chicken shrimp carbonara recipe

The Best chicken shrimp carbonara recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes – chicken shrimp carbonara. This dish is a staple in our household, and for good reason. It’s easy to make, packed with protein, and can be customized to suit any taste.

My kids love it because they get to help me crack the eggs and stir the sauce, and my husband appreciates how quickly it comes together on a weeknight. As for me, I adore how versatile this recipe is – it’s perfect for a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even a special occasion like a holiday party. And let’s not forget the health benefits: we’re talking lean protein from the chicken and shrimp, whole eggs for added nutrition, and just enough pasta to round out the meal.

Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make gluten-free by swapping out traditional spaghetti for a gluten-free alternative. The origins of carbonara are Italian, of course – this rich and creamy sauce is said to have originated in Rome during the Middle Ages. But don’t let that intimidate you; with just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create an authentic Italian experience right in your own kitchen.

When I first started making carbonara at home, I was intimidated by the thought of using raw eggs – what if they weren’t cooked properly? But after experimenting with different methods, I found that as long as you cook the pasta al dente and heat the sauce long enough to kill off any bacteria, you’re good to go. Now my family devours this dish in minutes – they can’t get enough of that creamy sauce and tender pasta.

And as for me? Well, let’s just say I’m happy to have another delicious meal under my belt without too much fuss or muss.

Chicken Shrimp Carbonara

4.8 from 1595 votes

A creamy, comforting pasta dish with chicken and shrimp, tossed in a rich, eggy sauce. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

8 oz spaghetti
4 tbsp butter
1 tsp salt

For the Carbonara Sauce

4 large eggs
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Protein

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 lb shrimp
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder

For the Vegetables

1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic
1 small onion
1 cup mushrooms
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
3Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
4While the pasta is cooking, melt 2 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5Add chicken breasts seasoned with paprika and garlic powder.
6Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
7Remove from skillet and set aside.
8In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat.
9Add shrimp, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
10Remove from skillet and set aside.
11In the same skillet, add olive oil over medium heat.
12Add garlic, onion, and mushrooms.
13Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent.
14Add red pepper flakes and cook for an additional 1 minute.
15In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper.
Set aside.
16Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and shrimp to the skillet with the vegetables.
17Toss to combine.
18Pour the egg mixture over the pasta and vegetables.
19Toss quickly to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a creamy sauce.
20Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and coats the pasta.
21Serve immediately, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and black pepper, if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet
Mixing bowl
Colander

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 150mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat spaghetti for a healthier option. For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes.

Watch Video Of How Chicken Shrimp Carbonara Works

This chicken shrimp carbonara recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special holiday gathering. It’s an easy meal to customize based on your family’s preferences and dietary needs.

The best part? This recipe works beautifully for leftovers too – simply store any leftover pasta mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days before reheating as needed.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Shrimp Carbonara

Q: What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?

A: Traditionally, spaghetti is used in carbonara because its long strands allow the sauce to coat evenly without overpowering the delicate flavors of the dish. However, feel free to experiment with other shapes like linguine or fettuccine if you prefer.

Q: Can I substitute chicken with beef or pork?

A: While you can definitely swap out chicken for beef or pork in this recipe, keep in mind that pork will add a fattier flavor while beef will be slightly leaner.

Q: How do I prevent my eggs from scrambling when adding them to the hot pasta?

A: To avoid scrambled eggs when combining them with hot pasta, try tempering them first by slowly pouring a little bit of hot pasta water into your egg mixture while whisking constantly.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes – but be sure to store your cooked carbonara in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days before reheating as needed.

Q: What if I don’t have any heavy cream on hand?

A: No worries! Simply substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even plain Greek yogurt for an equally creamy sauce without breaking the bank.

Q: How do I freeze this recipe successfully?

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