Authentic Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara 🍤🍗🔥

Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara is a luxurious twist on the classic Italian dish, featuring tender chicken, juicy shrimp, crispy bacon, and a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. This recipe takes the indulgence of traditional carbonara and elevates it with a surf-and-turf combination, making it perfect for a restaurant-quality meal at home.

With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this dish delivers bold, comforting flavors in every bite. Serve it over your favorite pasta, zucchini noodles, or even low-carb alternatives for a dish that suits any occasion!

✅ The Science & Benefits of Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara

✔️ Rich & Creamy Texture – Egg yolks and Parmesan cheese create a velvety sauce without heavy cream.
✔️ Balanced Protein Powerhouse – Chicken and shrimp provide a high-protein, satisfying meal.
✔️ Savory, Smoky Depth of Flavor – Bacon (or pancetta) adds an irresistible umami taste.
✔️ One-Pan Simplicity – Cook everything in a single skillet for easy cleanup!
✔️ Versatile & Customizable – Swap pasta for low-carb options like zucchini noodles.

🔥 Pro Tip: For an authentic carbonara texture, always toss the pasta with the sauce OFF the heat! Pair it with Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks for the perfect Italian-inspired meal! 🥖🔥

✅ A Deep Dive Into the Best Ingredients for Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara

✔️ Pasta: Spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine hold the creamy sauce best.
✔️ Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into bite-sized pieces.
✔️ Shrimp: Large, deveined shrimp for a juicy, tender bite.
✔️ Egg Yolks: The key to a creamy, authentic carbonara sauce—no heavy cream needed!
✔️ Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for the best melt and flavor.
✔️ Bacon or Pancetta: Adds a rich, smoky, crispy texture.
✔️ Garlic & Shallots: For depth and aromatic richness.
✔️ Black Pepper & Red Pepper Flakes: Classic carbonara seasoning with a touch of spice.

🔥 Pro Tip: Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency—it helps bind everything together!

✅ Step-By-Step: How to Make the Best Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara

🔥 Ingredients (Serves 4-6)

For the Carbonara Sauce:

• 3 large egg yolks
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Pasta & Protein:

• 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 slices bacon or pancetta, diced
• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 12 large shrimp, peeled & deveined
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped
• ½ cup reserved pasta water
• Fresh parsley & extra Parmesan for garnish

🥘 Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta & Prep the Sauce

1. Boil salted water in a large pot and cook pasta 1 minute less than al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
2. In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.

🔥 Pro Tip: Adding pasta water to the sauce later will make it silky and smooth!

2️⃣ Cook the Bacon & Chicken

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crispy (about 4 minutes). Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add chicken pieces and cook until golden brown (5-6 minutes). Remove and set aside.

🔥 Pro Tip: Cooking in bacon fat adds extra flavor to the chicken!

3️⃣ Sauté the Shrimp & Aromatics

1. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
2. Lower the heat to medium-low, add garlic and shallots, and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

🔥 Pro Tip: Don’t overcook shrimp—they should be just pink and tender!

4️⃣ Combine Everything in the Pan

1. Return the pasta to the skillet over LOW heat.
2. Quickly toss in the chicken, shrimp, and crispy bacon.
3. Pour in the egg-Parmesan mixture and immediately toss with tongs.
4. Add reserved pasta water, little by little, to create a creamy sauce.

🔥 Pro Tip: Keep the heat LOW to prevent the eggs from scrambling—gentle heat is key!

5️⃣ Garnish & Serve

1. Top with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
2. Serve immediately with garlic bread or a fresh side salad.

🔥 Pro Tip: For extra richness, drizzle a little truffle oil before serving!

✅ Flavor Science – Why Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara is So Addictive

✔️ Egg Yolks Create a Velvety Sauce – When mixed with Parmesan and pasta water, they form a silky, creamy texture.
✔️ Bacon Adds Smoky Depth – Crispy, salty bacon enhances the umami flavors.
✔️ Shrimp & Chicken Provide Balance – A delicious contrast of tender seafood and hearty chicken.

🔥 Pro Tip: Freshly cracked black pepper enhances carbonara’s bold flavor profile! Pair it with Cowboy Steak for a surf-and-turf meal! 🥩🔥

✅ More Variations & Customizations

✔️ Creamy Alfredo-Style Carbonara: Add a splash of heavy cream for extra richness.
✔️ Spicy Garlic Carbonara: Add extra chili flakes and minced roasted garlic.
✔️ Low-Carb Option: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
✔️ Extra Veggies: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers.

🔥 Pro Tip: Try smoked Gouda instead of Parmesan for a unique flavor twist! Pair it with Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls for a fun, crispy appetizer! 🌶️🔥

✅ Pairing Guide – Best Sides & Drinks for Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara

✔️ Sides: Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted asparagus.
✔️ Drinks: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or a light rosé.
✔️ Sauces: Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil or truffle oil before serving.

This rich, creamy pasta dish pairs perfectly with:
🥗 Vegetable Tray – A fresh, crunchy contrast.
🍞 Sweet Potato Cornbread – A slightly sweet pairing.
🍷 A glass of white wine – Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc!

🔥 Pro Tip: Pair with a crisp white wine to cut through the richness! For a full Italian-style feast, serve it with French Onion Rice as a side! 🧅🔥

✅ Troubleshooting – Fixing Common Carbonara Mistakes

❌ Sauce too thick? Add extra reserved pasta water.
❌ Eggs scrambled? Remove from heat before adding the sauce.
❌ Not creamy enough? Use extra Parmesan for richness.

🔥 Pro Tip: Always toss pasta with sauce OFF the heat to prevent curdling!

✅ Nutritional Insights – Calories & Macros for Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara

✔️ Calories per serving (~1 plate): ~580 kcal
✔️ Protein: 40g
✔️ Carbs: 50g
✔️ Fats: 22g

🥗 Healthier Swaps:
✔️ Lower Calories: Use zucchini noodles instead of pasta.
✔️ More Protein: Add extra shrimp or grilled chicken.
✔️ Lower Carbs: Use almond flour pasta or spaghetti squash.

✅ Conclusion

Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara is a luxurious, creamy, and incredibly flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, juicy shrimp, crispy bacon, and a rich Parmesan sauce. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or customize it with your favorite add-ins, this restaurant-quality meal is guaranteed to impress!

🔥 Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara is a must-try! 🍝🔥

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