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Olive Garden-Style Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara

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Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara – Creamy, Cheesy, and Absolutely Irresistible!

If you love indulging in a rich, creamy pasta dish that tastes like it came straight from Olive Garden, this Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara is for you! Tender shrimp (or chicken) is tossed in a silky, Parmesan-packed sauce served over perfectly cooked pasta. And the best part? It’s topped with a golden, cheesy breadcrumb crust that adds the ultimate crunch!

It’s decadent, easy to make, and perfect for impressing family or guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Skip the restaurant lines and make this irresistible dish at home tonight!

Olive Garden-Style Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara

This creamy, indulgent pasta dish is an Americanized take on traditional carbonara—no eggs needed! With a rich Parmesan sauce and a golden, cheesy topping, it's perfect for a comforting meal.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Keyword: Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8
Calories: 527kcal

Ingredients

For the Shrimp (or Chicken):

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 lb shrimp (peeled & deveined) OR 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cubed)

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • ¼ cup onion, minced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese (grated or shredded)
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 ½ cups milk
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 1 lb linguine (or any long pasta)

For the Topping:

  • ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 tbsp butter, melted
  • 2 tbsp flat-leaf parsley, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp (or Chicken)

  • In a bowl, mix the olive oil, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic.
  • Add the shrimp (or chicken) and toss to coat.
  • Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (if short on time, you can skip this step).

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

  • In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
  • Add the minced onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant.
  • Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent clumping.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and milk, whisking continuously until smooth.
  • Mix it with ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

  • While making the sauce, cook the pasta according to package instructions.
  • Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
  • Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp (or Chicken)

  • Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the marinated shrimp (or chicken) along with the oil from the marinade.
  • Cook shrimp for 2 minutes per side or until pink and opaque.
  • If using chicken, cook until golden brown and fully cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
  • Transfer to the sauce along with any pan juices.

Step 5: Combine Everything

  • Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat.
  • If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.

Step 6: Prepare the Topping & Broil

  • In a small bowl, mix the Parmesan, mozzarella, panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped parsley.
  • Transfer the pasta to an oven-safe dish and sprinkle the topping evenly over it.
  • Broil for about 5 minutes or until the cheese melts and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy

  • Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
  • Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 527kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 24g | Sugar: -2g
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For the Shrimp (or Chicken)

  • Shrimp or Chicken – Use 1 pound of shrimp (peeled & deveined) or cubed boneless, skinless chicken breast.
  • Olive Oil – Adds richness and helps coat the shrimp/chicken with seasoning.
  • Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs that enhances the dish with classic Italian flavors.
  • Garlic – 2 cloves, minced to infuse the marinade with bold flavor.

For the Sauce

  • Butter – 2 tablespoons for a rich, creamy base.
  • Onion – ¼ cup, minced for subtle sweetness and depth.
  • Garlic – 2 cloves, minced for added aromatic flavor.
  • All-Purpose Flour – 1 tablespoon to slightly thicken the sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese – ⅓ cup, grated or shredded, for a bold, nutty taste.
  • Heavy Cream & Milk – 1 ½ cups each, creating a smooth, velvety texture.
  • Salt & Pepper – To season the sauce to taste.
  • Linguine (or any long pasta) – 1 pound for a hearty base.

For the Topping

  • Parmesan Cheese – ⅓ cup, adding extra cheesy goodness.
  • Mozzarella Cheese – 1 cup, shredded, for a creamy, melty finish.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs – ⅓ cup, creating a crispy, golden crust.
  • Garlic – 1 clove, minced, for extra flavor.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes – 2 tablespoons, chopped, adding a tangy, slightly sweet contrast.
  • Butter – 1 tablespoon, melted, to help the topping brown beautifully.
  • Flat-Leaf Parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped, for a fresh, vibrant garnish.

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