Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara Recipe

Walking into Olive Garden feels like a warm hug. The smell of sauces and garlic breadsticks brings back happy memories. Family dinners here were special, filled with the flavors of Italy.

Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that brings back those memories. It’s Olive Garden’s Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara.

Introduction to Italian-American Restaurant Classics

Italian-American cuisine is loved in the United States for its rich flavors. Carbonara is a favorite in many Italian-American restaurants. It has a history that spans continents and cultures.

History of Carbonara in American Cuisine

The roots of carbonara are in Italy, where it’s a cherished dish. Italian immigrants brought it to America, where it evolved. It now has a unique Italian-American twist.

In the mid-20th century, Olive Garden introduced a version with chicken and shrimp. This mix of seafood and poultry with classic carbonara ingredients won over many fans. It showed how the chain could adapt traditional recipes for American tastes.

Why Olive Garden’s Version Stands Out

Olive Garden’s Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara is known for its perfect mix of flavors and textures. It has al dente spaghetti, creamy sauce, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and crispy pancetta. The addition of chicken and shrimp makes it a hearty and tasty Italian-American dish.

If you love Olive Garden or are new to Italian-American cuisine, try the Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara. It’s a classic dish that highlights the charm of Italian-American food.

Essential Ingredients for Authentic Carbonara

Creating an authentic carbonara requires top-notch ingredients. From the right Italian pasta to the creamy sauce, each part is key. Olive Garden’s Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara stands out with its classic flavors.

The heart of carbonara is the high-quality pasta. Olive Garden uses spaghetti for its recipe. The eggs in the sauce add a velvety texture. Fresh Parmesan cheese brings a salty flavor, while pancetta adds a smoky taste.

Olive Garden’s carbonara also includes tender chicken and juicy shrimp. These add protein and enhance the dish’s flavors. The use of quality seafood and poultry makes it a special treat.

“The secret to a perfect carbonara is in the quality of the ingredients. Using the freshest pasta, eggs, and cheese creates a dish that is both comforting and elegant.”

Olive Garden’s Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara offers a true taste of Italy. It combines classic flavors with premium proteins. This makes it a favorite among pasta lovers.

Kitchen Equipment and Preparation Tips

Making the perfect Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara needs the right tools and techniques. You’ll need the right cookware and how to handle ingredients. These steps will help your dish come out just right.

Required Cookware and Tools

You’ll start with a big, heavy pasta pot for cooking spaghetti. A colander is key for draining the pasta. Also, a large skillet or sauté pan is needed for cooking the chicken and shrimp, and making the sauce.

Useful tools include a whisk for mixing eggs and cheese, tongs for pasta, and a sharp chef’s knife for chopping.

Ingredient Preparation Guidelines

• Cut chicken into small pieces for sautéing.
• Peel, devein, and rinse shrimp before cooking.
• Make sure eggs and Parmesan cheese are room temperature for the sauce.
• Chop fresh parsley finely for garnish.

Temperature Control Basics

Temperature control is key in making carbonara. Cook pasta al dente and prepare the sauce off the heat to avoid scrambled eggs. Slowly add hot pasta water to eggs for a smooth sauce.

With the right tools and preparation, you’re set to make a delicious Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara.

Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara Recipe

Explore the creamy world of Olive Garden’s Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara. This dish is a mix of tender chicken, juicy shrimp, and pasta, all in a rich sauce. Follow this guide to make it at home and enjoy Italy’s flavors.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz linguine pasta
• 4 oz boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 4 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook the linguine until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the chicken and shrimp. Cook until the chicken is done and the shrimp are pink, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream.
4. Add the cooked linguine, chicken, and shrimp to the egg mixture. Toss to combine. Season with salt and black pepper.
5. Serve the Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara hot. Garnish with parsley if you like. Enjoy with Seafood Pasta with Linguine, Shrimp for a full Italian meal.

Try Olive Garden’s carbonara sauce with this Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara Recipe. It’s a mix of tender chicken, juicy shrimp, and creamy sauce. It’s a dish that will take you straight to Italy.

Mastering the Creamy Carbonara Sauce

The secret to a great carbonara sauce is egg tempering. This technique makes the eggs mix well with the sauce, creating a smooth, creamy texture. By following a few steps, you can make a sauce that feels like a trip to Italy.

Proper Egg Tempering Technique

To avoid lumps in your carbonara sauce, temper the eggs first. Start by adding small amounts of hot pasta liquid to the eggs, whisking constantly. This gently warms the eggs. Then, stir the tempered eggs into the pasta for a creamy sauce.

