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Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara Recipe

Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara Recipe


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4.6 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Indulgent chicken and shrimp carbonara blends Italian comfort with oceanic richness, creating a creamy pasta masterpiece. Parmesan, crisp pancetta, and a silky egg sauce invite you to savor each luxurious, flavor-packed bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 cup (170 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup (150 grams) cooked chicken, diced
  • 4 ounces (115 grams) bacon or pancetta, chopped
  • 2 large eggs

Pasta and Dairy:

  • 8 ounces (225 grams) spaghetti or fettuccine
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Herbs:

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or Italian seasoning for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare a large pot with salted water, bringing it to a rolling boil at high heat. Cook pasta until perfectly al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Carefully reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining completely.
  2. In a spacious skillet over medium heat, render bacon until golden and crisp. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, preserving the rendered fat in the pan.
  3. Introduce minced garlic to the bacon drippings, sautéing for 30 seconds until aromatic. Immediately add shrimp and pre-cooked chicken, cooking for 3-4 minutes until shrimp transforms to a vibrant pink hue.
  4. Whisk together heavy cream, eggs, and Parmesan cheese in a separate mixing bowl. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
  5. Pour the creamy egg mixture over the pasta in the skillet. Rapidly toss ingredients, gradually incorporating reserved pasta water to create a silky, luxurious sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
  6. Finish the dish by scattering crispy bacon fragments across the top. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve piping hot, directly from the skillet for maximum enjoyment.

Notes

  • Check pasta doneness by tasting a strand to ensure it’s perfectly al dente, avoiding mushy texture.
  • Reserve pasta water before draining, as its starchy quality helps create a silky, clingy sauce that coats every strand.
  • Keep heat low when mixing egg mixture to prevent scrambling, creating a smooth, luxurious carbonara consistency.
  • Use fresh, high-quality Parmesan cheese for a more intense, authentic flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 200 mg