Copycat Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara brings that signature restaurant indulgence right to your kitchen creamy, savory, and layered with textures that satisfy every craving. Imagine golden spaghetti tangled with velvety carbonara sauce, seared shrimp, and tender chicken kissed with Italian herbs, then crowned with a crisp, cheesy breadcrumb topping. This is comfort food with flair.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• Expert Tips & Tricks
• Serving Suggestions
• Storage & Reheating
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Variations & Customizations
• Final Thoughts
• Copycat Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

• Restaurant quality at home: No reservations required.
• Make-ahead friendly: Marinate proteins early and assemble just before baking.
• Versatile: Easily adapted to suit different dietary needs or pantry staples.

Taste & Texture

Expect a rich, creamy sauce with smoky pancetta and nutty Parmesan layered over al dente pasta. The shrimp are sweet and juicy, the chicken savory and satisfying. The breadcrumb topping? Buttery, garlicky, and perfectly crisp the final flourish that takes this dish over the top.

Dietary Attributes

This recipe is high-protein and decadent, with vegetarian and gluten-free modifications available in later sections.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

For the Marinade:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Carbonara:

• 16 oz spaghetti
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 4 oz pancetta, diced
• ½ cup salted butter
• 3 egg yolks
• 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon crushed garlic
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cups heavy cream

For the Topping:

• ¼ cup shredded parmesan romano
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1 cup Italian seasoned panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup melted salted butter
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

Notes on Quality

• Use raw, fresh shrimp when possible they hold their texture better than pre-cooked.
• Parmesan and romano: Use freshly grated cheese, not the shelf-stable shaker kind. It melts better and enhances the sauce.
• Breadcrumbs: Panko adds crunchier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.

Possible Substitutions

• Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to make this dish celiac-friendly.
• Turkey tenders can replace chicken.
• Half-and-half can be used in place of cream for a lighter version (with slightly less richness).
• Use turkey bacon instead of pancetta if desired.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinade

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic, pepper, and salt.
2. Add chicken and shrimp to a large resealable bag. Pour in marinade, seal, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

Carbonara

3. Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. In a large skillet, add chicken, shrimp, and all the marinade. Sauté over medium-high heat for 7 minutes.
5. Add sliced red bell pepper and continue cooking for another 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
6. In the same pot used for pasta, add olive oil and cook pancetta over medium-high heat until crispy (about 5 minutes).
7. Lower the heat and add butter. Once melted, whisk in flour to create a roux.
8. Stir in garlic, parmesan, heavy cream, and egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent scrambling. Cook for 5 minutes until thickened.
9. Add cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
10. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange chicken, shrimp, and bell peppers on top.

Topping

11. Preheat broiler to low.
12. In a small bowl, mix parmesan romano, mozzarella, panko, butter, and garlic powder.
13. Sprinkle evenly over the pasta.
14. Broil for 5-7 minutes, watching closely, until golden and crisp.
15. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

• Marinate ahead of time: Letting the proteins soak in that garlicky herb oil infuses flavor into every bite.
• Whisk the sauce constantly: This keeps the yolks creamy instead of scrambled.
• Don't over-broil: Low broil gives you control aim for golden edges, not burnt tops.

Common Mistakes

• Skipping the pasta water: Though not required in this version, keeping a bit of it can help loosen the sauce if needed.
• Using pre-cooked shrimp: They tend to become rubbery when re-cooked. Always go raw.
• Forgetting to temper egg yolks: High heat can cook them too fast. Keep whisking!

Time-Saving Tips

• Use rotisserie chicken for faster prep.
• Marinate and cook proteins ahead of time, then assemble and broil before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

• Simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Garlic breadsticks or focaccia
• Roasted zucchini or asparagus

Presentation Ideas

• Serve in wide bowls for that restaurant look.
• Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper or fresh basil for color and heat.

Beverage Pairings

• Chardonnay with creamy notes to match the sauce
• Sparkling Italian soda with citrus twist
• Light beer or prosecco for a refreshing contrast

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze (without topping) for up to 2 months. Defrost and add topping before broiling.

Reheating Methods

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F covered with foil for 15 minutes.
• Microwave: Use 30-second bursts with a splash of cream for moisture.
• Skillet: Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Substitutions & Adjustments

Can I use another pasta shape?
Yes! Fettuccine or penne work beautifully.

What if I don't eat pork?
Use turkey bacon or skip it altogether and double the garlic for depth.

Troubleshooting

My sauce is grainy.
Likely due to overheating the egg yolks. Whisk gently over medium-low heat.

Why is the topping soggy?
Too much butter or not enough broil time. Use less butter or extend broiling slightly.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

• Gluten-free: Use GF pasta and breadcrumbs.
• Dairy-free: Sub cashew cream and dairy-free cheese, though flavor may differ.
• Low-fat: Use light cream and skip the butter-based topping.

Flavor Twists

• Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for an earthy note.
• Mix in sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy contrast.
• Add a splash of white wine when cooking the pancetta for depth.

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

• Spring: Add peas and lemon zest.
• Fall: Include roasted butternut squash or caramelized onions.
• Holiday: Serve in mini ramekins as an elegant appetizer.

Final Thoughts

Bringing this Copycat Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara to life in your kitchen is more than just a way to satisfy a craving it's a way to gather, nourish, and treat yourself with something truly special. The textures, the comfort, the satisfaction of pulling it bubbling from the oven this dish is as joyful to make as it is to eat.

Try it out, share it with loved ones, and make it your own. And don't forget to drop a comment or photo if you do I'd love to hear how it turns out for you. Buon appetito!

Print