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Olive Garden Chicken Shrimp

Featured in Family Dinner Ideas.

Recreate a crowd-favorite dish with this Olive Garden-inspired chicken and shrimp carbonara. This hearty meal combines tender sautéed chicken, shrimp, and crispy bacon in a rich, velvety sauce made from heavy cream, Parmesan, Romano, and mozzarella cheeses. Tossed with pasta and topped with a golden breadcrumb-parsley crust, this comforting dish is baked to perfection. With its blend of savory, cheesy, and flavorful ingredients, it's a surefire dinner centerpiece that transforms your kitchen into a cozy Italian haven.

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Fatiha
Updated on Mon, 26 May 2025 23:02:30 GMT
A plate of shrimp and pasta. Pin it
A plate of shrimp and pasta. | zestplate.com

This decadent Olive Garden-Inspired Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara transforms your kitchen into an Italian restaurant with minimal effort. The creamy pasta dish combines tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and a rich cheesy sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.

I first made this carbonara when trying to recreate our anniversary dinner at home during lockdown. What started as a pandemic necessity has become our monthly tradition for special family dinners.

Ingredients

How To Make Olive Garden-Inspired Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara

A bowl of shrimp and pasta. Pin it
A bowl of shrimp and pasta. | zestplate.com

The roasted red peppers are my secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered their importance accidentally when I had some leftover from another dish. Their sweet smoky flavor cuts through the richness perfectly making this carbonara more complex than the restaurant version.

Make Ahead Instructions

Lighter Options

Serving Suggestions

Flavor Variations

A bowl of shrimp and pasta. Pin it
A bowl of shrimp and pasta. | zestplate.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne are great choices for holding the creamy sauce. Use your favorite or what's available.

→ Can I use pre-cooked chicken and shrimp?

Yes, you can save time by using pre-cooked options. Simply reheat them briefly before adding to the sauce.

→ How do I make the sauce creamier?

Add extra heavy cream and additional Parmesan or mozzarella cheese to achieve a thicker and richer sauce.

→ Can this dish be made ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the dish through assembling, then refrigerate. Bake just before serving, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

→ Is it possible to make a lighter version of this meal?

For a lighter option, substitute some of the cream with milk or a dairy alternative and reduce the amount of cheese used.

→ What can I use as a topping alternative to breadcrumbs?

Try grated cheese, crushed crackers, or even crushed almonds for a crunchier, gluten-free option.

Olive Garden Chicken Shrimp

Indulge in creamy chicken and shrimp carbonara with bacon and pasta, inspired by classic flavors.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 8 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
02 1 cup boiling water
03 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
04 1 tablespoon chopped onion
05 16 ounces chicken strips
06 12 ounces cooked shrimp
07 1 cup butter
08 1½ teaspoons garlic, chopped
09 3 tablespoons bacon bits
10 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
11 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 4 cups heavy cream
13 4 cups milk
14 ¼ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
15 28 ounces cooked pasta (2 boxes, 14 ounces each)
16 Ground black pepper to taste
17 Salt to taste
18 3 tablespoons grated Romano cheese
19 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
20 1¾ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
21 ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
22 1½ teaspoons chopped garlic
23 1½ tablespoons butter, melted
24 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
25 1½ cups roasted red peppers, cut into small strips
26 ¼ cup bacon bits

Instructions

Step 01

Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 02

In a skillet, heat 1 cup of olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken strips, season with salt and pepper, and cook until fully done. Remove and set aside.

Step 03

In the same skillet, sauté the shrimp with 1½ teaspoons of chopped garlic. Cook until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.

Step 04

In a large saucepan, melt 1 cup of butter over medium heat. Stir in chopped onion, garlic, and bacon bits. Cook until fragrant.

Step 05

Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, stirring constantly for 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in heavy cream, milk, and boiling water.

Step 06

Mix in grated Parmesan cheese, Romano cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.

Step 07

Add cooked chicken, shrimp, crumbled bacon, and roasted red peppers to the sauce. Stir gently to combine.

Step 08

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the pasta to a large baking dish. Pour the sauce over the pasta and mix to coat.

Step 09

In a bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Sprinkle over the pasta.

Step 10

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Step 11

Garnish with additional parsley and serve hot.

Tools You'll Need

  • Skillet
  • Large saucepan
  • Baking dish
  • Oven
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy products
  • May contain gluten
  • Contains shellfish

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 850
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~