne pasta and it tasted spot on!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    32. Allen

      February 21, 2022 at 7:23 pm

      It was delicious as olive gardens is.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    33. Nicki

      February 21, 2022 at 9:43 pm

      Made this for my BF’s birthday and we loved it.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    34. Christine

      February 22, 2022 at 10:12 am

      I cannot express enough how delicious it was!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    35. Sharon

      February 23, 2022 at 9:46 am

      Really really liked this dish and my family all liked it so it was a win win recipe!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Phil

        October 13, 2022 at 11:48 am

        How.much does 1x actually serve? I'm having a couple over and want to make this. So total.of 3.people

        Reply
        • Brendan Cunningham

          October 13, 2022 at 4:21 pm

          It makes about two servings so you might want to double the recipe

          Reply
    36. Mark P.

      February 24, 2022 at 10:06 am

      Man was this tasty. I am going to make it again.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    37. Amy Faletta

      February 26, 2022 at 2:27 pm

      My family's favorite dinner right now! We're making it again tomorrow and just had it on Thursday!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    38. Greg

      March 01, 2022 at 9:43 am

      Exceptionally delicious.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    39. Gulia R.

      March 03, 2022 at 9:25 am

      Ugh I love carbonara and this recipe did it justice! Delish!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    40. Tammy

      March 04, 2022 at 9:25 am

      The bacon bits in this is such an underrated addition. The entire meal was delicious!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    41. Amber

      March 08, 2022 at 10:13 am

      Delicious carbonara recipe right here! It's a must try.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    42. Francine

      March 08, 2022 at 8:43 pm

      Sooooo good 5/5

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    43. Antonia

      March 10, 2022 at 10:54 am

      Fantastic dinner. My family loved it.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    44. Alanna

      March 15, 2022 at 10:02 am

      My favorite copycat recipe that I have tried. It was really delicious!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    45. Mya

      March 17, 2022 at 8:58 am

      Delicioso!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    46. Kathy

      May 23, 2022 at 10:30 pm

      You outdid yourselves guys.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    47. Jan

      October 04, 2022 at 11:46 pm

      Great! Needed a bit more yummy sauce. Maybe more cream next time.

      Reply
    48. lorena cornett

      November 19, 2022 at 12:37 pm

      i was looking for a recipe thought maybe it would be difficult to have chicken and shrimp but it was so easy to find carbonara oh my God come to realize chicken and shrimp go just excellent together.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Brendan Cunningham

        November 19, 2022 at 9:33 pm

        We're so happy you like the recipe!!

        Reply

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