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To make Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara, you'll need these ingredients: - 8 oz fettuccine pasta - 1 cup chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 slices of prosciutto, chopped into small pieces - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - Salt to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) If you need to make some swaps, here are a few ideas: - Pasta: You can use spaghetti or penne if you don’t have fettuccine. - Chicken: Turkey breast works well as a leaner option. - Shrimp: If you don’t like shrimp, you can use scallops or leave it out entirely. - Prosciutto: Bacon or pancetta can add a nice flavor. - Heavy Cream: Substitute with half-and-half for a lighter sauce. - Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano gives a nice twist. - Garlic: Garlic powder can work in a pinch, but fresh is best. To prepare this dish, gather these tools: - Large pot for boiling pasta - Large skillet for cooking proteins and sauce - Whisk for mixing sauce - Measuring cups and spoons - Knife and cutting board for chopping ingredients - Tongs or a large spoon for tossing pasta Gathering these tools will help you cook efficiently and enjoy the process! 1. Cook Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once boiling, add 8 oz of fettuccine pasta. Cook it according to the package directions. Aim for al dente. When ready, drain the pasta but keep 1/2 cup of the water. 2. Sauté Proteins: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 cup of diced chicken breast, seasoned with a pinch of salt. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. Stir often until the chicken is golden and fully cooked. Remove it from the skillet and set it aside. 3. Cook Shrimp and Prosciutto: In the same skillet, toss in 4 slices of chopped prosciutto. Cook for 2-3 minutes until crispy. Then, add 1 cup of peeled and deveined shrimp with 2 cloves of minced garlic. Stir until the shrimp turns pink, which takes about 3-4 minutes. Remove this mixture and set aside with the chicken. 4. Prepare Sauce: Lower the heat and pour 1 cup of heavy cream into the skillet. Scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens a bit. 5. Combine Ingredients: Add the drained fettuccine to the creamy sauce. Return the chicken and shrimp mixture to the skillet. Gently toss everything together. Use the reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce's thickness as needed. 6. Season: Taste your dish. Adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to ensure every bite is deliciously coated. 7. Garnish & Serve: Plate the creamy carbonara nicely. Sprinkle with fresh, finely chopped parsley for color and flavor. Serve it hot for the best experience. - Cooking pasta: 10-12 minutes - Sautéing chicken: 5-7 minutes - Cooking prosciutto: 2-3 minutes - Cooking shrimp: 3-4 minutes - Making sauce: 5 minutes - Combining everything: 2-3 minutes - Use plenty of water for boiling. This helps keep the pasta from sticking. - Always add salt to the water before boiling. This adds flavor to your pasta. - Stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks to prevent it from clumping. - Taste the pasta a minute before the suggested cooking time to check for doneness. - Remember to reserve some pasta water before draining. It helps adjust the sauce later! - Overcooking the pasta: Always cook fettuccine until al dente. It should still have a slight bite. - Not reserving pasta water: This starchy water helps the sauce stick to the pasta. - Crowding the pan: Cook chicken, shrimp, and prosciutto in batches. This keeps them from steaming. - Skipping the seasoning: Taste as you cook. Adjust salt and pepper to enhance flavors. - Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality parmesan make a big difference. - Add spices: A pinch of red pepper flakes gives a nice kick. - Finish with lemon juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens the dish. - Herbs matter: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a fresh taste. - Serve the carbonara hot and fresh for the best taste. - Pair it with garlic bread for a cozy meal. - A light salad with a vinaigrette complements the rich carbonara well. - For a fancy touch, add a sprinkle of extra parmesan on top before serving. Creating your Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara is a joy! These tips will help you avoid pitfalls and enhance your dish. Make sure to check out the Full Recipe to get every detail right! {{image_4}} You can easily make a vegetarian version of carbonara. Swap the chicken and shrimp for vegetables. Try mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers as tasty options. Use your favorite plant-based protein, like tofu or tempeh, to add some texture. The creamy sauce still shines with just veggies. You can follow the same cooking method from the full recipe; just switch the proteins for your chosen vegetables. If you want to change things up, consider other seafood options. Scallops or crab meat can add a new twist. You might also try a mix of different seafood for a delightful flavor blend. Cook them the same way you do the shrimp. Just make sure they are fresh and cooked properly. The sauce works well with any seafood you choose. The traditional carbonara sauce is creamy and rich, but you can experiment. Try using a pesto sauce for a fresh herb flavor. A light tomato sauce can also give a nice twist. For cheese, swap parmesan for pecorino Romano or even a creamy goat cheese. Each choice changes the taste profile while keeping that delicious carbonara essence. Feel free to mix and match to create your perfect dish! To keep your Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara fresh, store it in an airtight container. Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before sealing it. This step prevents moisture buildup and keeps the texture nice. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When reheating, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to keep the sauce creamy. Stir gently to avoid burning. Heat until warm, about 5 to 10 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Place the carbonara in a microwave-safe dish, cover it, and heat for one minute. Stir and heat in 30-second intervals until hot. You can freeze Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara, but keep a few tips in mind. Do use a freezer-safe container and leave space for expansion. Do not freeze with fresh parsley or extra cheese on top; add those later. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently to enjoy its full flavor. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them before cooking. Run cold water over the shrimp until they are soft. This will help them cook evenly. Frozen shrimp can taste great in this dish too. You can serve Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara with: - Garlic bread - A fresh side salad - Steamed vegetables - Roasted asparagus These sides add flavor and balance to your meal. To make carbonara sauce without cream, use eggs and cheese. Combine eggs and freshly grated cheese in a bowl. Whisk together until smooth. Pour this mixture over hot pasta. The heat will cook the eggs and create a creamy sauce. No, the Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara is not gluten-free. The fettuccine pasta contains gluten. However, you can use gluten-free pasta if you want to make it gluten-free. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package. For the full recipe, check out the Complete Recipe section. You now have all the tools to make Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara at home. We covered the complete ingredient list and helpful substitutions. You learned the cooking steps, timing, and tips for perfect pasta. Common mistakes were shared along with expert flavor advice. You even explored tasty variations and proper storage methods. I hope you feel ready to cook a delicious meal. Enjoy impressing friends and family with your new skills!

Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara

Indulge in the rich flavors of Creamy Chicken & Shrimp Carbonara Delight that will elevate your dinner game! This quick and easy pasta recipe combines tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and crispy prosciutto in a luscious parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, this dish is sure to impress.
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Ingredients
  

8 oz fettuccine pasta

1 cup chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces

1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 slices of prosciutto, chopped into small pieces

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Salt to taste

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta, making sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water for later use.

    Sauté Proteins: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken to the skillet and season lightly with salt. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

      Cook Shrimp and Prosciutto: In the same skillet, add the chopped prosciutto and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it turns crispy. Next, introduce the shrimp and minced garlic to the skillet, stirring until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through, approximately 3-4 minutes. Remove the shrimp and prosciutto mixture from the skillet and set aside with the chicken.

        Prepare Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and pour the heavy cream into the skillet, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom. Gradually whisk in the grated parmesan cheese while stirring continuously until it melts and the sauce thickens slightly.

          Combine Ingredients: Add the drained fettuccine to the creamy sauce. Then, return the cooked chicken and shrimp mixture to the skillet. Gently toss everything together, using the reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve your desired sauce consistency.

            Season: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Mix thoroughly to ensure that the pasta and proteins are well coated in the luscious sauce.

              Garnish & Serve: Transfer the creamy carbonara to serving plates. Sprinkle with finely chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately while hot.

                Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Plate the carbonara in generous portions and add an extra sprinkle of parmesan on top. You can also serve with a slice of garlic bread on the side for a complete meal experience.