The “Creamy Chicken Carbonara with Shrimp” is a luxurious and satisfying pasta dish that elevates the classic Italian carbonara with the addition of tender chicken and succulent shrimp, creating a more substantial and richly flavored meal. As prominently displayed in the image, this dish features a bed of perfectly cooked spaghetti, generously coated in a creamy, velvety sauce. Resting atop the pasta is a beautifully seared chicken breast, alongside plump, pink shrimp, and vibrant red bell pepper strips, all garnished with fresh green chives and a side of grated cheese. This fusion of flavors and textures makes it an ideal choice for a comforting weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests.
The heart of any carbonara is its sauce, traditionally made with eggs, hard cheese (like Pecorino Romano or Parmesan), cured pork (guanciale or pancetta), and black pepper. In this “creamy” rendition, the sauce often incorporates a touch of cream or milk to achieve an even richer, more indulgent consistency, which is evident in the luscious coating on the spaghetti in the image. The heat from the cooked pasta and the residual warmth from the rendered pork fat gently cook the eggs, creating a silky, emulsified sauce that clings beautifully to every strand of spaghetti without scrambling the eggs. The addition of cream enhances this smooth texture, making it more approachable for those who prefer a less intense egg flavor.
Beyond the traditional components, this recipe introduces two main protein elements: chicken and shrimp. The chicken breast, visible as a golden-brown, perfectly seared piece in the center of the plate, adds lean protein and a savory depth to the dish. It’s typically seasoned and cooked separately to achieve a desirable crust before being added to the finished pasta. The shrimp contribute a delicate sweetness and a tender bite, contrasting nicely with the chicken. Their natural briny flavor complements the richness of the carbonara sauce, and their quick cooking time makes them an efficient addition to the meal. The vibrant orange hue of the cooked shrimp stands out against the pale pasta.
To add color, freshness, and a mild peppery note, the dish is garnished with thinly sliced red bell pepper and finely chopped chives. The red bell pepper offers a slight crispness and a pop of sweetness, while the chives provide a delicate oniony flavor and a touch of bright green, enhancing the visual appeal. A small bowl of grated Parmesan cheese on the side, as seen in the background of the image, suggests that diners can add extra cheese to their liking, further enriching the dish with its salty, umami notes. This “Creamy Chicken Carbonara with Shrimp” is a hearty, flavorful, and beautifully presented meal that successfully blends classic Italian techniques with additional ingredients for a truly memorable dining experience.
Ingredients:
For the Pasta and Sauce Base:
- 1 lb (450g) spaghetti or linguine
- 8 oz (about 8-10 slices) pancetta or bacon, diced
- 4 large egg yolks, at room temperature
- ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese, plus more for serving
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter sauce)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, plus more to taste
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
For the Chicken and Shrimp:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz each)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish and Vegetables:
- ½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced or diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
Equipment:
- Large pot for cooking pasta
- Large skillet or deep pan for pancetta, chicken, and shrimp
- Medium bowl for sauce mixture
- Whisk
- Tongs for tossing pasta
- Meat thermometer (optional, for chicken)
Instructions:
Part 1: Prepare the Pancetta and Pasta
- Prepare Sauce Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 4 egg yolks, ½ cup Pecorino Romano cheese, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, ½ cup heavy cream, and ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Set aside.
- Cook Pancetta: Place a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta or bacon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy and the fat has rendered. This usually takes 8-10 minutes. Once crispy, remove the pancetta with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
- Boil Pasta Water: While the pancetta is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil for the spaghetti.
- Cook Pasta: Add the 1 lb of spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente (firm to the bite). Before draining, reserve ¼ cup of the starchy pasta water. This water is essential for creating the creamy sauce. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Part 2: Cook Chicken and Shrimp
- Cook Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the same skillet (with the rendered pancetta fat) over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C). The image shows a well-seared, golden chicken breast. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside on a cutting board to rest for a few minutes.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the same skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Shrimp cook very quickly, so be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Slice Chicken: Once rested, slice the cooked chicken breasts against the grain into desired thickness (or leave whole if serving as a single breast per plate, as depicted in the image).
Part 3: Combine and Serve
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Return the empty skillet (no need to clean it, residual flavors are good) to low heat. Add the cooked, drained spaghetti to the skillet. Immediately pour the egg yolk and cream mixture over the pasta.
- Emulsify Sauce: Using tongs, quickly and continuously toss the spaghetti with the sauce mixture. The heat from the pasta and the skillet will gently cook the eggs and melt the cheese, creating a rich, creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add small amounts of the reserved pasta water, tossing constantly, until you reach your desired creamy consistency. The key is to keep tossing to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
- Add Pancetta and Vegetables: Stir in the cooked crispy pancetta (reserving a bit for garnish if desired) and the thinly sliced red bell pepper into the pasta.
- Plate the Dish: Divide the creamy carbonara among serving plates.
- Arrange Proteins: Place a sliced chicken breast (or whole chicken breast) on top of each pasta serving. Arrange the cooked shrimp around the chicken and pasta.
- Garnish: Garnish generously with fresh chopped chives and extra grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese. A pinch of red pepper flakes can be added for a hint of heat.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the Creamy Chicken Carbonara with Shrimp hot, as carbonara is best enjoyed fresh.
Tips for Success:
- Room Temperature Eggs: Using room temperature egg yolks helps prevent the sauce from scrambling and ensures a smoother emulsion.
- Don’t Scramble Eggs: The key to a creamy carbonara is to add the egg mixture to hot (but not scorching hot) pasta off the direct heat of the stove, and to toss continuously. The residual heat from the pasta will cook the eggs gently.
- Reserved Pasta Water: This starchy water is your secret weapon for achieving the perfect sauce consistency. Add it gradually as needed.
- Quality Ingredients: Since carbonara relies on a few key ingredients, using high-quality pancetta/bacon and cheese will make a big difference in flavor.
- Cook Proteins Separately: Cooking the chicken and shrimp separately ensures they are perfectly cooked and allows you to develop good flavor on them before adding to the pasta.
This detailed recipe should enable you to create a delicious and visually appealing “Creamy Chicken Carbonara with Shrimp” that closely matches the dish in the image.