Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: chicken and shrimp carbonara! I stumbled upon this creamy, savory dish during a cozy dinner party with friends, and it was love at first bite. The way the rich sauce clings to the pasta, combined with the tender chicken and succulent shrimp, just warms my heart. I remember thinking, “How can something so simple taste so divine?” It’s Italian comfort food at its best! This dish is not just a crowd-pleaser; it’s versatile too! You can whip it up for a fancy date night or a casual weeknight dinner, and trust me, it never disappoints. The combination of flavors feels like a warm hug, and I’m so excited to share my recipe with you!
Ingredients for Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara
Let’s gather our ingredients for this delicious chicken and shrimp carbonara! Having everything ready makes the cooking process so much smoother and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 200g spaghetti: This is the star of the dish, so choose your favorite brand!
- 100g chicken breast, diced: Make sure it’s nice and tender for that juicy bite.
- 100g shrimp, peeled: I love using large shrimp for a satisfying texture.
- 2 eggs: These will create that creamy sauce we crave.
- 50g grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best for that rich flavor!
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: This adds a delightful aroma and taste.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: A good quality oil makes a difference!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season to your liking; I always recommend tasting as you go!
- Fresh parsley, chopped: This is for garnish and a fresh pop of color.
Trust me, these simple ingredients come together to create a dish that feels indulgent yet is so easy to whip up! Let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara
Alright, let’s dive into the heart of making this mouthwatering chicken and shrimp carbonara! I promise, it’s simpler than it sounds, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. Follow these steps, and you’ll be a pasta pro in no time!
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. I usually aim for about 4-5 quarts of water for 200g of spaghetti. Once it’s bubbling away, toss in the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes for that perfect al dente texture. You want it to have a little bite to it because it’ll cook a bit more when we mix it all together later. Just don’t forget to stir occasionally, so it doesn’t stick together!
Step 2: Sauté Garlic
While the spaghetti is cooking away, let’s get some flavor going! In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s warm, throw in your minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant. Keep an eye on it, though—garlic can burn quickly, and we want that lovely golden aroma, not a bitter one!
Step 3: Cook Chicken and Shrimp
Next up, add your diced chicken breast to the pan. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s no longer pink. Once the chicken starts to firm up, toss in those peeled shrimp. They’ll only need about 2-3 minutes to cook, turning pink and curling up. You’ll know they’re done when they’re a beautiful coral color. Oh, the smell is heavenly!
Step 4: Prepare Egg and Cheese Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 eggs and 50g of grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. This mixture is what gives our carbonara that creamy, dreamy texture, so make sure it’s well combined. If you’re feeling fancy, you can even add a pinch of black pepper or a dash of nutmeg for extra flavor!
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Once your spaghetti is cooked, drain it and add it directly to the skillet with the chicken and shrimp. Now here’s the trick: remove the skillet from the heat before adding the egg and cheese mixture. This will prevent the eggs from scrambling. Quickly mix it all together—trust me, the residual heat will cook the eggs just right and create that luscious sauce!
Step 6: Season and Garnish
Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. I usually give it a good taste test at this stage to see if it needs a little more seasoning. When you’re ready to serve, plate it up and sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for that pop of color and freshness. Oh, and don’t forget to add a little extra Parmesan if you’re feeling indulgent. Enjoy your creamy, savory creation!
Tips for Success
To make your chicken and shrimp carbonara truly shine, remember a couple of key tips! First, always use fresh ingredients—trust me, it makes a world of difference in flavor. The quality of your chicken and shrimp will elevate the dish. Second, serve it immediately after mixing in the egg and cheese mixture for that creamy, luscious consistency. If you let it sit too long, it can thicken up and lose that silky texture we all love. And don’t be shy with the seasoning; taste as you go to find that perfect balance. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional side of this delicious chicken and shrimp carbonara! Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on typical ingredients, so they might vary a bit depending on what you use. Here’s a rough breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 650
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 35g
This dish is not only satisfying but packs a good amount of protein thanks to the chicken, shrimp, and eggs. So you can enjoy every creamy bite while keeping your energy up. Happy eating!
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is the classic choice for chicken and shrimp carbonara, you can easily switch it up. Fettuccine or linguine would work wonderfully, giving you that same creamy goodness with a different texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, even penne or rigatoni can be fun! Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so always check the package instructions. The key is to choose a pasta that holds onto that delicious sauce!
How can I make this dish healthier?
If you’re looking to lighten things up a bit, I’ve got some great tips for you! First, you can use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for added fiber. Swapping out the chicken breast for grilled chicken or shrimp can also cut down on calories. Another option is to reduce the amount of cheese or use a lighter cheese alternative. If you’re really wanting to make it extra healthy, consider adding some fresh veggies like spinach or bell peppers for a colorful boost of nutrients. Trust me, you won’t lose any of that amazing flavor!
What can I serve with chicken and shrimp carbonara?
This dish is so satisfying on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, I have some delicious ideas! A simple side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette pairs perfectly to balance the richness of the carbonara. You could also whip up some garlic bread for that extra indulgence—who can resist? If you’re in the mood for something warm, a light vegetable soup would complement the pasta beautifully. Really, the options are endless, so feel free to get creative!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Deliciously creamy and savory, perfect for any pasta lover.
- Satisfying and filling, making it a great meal for hungry bellies.
- Versatile enough for a cozy weeknight dinner or a fancy gathering.
- Uses simple ingredients that you probably already have at home.
- Easily customizable—add your favorite veggies or swap proteins!
Trust me, once you try this chicken and shrimp carbonara, it’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation!
For more delicious pasta recipes, check out this creamy truffle pasta or this vegetable pasta!
Z nadrukami
Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara: 6 Tips for Ultimate Creaminess
- Całkowity Czas: 25 minutes
- Ustępować: 2 servings 1x
- Dieta: Non-Vegetarian
Opis
A creamy and savory chicken and shrimp carbonara dish.
Składniki
- 200g spaghetti
- 100g chicken breast, diced
- 100g shrimp, peeled
- 2 eggs
- 50g grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instrukcje
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.
- In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add chicken and shrimp, cooking until chicken is no longer pink.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs and Parmesan cheese.
- Drain the spaghetti and add it to the pan with chicken and shrimp.
- Remove from heat and quickly mix in the egg and cheese mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Uwagi
- Use fresh ingredients for best flavor.
- Adjust seasoning based on preference.
- Serve immediately for optimal creaminess.
- Czas Przygotowania: 10 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 15 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Course
- Sposób: Stovetop
- Kuchnia: Italian
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 plate
- Kalorie: 650
- Cukier: 2g
- Sód: 800mg
- Kwasy: 30g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 10g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 15g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 70g
- Włókno: 3g
- Białko: 35g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Słowa kluczowe: chicken and shrimp carbonara
