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Easy Chicken Shrimp Dish

Featured in Delicious Main Dish Recipes for Every Occasion.

Whip up this comforting Olive Garden-style chicken and shrimp dish with crispy bacon. Made with perfectly sautéed chicken, shrimp, and a rich, cheesy cream sauce using Parmesan, Romano, and mozzarella. Tossed with pasta and baked under a golden, crunchy breadcrumb topping, it’s a cozy, flavorful meal that brings rustic Italian vibes right to your table.

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Updated on Tue, 27 May 2025 16:13:25 GMT
Shrimp and pasta plated. Pin it
Shrimp and pasta plated. | chefmelt.com

This luxurious homemade take on Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara brings Italian dining straight to your table without much fuss. The velvety pasta creation features juicy chicken, plump shrimp, and a luscious cheese sauce that'll make everyone want another helping.

I whipped this carbonara up while trying to copy our favorite anniversary meal during quarantine. What began as a lockdown necessity has turned into our family's monthly tradition for celebrating special moments.

Ingredients

How To Make Homemade Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara

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

Roasted red peppers are my hidden gem in this dish. I stumbled on their magic when I had leftovers from cooking something else. Their sweet smoky kick balances the richness perfectly, giving this carbonara more depth than what you'd get at a restaurant.

Make Ahead Instructions

Lighter Options

Serving Suggestions

Flavor Variations

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

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What kind of pasta is best for this meal?

Spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine work wonderfully. Pick your preferred shape or go with what’s in your pantry.

→ Is it okay to use cooked chicken and shrimp?

Yep, you can save prep time by using pre-cooked ones. Heat them gently before adding to your dish.

→ How can I make the sauce even richer?

For a creamier texture, mix in more Parmesan or mozzarella and a bit of extra heavy cream.

→ Can I prep this meal ahead?

Sure thing! Assemble everything, chill it in the fridge, and bake it later. Just add a few extra minutes when reheating.

→ Can I make a healthier version?

Swap some heavy cream with milk or a lighter dairy option, and trim down the cheese to lighten it up.

→ What can I use instead of breadcrumbs on top?

Try grated cheese, crushed crackers, or even nuts like almonds for a crunchy, gluten-free alternative.

Chicken Shrimp Dish

Creamy chicken shrimp pasta with bacon, packed with classic Italian-inspired tastes.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes

Category: Main Dish Recipes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American-Italian

Yield: 8 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Items

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

Instructions

Step 01

Follow the package instructions to cook the pasta. Drain it well and keep it aside.

Step 02

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, cook until done, then set it aside.

Step 03

Add shrimp to the same pan along with garlic. Cook until it turns a pinkish color, then set it aside.

Step 04

Use a large pan to melt butter. Toss in onion, garlic, and bacon. Let it cook until it smells amazing.

Step 05

Sprinkle the flour into the mixture while stirring for a couple of minutes. Slowly pour in milk, heavy cream, and hot water.

Step 06

Drop in mozzarella, Romano, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until all the cheese melts and the sauce turns rich.

Step 07

Mix the cooked chicken, shrimp, bacon bits, and red peppers into the sauce. Stir gently to combine.

Step 08

Turn your oven to 375°F (190°C). Put the pasta into a large bake-safe dish and pour the sauce on top. Mix until everything's coated well.

Step 09

Mix panko, parsley, melted butter, and Parmesan in a small bowl. Sprinkle it evenly over the pasta.

Step 10

Let it bake for 20-25 minutes. Watch for a golden, bubbly top.

Step 11

Add a sprinkle of parsley before serving warm.

Tools You'll Need

  • Frying pan
  • Big saucepan
  • Ovenproof dish
  • Oven
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy
  • Might have gluten
  • Contains seafood

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: ~