Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, creamy dish that effortlessly combines the bold flavors of chicken and shrimp, look no further than Chicken Shrimp Carbonara. This delightful recipe is perfect for cozy family dinners or an impressive dish to serve guests. Trust me, once you savor the silky sauce mingling with the tender chicken and shrimp, you’ll understand why this dish deserves a spot in your recipe lineup.

Chicken Shrimp Carbonara is a playful twist on the traditional Italian pasta dish, combining the richness of carbonara with the irresistible charm of seafood. This creamy concoction offers not only a hearty meal but also a beautiful presentation that can make any dinner feel special. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility – it’s easy to customize based on your ingredient preferences, making it a staple in my kitchen.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces pasta of your choice (spaghetti works beautifully)
• 1 pound fresh chicken breast, diced
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 ounces pancetta or bacon, diced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 large eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1:

Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2:

In a large skillet, cook the pancetta or bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels, leaving the grease in the pan.

Step 3:

In the same skillet, add the diced chicken and cook until it’s golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Add the shrimp and garlic, cooking until the shrimp turn pink, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4:

In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 5:

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the chicken and shrimp, then pour the creamy egg mixture over the top.

Step 6:

Toss everything together over low heat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta. Stir in the crispy pancetta.

Step 7:

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your Chicken Shrimp Carbonara.

Nutritional Information

This chicken shrimp carbonara serves approximately six people and packs a delicious punch of flavors along with decent nutrition. Each serving contains around 650 calories, 40g of protein, and 30g of fat, making it a satisfying meal that can energize your day.

Healthier Alternatives

If you’re looking to lighten up the dish, consider using whole grain pasta or substituting half of the heavy cream with chicken broth for a lighter sauce. You can also replace pancetta with turkey bacon or just omit bacon entirely for a healthier option.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Shrimp Carbonara pairs beautifully with a side salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the dish. Crusty garlic bread also makes a perfect accompaniment for soaking up any leftover sauce.

Common Mistakes

One of the most common pitfalls in making carbonara is cooking the eggs at too high a temperature, which can lead to scrambling. Always make sure to toss the pasta off the heat, allowing the residual heat to gently cook the eggs into a creamy sauce. Additionally, be careful not to overcook the shrimp; they should be just pink and tender.

Chef’s Notes

• For an extra depth of flavor, try adding a splash of white wine to the skillet with the chicken.
• Feel free to experiment with additional vegetables, such as spinach or peas, to add color and nutrition.
• This recipe can easily be doubled or halved; just adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly to fit your needs.

FAQs

• Q1: Can I make Chicken Shrimp Carbonara ahead of time?
  A1: While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and shrimp in advance. Just reheat gently and add to the pasta.
• Q2: Is it necessary to use egg in this recipe?
  A2: The egg gives carbonara its classic creaminess, but if you’re avoiding eggs, you might use a store-bought alfredo sauce instead.
• Q3: What can I serve alongside this dish?
  A3: A light salad or garlic bread complements this dish wonderfully, balancing the rich flavors of the carbonara.

If you’re itching to try other creamy pasta dishes, don’t miss my delightful recipe for Creamy Shrimp Gnocchi, or explore the comforting flavors of my Creamy Chicken Mushroom Pasta. Happy cooking!

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