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Olive Garden Chicken Shrimp

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This Olive Garden-inspired chicken and shrimp carbonara is a family favorite that delivers restaurant-style flavor at home. Featuring sautéed chicken, shrimp, and crispy bacon in a creamy blend of heavy cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella, it’s baked with pasta and a golden breadcrumb crust. Ready in about an hour, this dish is perfect for both special occasions and weeknight meals. Roasted red peppers add depth and balance the richness, while toasted panko offers a satisfying crunch. Make it ahead or freeze for later—this comforting Italian classic never disappoints.

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Published By Ioana
Updated on Wed, 02 Jul 2025 16:12:08 GMT
A plate of shrimp and chicken with bacon. Bookmark
A plate of shrimp and chicken with bacon. | ioanacooks.com

This decadent Olive Garden-inspired chicken and shrimp carbonara is a go to for when you want something restaurant worthy without leaving home. It combines juicy sautéed chicken, tender shrimp and crispy bacon all wrapped in a velvety cheese sauce. Tossed with pasta and baked until golden, it turns your kitchen into a cozy Italian bistro.

I first made this carbonara trying to recreate our anniversary dinner during lockdown and now we make it for every family celebration

Ingredients

  • Boneless chicken breast: adds lean protein and stays juicy when sautéed
  • Large shrimp: bring a sweet briny balance to the creamy sauce
  • Bacon: cooked until crisp adds salty crunch and depth
  • Heavy cream: gives the sauce a rich smooth texture
  • Parmesan Romano and mozzarella cheeses: blend for sharpness creaminess and melt
  • Roasted red peppers: add a pop of sweetness and color
  • Pasta: like fettuccine or penne holds the sauce well
  • Panko breadcrumbs: create a buttery golden topping
  • Fresh parsley: adds brightness and color to finish
A bowl of pasta with shrimp and bacon. Bookmark
A bowl of pasta with shrimp and bacon. | ioanacooks.com

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sear the Chicken:
Slice the chicken into strips and cook over medium high heat in olive oil until golden on both sides and cooked through about 5 to 6 minutes total
Sauté the Shrimp:
In the same pan cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque about 2 to 3 minutes per side then set aside
Cook the Pasta:
Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente then reserve half a cup of the cooking water before draining
Make the Sauce:
In a large skillet combine butter and heavy cream bring to a simmer over medium heat and stir in all the cheeses until fully melted and smooth
Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken shrimp and bacon to the sauce stir in roasted red peppers then add drained pasta and toss gently to coat use pasta water to loosen if needed
Prepare the Topping:
Toast panko breadcrumbs in a dry skillet for a few minutes until golden then mix with melted butter and chopped parsley
Bake to Finish:
Transfer pasta mixture to a baking dish sprinkle with breadcrumb topping and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes until bubbling and golden

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce. This dish also freezes well assembled but unbaked just cover tightly and bake from frozen adding a bit of time.

A plate of food with shrimp and bacon. Bookmark
A plate of food with shrimp and bacon. | ioanacooks.com

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap shrimp for scallops or cooked sausage for a heartier variation. Use half and half in place of heavy cream if needed though the sauce will be a little thinner. Pecorino works in place of Romano and any short pasta shape can be used.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this pasta with a crisp green salad and garlic bread to round out the meal. It pairs beautifully with white wine like Pinot Grigio or a non alcoholic lemon spritz. For a brunch twist serve smaller portions with roasted vegetables and poached eggs.

Cultural Context

This dish blends classic carbonara inspiration with Olive Garden’s American Italian style and home cook sensibilities. It captures the comfort of creamy pasta with the celebratory nature of seafood and cheese just like the family style meals we enjoyed growing up.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ 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.

→ How do I enhance the breadcrumb topping?

Toast the panko breadcrumbs in a dry skillet before mixing with butter and cheese for a crispier, more flavorful topping.

Olive Garden Chicken Shrimp

Creamy chicken and shrimp carbonara with cheese, bacon, and pasta baked to golden perfection.

Time Needed to Prep
20 minutes
Cooking Duration
40 minutes
Overall Time
60 minutes
Published By: Ioana

Category of Recipe: Main Dishes

Preparation Difficulty: Medium Difficulty

Type of Cuisine: Italian-American

Number of Portions: 6 How Many It Serves (1 large baking dish)

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Main Ingredients

Ingredient 01 1 lb boneless chicken breast, sliced thin
Ingredient 02 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Ingredient 03 6 slices bacon, chopped and cooked until crispy
Ingredient 04 12 oz pasta, such as fettuccine or penne
Ingredient 05 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped

→ Cheese Sauce

Ingredient 06 1 cup heavy cream
Ingredient 07 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Ingredient 08 1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
Ingredient 09 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Ingredient 10 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Ingredient 11 Salt and pepper to taste

→ Breadcrumb Topping

Ingredient 12 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
Ingredient 13 2 tbsp butter, melted
Ingredient 14 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.

Step 02

In a large skillet, cook sliced chicken in olive oil until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, then remove.

Step 03

In the same skillet, add butter and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in Parmesan, Romano, and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth.

Step 04

Return chicken, shrimp, and cooked bacon to the sauce along with roasted red peppers. Add pasta and toss everything together. Use reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.

Step 05

Toast panko breadcrumbs in a dry skillet until golden. Mix with melted butter and chopped parsley.

Step 06

Transfer pasta mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle with breadcrumb topping. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes until bubbling and golden.

Extra Tips

  1. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency after baking.
  2. The dish can be prepped ahead and refrigerated before baking.
  3. Roasted red peppers add a smoky sweetness that balances the creamy sauce.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Baking dish
  • Saucepan
  • Pasta pot
  • Wooden spoon

Allergen Information

Carefully check food labels for allergens and consult an expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (cream, cheese)
  • Contains shellfish (shrimp)
  • Contains gluten (pasta, breadcrumbs)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, these values are for guidance only and shouldn't replace advice from a professional.
  • Calories Per Serving: 670
  • Total Fat: 38 grams
  • Carbohydrate Amount: 48 grams
  • Protein Amount: 43 grams