Achieving the Perfect Consistency

The perfect carbonara sauce is silky and clings to the pasta. To get this, balance the eggs, cheese, and pasta liquid. Start with a little liquid and add more until it’s right. Work fast to avoid a clumpy sauce.

With practice, you’ll get the carbonara sauce technique down. Remember, the key is the egg tempering. Take your time, and you’ll make a sauce that feels like Rome.

Cooking Perfect Pasta for Carbonara

Getting your pasta just right is key for a great carbonara. Here are some tips to make sure your pasta goes well with the creamy sauce.

Salting the Pasta Water

Start by salting your pasta water well. This step makes the pasta taste better and helps it soak up the sauce. Use about 1 tablespoon of salt for every 4 quarts of water.

Timing is Key

• Follow the package instructions for cooking time, but keep a close eye on the pasta as it nears the recommended “al dente” stage.
• Test a strand of pasta by biting into it – it should offer a slight resistance but still be tender in the center.
• Drain the pasta just before it reaches the perfect al dente texture, as it will continue to cook briefly after being removed from the water.

Reserving Pasta Water

Before draining, save a cup or two of the starchy pasta cooking water. This liquid is essential for a smooth, creamy carbonara sauce.

By following these simple pasta cooking tips, you’ll be well on your way to crafting the perfect al dente pasta for your Italian pasta techniques-inspired carbonara dish.

Protein Preparation: Chicken and Shrimp Tips

When you’re making Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara, it’s key to season and cook the chicken and shrimp right. This ensures they’re cooked perfectly. Let’s dive into the important steps for chicken preparation and shrimp cooking.

Seasoning and Cooking Times

For the chicken, start by seasoning it with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like. Then, pan-sear the chicken over medium-high heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, until it hits 165°F. This makes the chicken juicy and full of flavor.

For the shrimp, peel, devein, and dry them before seasoning. Season with a little salt and pepper. Sauté the shrimp in hot oil or butter for 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and be opaque.

Proper Temperature for Seafood

Seafood safety is all about temperature. Shrimp need to hit 145°F to be safe and cooked right. Use a food thermometer to check the temperature. This prevents overcooking, which makes shrimp tough.

By following these tips for chicken preparation and shrimp cooking, you’ll get perfectly cooked proteins for your Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara. This will make your dish delicious and satisfying.

Assembly and Plating Techniques

Make your Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara stand out with pasta plating and food presentation skills. Create a restaurant-style serving that will wow your guests and take them to Italy.

Start by twirling the cooked spaghetti on a big plate or pasta bowls. Use tongs to make swirling patterns. This makes each serving look good and easy to serve.

1. Place the sautéed chicken and shrimp on top of the pasta in a beautiful way.
2. Drizzle the creamy carbonara sauce over the dish. Let it flow down the sides and into the pasta.
3. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, parsley, and black pepper. This adds color and flavor.

For a special touch, serve the dish on a wooden board or platter with warm bread. This rustic look makes the meal feel like a restaurant-quality experience.

The secret to pasta plating and food presentation is to highlight the dish’s flavors and textures. By using these simple steps, you can turn your Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara into a feast for the senses. Your guests will love it and ask for more.

Wine Pairing and Serving Suggestions

Pairing the Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara with the right Italian wine is key. The dish’s rich, creamy flavors need a white wine with acidity. This balance enhances the taste.

Best Italian Wines for Carbonara

• Pinot Grigio – This light, crisp white wine has citrus and mineral notes. It cuts through the carbonara’s creaminess, refreshing your palate.
• Chianti – A classic Italian red, Chianti’s bright acidity and subtle oak flavors pair well with the dish’s savory elements.
• Sauvignon Blanc – Its herbaceous and refreshing notes balance the richness of the dish.

Complementary Side Dishes

For a complete Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara experience, try classic Italian sides. Warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up extra sauce. A simple mixed green salad with light vinaigrette also helps balance the dish’s richness.

Choosing the right Italian wine and sides can make your Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara meal even better. It creates a harmonious and satisfying dining experience.

Conclusion

In this guide, you’ve learned how to make Olive Garden’s Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara at home. You now know the secrets to that amazing flavor. You can make creamy carbonara sauce, cook perfect pasta and proteins, and create an Italian dinner that’s just like your favorite restaurant.

Making a homemade carbonara dish at home is incredibly rewarding. This recipe is flexible, so you can make it your own. You can add more chicken, more shrimp, or even go vegetarian. The base of the dish is perfect for trying new things.

We hope you keep exploring and trying new Italian dinner ideas. Aim to make your meals as good as those in restaurants. With practice and creativity, your kitchen can become a place where everyone loves to eat. You’ll make delicious, authentic Italian food that everyone will enjoy.

Source Links

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