Indulge your taste buds in a luxurious fusion where land meets sea in perfect harmony.The Creamy Chicken Shrimp Carbonara is not just a dish-it’s an elevated twist on the classic Italian favorite that brings the succulent sweetness of shrimp to the hearty richness of chicken, all enveloped in a velvety, cheese-laden sauce. This seafood-inspired delight reimagines customary carbonara, offering a savory symphony of flavors that will entice both pasta lovers and seafood enthusiasts alike. Weather you’re seeking a comforting weeknight dinner or an notable dish to share with guests, this creamy concoction promises a satisfying and unforgettable culinary experience.
Creamy Chicken Shrimp Carbonara embodies the perfect marriage of comforting Italian tradition and a vibrant seafood twist that instantly elevates your weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience. This dish blends tender chicken and succulent shrimp enveloped in a luxuriously rich, velvety sauce, ensuring every bite is an indulgent symphony of flavors and textures. Inspired by classic Roman carbonara but reimagined with fresh seafood, it’s a must-try for anyone craving a creamy, savory pasta that delights both the palate and the eye.
Prep and Cook Time
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield
Serves 4 generous portions
Difficulty Level
Medium – perfect for home cooks looking to impress with layered flavors and expert texture balance
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti pasta
- 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 slices thick-cut pancetta or bacon, chopped
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon zest from one lemon (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta until al dente, about 9 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency later.
- Sauté the pancetta: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook until crisp and golden, about 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken: In the same skillet, add butter. When melted, add chicken pieces. sauté until golden and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Remove and keep warm.
- Cook the shrimp: Add garlic to the skillet; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add shrimp and sauté until pink and just cooked through, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
- Make the creamy sauce: Lower the heat and add the heavy cream to the skillet.Stir gently, warming the cream but avoiding boiling. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks, Pecorino Romano, and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Combine pasta and sauce: add the hot drained pasta to the skillet with the cream. Slowly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta while continuously stirring to avoid scrambling the eggs. Add reserved pasta water in small increments to reach a glossy, silky sauce.
- Add proteins and pancetta: Fold the sautéed chicken, shrimp, and crispy pancetta into the pasta, ensuring everything is coated evenly in the luscious sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Finish and garnish: Remove from heat. Add a light sprinkle of lemon zest to brighten the flavors. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a vibrant pop of color and freshness.
Tips for Success
- Protein prep: Pat the shrimp and chicken dry before cooking for better browning and flavor.
- temperature control: When adding the egg-cheese mixture,keep the pan off direct heat or on very low to ensure the sauce thickens without clumping.
- Cheese choices: Use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-grated to achieve a smoother melt and avoid additives.
- Swap-ins: For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or omit cream and rely solely on eggs and cheese for authentic carbonara texture.
- Make-ahead: Prepare chicken and shrimp in advance, then quickly reheat and toss with fresh pasta and sauce for a speedy dinner.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy chicken shrimp carbonara straight up in warmed shallow bowls to showcase its luscious sauce. Top with extra freshly grated Pecorino Romano for a salty finish. Pair the dish with a crisp, chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio to balance the rich creaminess and seafood notes.
Complement your meal with a side of garlic butter roasted asparagus or a vibrant arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette for brightness. For an extra touch of elegance, drizzle a little high-quality extra virgin olive oil before serving and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens, elevating both flavor and visual appeal.
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 620 kcal |
| Protein | 38 g |
| Carbohydrates | 55 g |
| fat | 25 g |
For more seafood-infused pasta recipes, check out our Seafood Pasta Collection. To deepen your understanding of classic Italian sauces, visit Serious Eats’ guide on Italian sauces, a trusted resource for culinary enthusiasts worldwide.
Q&A
Q&A: Creamy Chicken shrimp Carbonara – A Seafood Twist Delight
Q: What makes Creamy Chicken Shrimp Carbonara different from traditional carbonara?
A: Traditional carbonara typically features pancetta or guanciale, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper. This seafood twist replaces the pork with succulent shrimp and tender chicken, creating a protein-packed fusion. The creamy sauce remains true to carbonara’s silky texture but embraces the ocean’s flavors, adding a fresh, savory dimension.
Q: How do the shrimp and chicken complement each other in this dish?
A: The juicy shrimp bring a subtle brininess, while the chicken adds hearty warmth and a satisfying bite. Together, they balance each other beautifully-shrimp lightens the dish, making it feel fresh and vibrant, while chicken grounds it with comforting richness.
Q: Is the sauce made with traditional eggs, or is there a twist?
A: The sauce stays faithful to the classic carbonara by using eggs to achieve that luscious creaminess, but it’s often enhanced with a splash of cream or mascarpone for extra indulgence. The cheese blend may also include Pecorino Romano alongside parmesan to amplify the savory punch.
Q: Can this dish be made gluten-free or adapted for special diets?
A: Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta varieties like rice or chickpea noodles to keep it gluten-free without sacrificing texture. For dairy-free options,substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast and use coconut or almond milk-based cream alternatives. The proteins remain unchanged, ensuring the seafood twist remains intact.
Q: What wine or beverage pairs best with Creamy Chicken Shrimp Carbonara?
A: A crisp, lightly oaked Chardonnay complements the creamy texture and seafood notes perfectly.If white wine isn’t your preference, a refreshing sparkling water with a splash of lemon or a citrusy light beer can also enhance the dining experience.
Q: How long does it take to prepare this dish for a weeknight dinner?
A: With some prep work,you can have this delicious fusion on your table in about 30-40 minutes. Shrimp cooks quickly, and the chicken can be sautéed while pasta boils. The sauce comes together rapidly,making it an impressive yet accessible meal for any night of the week.
Q: Any tips for elevating this dish to restaurant-quality at home?
A: Absolutely! Use freshest shrimp and high-quality chicken breasts or thighs. Don’t overcook the shrimp-they should turn opaque but remain tender.Toss the pasta vigorously with the sauce off the heat to avoid scrambling the eggs and create that unmistakable silky texture. Garnish with freshly cracked black pepper and chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.
Q: is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
A: While carbonara is best enjoyed fresh to preserve its creamy texture, you can prep the proteins and sauce components ahead. Reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta just before serving to recover that luscious consistency and keep your seafood twist tasting bright and delightful.
Closing remarks
As the last forkful of this creamy Chicken Shrimp Carbonara disappears, you’re left with more than just a satisfied appetite-you carry a newfound appreciation for how seafood can beautifully transform a classic Italian favorite. This dish is a celebration of flavors where tender chicken and succulent shrimp swim in a luscious, velvety sauce, proving that tradition and innovation can coexist deliciously on one plate. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight treat or impressing guests at a dinner party,this seafood twist delight promises to elevate your culinary repertoire and inspire your next kitchen adventure. So go ahead, embrace the creamy indulgence, and let your taste buds set sail on this unforgettable flavor voyage.