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COPYCAT OLIVE GARDEN CHICKEN centered hero view, clean and uncluttered
Thomas Baker

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Recipe - Easy Authentic Dinner

This Copycat Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara is an impressive and flavorful Italian dish that brings restaurant-quality taste right to your home kitchen. Enjoy tender chicken tenders and juicy shrimp marinated in a fragrant blend, combined with creamy carbonara pasta and a crispy, cheesy topping. Perfect for a cozy dinner that rivals the original Olive Garden experience.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 1317

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound chicken tenders
  • 1 pound medium-size shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon pepper (freshly ground preferred)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 16 ounces spaghetti
  • 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 4 ounces pancetta diced
  • ½ cup salted butter
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon crushed garlic
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • ¼ cup parmesan romano cheese shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1 cup Italian seasoned panko bread crumbs
  • ½ cup salted butter melted
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • Fresh parsley finely chopped, for garnish

Method
 

  1. Place the chicken tenders and shrimp into a large gallon-sized storage bag.
  2. In a bowl, combine the olive oil, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, pepper, and salt, mixing well.
  3. Pour this marinade over the chicken and shrimp in the bag, seal tightly, and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours.
  4. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil; cook the spaghetti until it reaches al dente, then drain and set aside.
  5. Transfer the marinated chicken, shrimp, and marinade into a large skillet; cook over medium-high heat for 7 minutes.
  6. Add the sliced red bell peppers to the skillet and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes; remove from heat and set aside.
  7. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat; add the diced pancetta and sauté until crispy, about 5 minutes, stirring often.
  8. Reduce the heat to medium-low and incorporate the butter into the pot; once melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux.
  9. Slowly add the crushed garlic, parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and egg yolks while whisking continuously for 5 minutes to achieve a smooth sauce.
  10. Mix the cooked spaghetti into the sauce, ensuring all noodles are well coated.
  11. Spread the sauced pasta evenly into a 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish.
  12. Arrange the cooked chicken tenders, shrimp, and bell peppers on top of the pasta layer.
  13. Preheat your oven’s broiler to the low setting for gentle browning.
  14. In a small mixing bowl, combine the parmesan romano cheese, shredded mozzarella, Italian-seasoned panko bread crumbs, melted butter, and garlic powder thoroughly.
  15. Evenly distribute the topping mixture over the pasta and seafood.
  16. Place the baking dish under the broiler and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the topping becomes golden brown and crisp.
  17. Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top as a garnish.
  18. Serve the dish warm and enjoy your Copycat Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara with family or friends.

Notes

  • For best flavor, marinate the chicken and shrimp overnight. Use freshly grated parmesan for a richer taste. Adjust the broiler time to avoid burning the topping.