What makes a perfect weeknight dinner? A homemade carbonara packed with chicken, shrimp and fresh parsley, all tossed in a rich easy sauce, save this idea for a quick family favorite meal

Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara Pasta with Parsley on the Side in a White Bowl

Introduction

This delectable chicken and shrimp carbonara pasta dish is a perfect blend of flavors and textures that can be easily prepared with everyday ingredients. The combination of succulent chicken, flavorful shrimp, and rich carbonara sauce, all served with a fresh sprinkle of parsley on the side, makes for a truly impressive meal. What’s even more appealing is the ease with which this dish can be prepared, making it a great option for both beginners and seasoned cooks alike. With its rich flavors and creative use of ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The key to this dish is the balance of flavors achieved through the combination of chicken, shrimp, and carbonara sauce, all made with easily accessible ingredients.
• Ease of preparation: The steps involved in preparing this dish are straightforward and simple, requiring minimal cooking expertise.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite the ease of preparation, the end result is a dish that looks and tastes impressive, perfect for serving to guests or enjoying on a special occasion.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients in this dish include chicken breasts, shrimp, spaghetti, bacon or pancetta, eggs, parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Practical substitutions can be made for some ingredients, such as using vegetable oil instead of olive oil for cooking, or replacing bacon with mushrooms for a vegetarian option. However, the core ingredients of chicken, shrimp, and carbonara sauce are what give this dish its unique flavor and texture.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preparing all the ingredients. Chop the bacon or pancetta into small pieces, slice the chicken into thin strips, peel and de-vein the shrimp, and grate the parmesan cheese. Also, chop a handful of fresh parsley and set it aside for garnish.
2. Step 2: Cook the spaghetti in boiling, salted water until it’s al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti. In a large skillet, cook the bacon or pancetta over medium heat until it’s crispy, then remove it from the skillet and set it aside. Add the chicken and shrimp to the skillet and cook until they’re fully cooked and slightly browned.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the cooked spaghetti to the bowl and toss it with the egg mixture until the spaghetti is well coated. Add the reserved pasta water to the bowl in small increments if the mixture seems too thick. Then, add the cooked chicken, shrimp, and bacon or pancetta to the bowl and toss everything together until it’s well combined.
4. Step 4: To serve, divide the carbonara pasta among four plates. Sprinkle a bit of extra parmesan cheese over the top of each serving and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Handy Tips

• When cooking the spaghetti, be sure to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining it, as this can be used to adjust the consistency of the carbonara sauce.
• Don’t overcook the chicken and shrimp, as this can make them tough and rubbery.
• Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh parsley and real parmesan cheese, to get the best flavor out of your dish.

Heat Control

Heat control is crucial when cooking the chicken and shrimp, as overcooking can make them tough and dry. Ideally, the chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), while the shrimp should be cooked until they’re pink and fully opaque. The bacon or pancetta should be cooked until it’s crispy and golden brown. When cooking the spaghetti, be sure to use boiling water and adjust the heat as needed to prevent the water from boiling over.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish comes from the crispy bacon or pancetta and the fresh parsley. To achieve the perfect crunch, be sure to cook the bacon or pancetta until it’s crispy and golden brown, and use fresh parsley that’s been chopped just before serving. You can also add some toasted bread crumbs or chopped nuts to the dish for extra crunch.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a mixture of grated and shredded parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
• Add a bit of lemon juice or zest to the dish for a burst of bright, citrusy flavor.
• Use a variety of colorful bell peppers or cherry tomatoes to add some extra color and flavor to the dish.

Storage Tips

• Leftover carbonara pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• To reheat the pasta, simply cook it in the microwave or on the stovetop until it’s hot and steaming.
• Be sure to use a high-quality, airtight container to store the pasta, as this will help to keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This dish can be packaged in a variety of creative ways, making it a great gift for friends and family. Consider serving the carbonara pasta in a beautiful, white bowl and garnishing it with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a few fresh parsley leaves. You could also package the pasta in a decorative jar or container, along with a few slices of crusty bread and a pat of butter. Whatever packaging method you choose, be sure to include a few simple instructions for reheating and serving the pasta.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Consider adding some dried or fresh herbs, such as basil or oregano, to the dish for a unique flavor twist.
• Creative toppings: Add some diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or sliced olives to the dish for a burst of color and flavor.
• Ingredient swaps: Replace the chicken and shrimp with some diced ham or bacon, or use a variety of different cheeses, such as mozzarella or feta, for a unique flavor profile.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the carbonara sauce is too thick, try adding a bit of reserved pasta water to thin it out. If the sauce is too thin, try adding a bit more parmesan cheese or egg yolk.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have bacon or pancetta, consider using some diced ham or mushrooms as a substitute. If you don’t have parmesan cheese, try using a different type of cheese, such as mozzarella or feta.
• Over/undercooking signs: If the chicken and shrimp are overcooked, they may become tough and rubbery. If they’re undercooked, they may not be safe to eat. Be sure to cook the chicken and shrimp until they’re fully cooked and slightly browned.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the carbonara pasta for up to three months. Simply cook the pasta and let it cool, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer.
• Is it gluten-free? No, this dish is not gluten-free, as it contains spaghetti and parmesan cheese, both of which contain gluten. However, you can make a gluten-free version of the dish by using gluten-free pasta and cheese.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a larger crowd. Simply multiply all the ingredients and cook the pasta and sauce in batches if necessary.

Conclusion

This chicken and shrimp carbonara pasta dish is a delicious and impressive meal that’s perfect for special occasions or everyday dining. With its rich flavors and creative use of ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Be sure to experiment with different ingredients and flavor variations to make the dish your own, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further guidance. Happy cooking!