What makes a perfect weeknight dinner? A rich homemade carbonara packed with chicken, shrimp, and parsley, all tossed in a quick and easy pasta dish. Save this idea for a delicious family favorite meal to try soon

chicken and shrimp carbonara pasta with parsley on the side in a white bowl

Introduction

This delectable chicken and shrimp carbonara pasta is a masterclass in simplicity and flavor, proving that you don’t need a laundry list of exotic ingredients to create a dish that’s both impressive and satisfying. By combining the richness of shrimp and chicken with the creaminess of a well-made carbonara sauce, all served atop a bed of perfectly cooked pasta and garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, you create a meal that’s not just delicious but also visually appealing. The beauty of this recipe lies in its accessibility – using everyday ingredients and straightforward techniques, anyone can achieve a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of their own home.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of chicken, shrimp, and carbonara sauce offers a balanced mix of protein, creaminess, and freshness that’s hard to resist, and all the ingredients are easily found in most supermarkets.
• Ease of preparation: Despite its elegant appearance, this dish is surprisingly easy to prepare. The steps are straightforward, and the cooking time is relatively short, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is how it manages to deliver impressive, restaurant-worthy results with minimal fuss. This makes it an excellent choice for entertaining guests or for anyone looking to elevate their mealtime without spending hours in the kitchen.

Key Ingredients

The core of this dish is built around a few key ingredients: chicken breasts, shrimp, spaghetti, eggs, parmesan cheese, and parsley. The chicken and shrimp provide the protein and texture, while the spaghetti serves as the base. The eggs and parmesan cheese are essential for creating the creamy carbonara sauce. Fresh parsley adds a burst of freshness and color to the dish. For practical substitutions, you could use different types of pasta or add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to increase the nutritional value and variety of the dish.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preparing your ingredients. Chop the parsley, grate the parmesan cheese, and slice the chicken into manageable pieces. Peel and de-vein the shrimp. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until it’s browned and cooked through, then remove it from the skillet and set it aside. Add a bit more oil if necessary, then add the shrimp. Cook the shrimp until they’re pink and fully cooked, then set them aside with the chicken.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed, then crack in the eggs. Scramble them lightly, then add the grated parmesan cheese. Mix everything together, creating a creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
4. Step 4: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the egg and cheese sauce. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated. Return the chicken and shrimp to the skillet, tossing gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

Handy Tips

• Avoid overcooking the spaghetti, as it will continue to cook a bit after draining. Al dente texture is key for a good carbonara.
• Use room temperature eggs for a smoother sauce.
• Don’t overheat the sauce, as the eggs can scramble too much and the cheese can become grainy.

Heat Control

Heat control is crucial in this recipe, especially when cooking the eggs and the pasta. For the eggs, you want to cook them over low-medium heat, stirring constantly, to prevent them from scrambling too much. The ideal temperature for cooking the pasta is a rolling boil, but once you add the eggs, reduce the heat to prevent the eggs from cooking too quickly. The doneness of the shrimp and chicken can be checked by cutting into them; they should be white and firm, with no pinkness remaining.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish comes from the freshness of the parsley and the slight firmness of the al dente pasta. To achieve the perfect texture, ensure that you don’t overcook the spaghetti and that you sprinkle the parsley on top just before serving, so it retains its freshness and crunch.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a mixture of parmesan and other hard cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.
• Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the flavors of the dish.
• For an extra creamy sauce, add a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt towards the end of cooking the eggs.

Storage Tips

• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently, adding a bit of pasta water if the sauce has thickened too much.
• Avoid freezing this dish, as the texture of the eggs and the pasta can become unappetizing after thawing.
• Use airtight containers to store leftovers, keeping them fresh for a longer period.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re considering gifting this dish, perhaps for a potluck or as a meal for a friend in need, consider packaging it in a decorative, microwave-safe container. Add a sprinkle of parsley on top and a side of garlic bread or a green salad for a complete meal. You could also include a bottle of wine or a fresh lemon for added flair.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or some dried basil for an Italian twist.
• Creative toppings: Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers can add texture, flavor, and color to the dish.
• Ingredient swaps: Substitute the chicken with bacon or pancetta for a smokier flavor, or use different types of cheese for varying flavor profiles.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit of pasta water. If it’s too thin, add more parmesan cheese.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have parmesan, other hard cheeses like pecorino or romano can work as substitutes.
• Over/undercooking signs: Check the pasta for doneness by biting into it; it should have a bit of bite but not be hard. The eggs should be creamy and just set, not runny or overcooked.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? It’s not recommended to freeze this dish due to the potential texture changes in the eggs and pasta.
• Is it gluten-free? Traditional pasta contains gluten, but you can substitute it with gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe for larger groups, just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly for the pasta and the protein.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the chicken and shrimp carbonara pasta with parsley on the side in a white bowl is a dish that embodies the perfect blend of simplicity, flavor, and presentation. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary needs, making it an excellent addition to any home cook’s repertoire. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced chef, this recipe is sure to delight. So, don’t hesitate to get creative, share your adaptations, and enjoy the process of cooking and sharing meals with others.