Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara

I still remember the first time I tasted Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara on a rare night out with friends. It was rich, creamy, and indulgent—exactly what you’d expect from a comfort dish. But what surprised me most was how easily it could be recreated at home with simple, everyday ingredients. Since then, I’ve adapted the recipe to make it more beginner-friendly and less intimidating, without sacrificing flavor.

This dish is a fantastic introduction to restaurant-style cooking for new home chefs. It’s straightforward, doesn’t require any fancy tools, and it comes together in under an hour. Plus, it checks all the boxes: comforting, flavorful, and adaptable for quick and healthy meals.

Why This Recipe is Special

This easy sheet pan dinner version of chicken and shrimp carbonara combines creamy richness with the smoky touch of bacon, the zest of garlic, and the sweetness of onions. While traditional carbonara can be tricky with eggs, this adaptation uses a creamy cheese-based sauce, making it much more forgiving for beginners. The protein versatility—chicken, shrimp, or both—means you can tailor it to your preference. The topping of toasted breadcrumbs and cheese adds an irresistible golden crunch that takes this dish to another level. And best of all, it’s a quick and healthy meal when you control your portions and add a side salad.

Ingredients and Preparation

Protein: Choose between shrimp or chicken. Shrimp cooks faster and adds a light seafood sweetness, while chicken offers a hearty, tender bite. You can also use both for a luxurious surf-and-turf experience.

Olive Oil and Italian Seasoning: These bring out the depth of flavor in your protein, adding aroma and herby warmth. Garlic enhances this with a pungent kick.

Onions and Garlic: Sautéed in butter, they provide the flavor base of the sauce. Onions bring a gentle sweetness, while garlic adds a savory sharpness.

Bacon Bits: These bring smoky, crispy contrast to the creamy sauce. You can use turkey bacon or skip it entirely for a lighter version.

Flour, Heavy Cream, and Milk: Flour thickens the sauce. The combo of heavy cream and milk creates a velvety, rich texture without becoming too heavy.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds nuttiness and umami. Shredded or grated both work. Use nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan for a dairy-free version.

Linguine Pasta: A long noodle perfect for soaking up sauce. Swap it with fettuccine, spaghetti, or gluten-free options as needed.

Breadcrumb Topping: Panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, Parmesan, and parsley add a golden crunch and pop of flavor. You can omit this step for a simpler finish or replace with crushed crackers in a pinch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 Marinate your shrimp or chicken in olive oil, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning for at least 30 minutes. This infuses the protein with flavor and tenderizes the chicken.

Step 2 In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add finely minced onion and garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant. Stir in flour and cook for a minute or two to eliminate the raw taste.

Step 3 Slowly whisk in heavy cream and milk until smooth. Add bacon bits and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for about 5–7 minutes until thickened into a creamy sauce.

Step 4 Meanwhile, cook your linguine pasta according to package instructions. Save a bit of pasta water before draining to help loosen the sauce later, if needed.

Step 5 In another pan, cook your marinated shrimp for about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. If using chicken, cook until golden and no longer pink in the center. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 6 Add cooked protein to your sauce and stir gently to combine. Then, mix in the pasta until well coated. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time if the sauce is too thick.

Step 7 Prepare the topping by mixing breadcrumbs, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, melted butter, and chopped parsley in a small bowl.

Step 8 Transfer the pasta mixture to an oven-safe dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly across the surface.

Step 9 Broil for 5–7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn.

Step 10 Remove from the oven, sprinkle extra fresh parsley on top, and serve immediately while hot.

Beginner Tips and Notes

If your sauce separates or looks too thick, don’t panic—just whisk in a bit of warm milk or reserved pasta water to smooth it out. If your chicken browns too quickly before it cooks through, reduce the heat slightly and cover the pan briefly to finish cooking. For shrimp, the key is not to overcook; they’re done as soon as they curl and turn opaque.

Prepping in advance helps a lot. Chop everything before you start cooking, and keep your ingredients grouped by stage (e.g., sauce ingredients, topping ingredients). No breadcrumb topping? Crushed croutons or even crushed cornflakes can work in a pinch. Don’t have a broiler? Bake at 425°F for 10–12 minutes until the top is golden.

Serving Suggestions

This lemon herb chicken recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut the richness. Garlic bread or roasted asparagus makes a nice side dish, too. For extra brightness, a squeeze of lemon over the finished plate adds a lovely contrast.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to revive the sauce. Note: The breadcrumb topping will soften, but you can re-crisp it under the broiler if desired.

Conclusion

There’s something truly satisfying about being able to recreate a restaurant classic like this at home—especially when it’s this easy. Whether you’re just learning to cook or looking for a quick and healthy meal with an indulgent twist, this Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara will quickly become a favorite. Give it a try, adapt it to your taste, and don’t forget to share your delicious results in the comments. I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!

FAQ About Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara

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