Creamy, savory, and packed with flavor, Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara is an Italian-American twist that takes pasta night to a whole new level. It brings together the smoky crispness of bacon, the tender bite of seasoned chicken, and the delicate sweetness of shrimp—all wrapped in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce.

Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or just want to treat yourself to a hearty, restaurant-style dish at home, this carbonara variation offers the perfect balance of comfort and luxury. Each forkful is a rich and satisfying experience, perfect for cozy dinners and special occasions alike.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Spaghetti is classic, but fettuccine or linguine also hold up beautifully with the creamy carbonara sauce. Choose long noodles that can trap the silky coating of eggs, cheese, and cream. If you prefer a heartier bite, bucatini is another great choice.

Ingredients for the Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara

Spaghetti or Linguine: This is the base of the dish, holding onto all the rich carbonara sauce.
Shrimp: Adds a sweet, briny depth and pairs beautifully with the cream sauce.
Chicken Breast: Sliced and seared to add hearty, protein-packed bites.
Bacon: Provides that essential smoky, crispy kick and salty balance.
Egg Yolks: The key to the signature silky texture of carbonara.
Heavy Cream: While traditional carbonara skips it, this version benefits from the extra richness.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for nutty, salty flavor and smooth melt.
Garlic: Brings out depth and savoriness in the base.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning that brings everything together.
Fresh Parsley: A final touch of freshness to lift the dish visually and flavor-wise.

How To Make the Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Crisp the Bacon

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave some bacon fat in the skillet.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Season chicken slices with salt and pepper. In the same skillet, cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.

Step 4: Sauté the Shrimp

Add shrimp to the skillet with a touch more oil if needed. Cook for about 2 minutes per side or until pink and just cooked. Remove and set aside.

Step 5: Create the Cream Base

Reduce heat to low. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in heavy cream and half of the Parmesan. Simmer gently.

Step 6: Make the Carbonara Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks and remaining Parmesan. Slowly stream in a bit of warm cream sauce to temper the eggs, then stir mixture back into the skillet off heat.

Step 7: Combine Everything

Add drained pasta, chicken, shrimp, and bacon to the skillet. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a bit at a time to loosen the sauce as needed.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Top with chopped parsley, cracked black pepper, and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Serving and Storing Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara

This dish is best served immediately while the sauce is silky and the proteins are tender. Pair it with a crisp green salad or a light white wine like Pinot Grigio for a complete experience.

If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce without scrambling the eggs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just be sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the skillet.

Do I have to use heavy cream?

Traditional carbonara doesn’t use cream, but it’s added here for extra richness. You can skip it for a lighter version.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the proteins and pasta in advance and assemble just before serving.

What can I use instead of bacon?

Pancetta is a great substitute. You could also use turkey bacon, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Is there a dairy-free version?

You can try using a dairy-free cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan, but texture and flavor will vary.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Peas, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes make excellent additions to round out the dish.

Want More Dinner Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Alfredo Tortellini for a rich and indulgent meal.
Creamy Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff that brings comfort food vibes to the max.
Teriyaki Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Veggies for a sweet-savory fusion plate.
Garlic Butter Beef Linguine in Creamy Parmesan Sauce when you crave something hearty yet elegant.
Creamy and Easy Egg Custard Pie if you want to follow it all up with a luscious dessert.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use pancetta or go classic with bacon? Did you toss in veggies or keep it traditional?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy and indulgent twist on a classic, this Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara blends crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and tender shrimp in a velvety Parmesan and egg-based sauce. Perfect for weeknight indulgence or an elegant dinner at home.

Instructions

Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, reserving a bit of the bacon fat.
Season chicken with salt and pepper, sear in the bacon fat until cooked through. Set aside.
In the same pan, cook shrimp for 2 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
Add garlic to the pan, sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in cream and half the Parmesan; simmer on low.
In a bowl, whisk yolks with the remaining Parmesan. Slowly whisk in some warm cream to temper.
Remove skillet from heat, stir in tempered yolks. Add pasta, chicken, shrimp, and bacon.
Toss to coat, using reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Garnish with parsley and cracked black pepper. Serve hot.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner