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Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara

A cozy, creamy dinner that's ready in just 30 minutes, packed with chicken, shrimp, and savory flavors.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 680

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into strips
  • 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined Use medium shrimp (16–20 count)
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic = bigger flavor
  • 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half plus a tablespoon of butter for a lighter version
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Grate fresh for creamier melt
  • Salt and pepper to taste Taste before adding salt as bacon and Parmesan are salty
  • Chopped parsley for garnish Optional for serving

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers.
  3. Add the chicken strips and brown for 4–6 minutes, turning once; the edges should be golden and the inside no longer pink.
  4. Move the chicken to one side and add the chopped bacon; let it sizzle until crisp.
  5. Add the shrimp to the pan and cook 1–2 minutes per side until opaque and slightly curled; avoid overcooking.
  6. Stir in the garlic and cook for just 30–45 seconds until fragrant; don’t let it burn.
  7. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer; stir in the Parmesan until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  8. Season with salt and pepper. Toss the drained fettuccine into the pan, folding to coat every strand.
  9. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Notes

If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Do not freeze; cream sauces do not freeze well.