What makes a perfect weeknight dinner? A homemade carbonara pasta dish loaded with chicken, shrimp and a sprinkle of parsley is my top choice for a quick and easy family favorite, try whipping it up with garlic and parmesan for a rich flavor, Save this idea

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

Introduction

Cooking a delicious meal doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With the right combination of ingredients and a bit of creativity, you can create a dish that’s not only flavorful but also visually appealing. The chicken and shrimp carbonara pasta with parsley on the side in a white bowl is a perfect example of how everyday ingredients can come together to form a culinary masterpiece. This recipe is all about ease, flavor, and presentation, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal effort, yet it’s sure to impress anyone who tries it.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: This recipe strikes a perfect balance between rich and light flavors, and all the ingredients are easily accessible in most supermarkets.
• Ease of preparation: The steps are straightforward, and the cooking time is relatively short, making it ideal for busy individuals.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, the dish looks and tastes like it was prepared in a high-end restaurant, making it perfect for special occasions or dinner parties.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients in this recipe include spaghetti, chicken breasts, shrimp, bacon or pancetta, eggs, parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, and black pepper. For practical substitutions, you can use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon, or substitute the shrimp with scallops for a different seafood flavor. The parmesan cheese can be replaced with other hard cheeses like pecorino or romano, and fresh parsley can be substituted with dried parsley if fresh is not available. The key is to maintain the balance of flavors and textures that make this dish so enjoyable.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. While the spaghetti is cooking, chop the bacon into small pieces and dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Add the diced chicken to the skillet and cook until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside with the bacon.
3. Step 3: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they’re pink and fully cooked. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside with the chicken and bacon. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Step 4: 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 cooked chicken, shrimp, and bacon to the bowl and toss everything together until it’s well combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

Handy Tips

• To prevent the eggs from scrambling when you add them to the hot spaghetti, make sure to whisk them well and temper them by slowly pouring the hot pasta water into the eggs while whisking.
• Don’t overcook the spaghetti, as it will continue to cook a bit after you drain it. Al dente pasta is key to a good carbonara.
• Use high-quality ingredients, especially the parmesan cheese and the bacon, as they will greatly impact the flavor of the dish.

Heat Control

Heat control is crucial in this recipe, especially when cooking the bacon, chicken, and shrimp. Make sure to cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy, and adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning. When cooking the chicken and shrimp, cook them over medium-high heat until they’re browned and cooked through, but be careful not to overcook them. The ideal internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F (74°C), and for shrimp, it’s when they’re pink and fully opaque.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish comes from the crispy bacon and the toasted garlic. To achieve the perfect crunch, make sure to cook the bacon until it’s crispy and golden brown, and don’t overcook the garlic, as it can quickly become bitter. You can also add some toasted bread crumbs or chopped nuts on top of the pasta for extra crunch.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a mixture of parmesan and pecorino cheese for a more complex flavor profile.
• Add some lemon zest or lemon juice to the egg mixture for a bright and citrusy flavor.
• Use guanciale instead of bacon for a more authentic Italian flavor.

Storage Tips

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a bit of pasta water if needed to achieve the right consistency.
• Freeze the cooked pasta, chicken, and shrimp separately for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw and reheat, then combine everything together.
• Use glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids to store the leftovers, and make sure to label and date them so you know how long they’ve been stored.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you want to give this dish as a gift, consider packaging it in a beautiful white bowl or a decorative pasta dish. You can also add some garnishes like chopped parsley, parmesan cheese, or toasted bread crumbs to make it look more appealing. Wrap the bowl or dish in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and tie it with a ribbon or a gift tag. You can also include a jar of pasta sauce or a block of parmesan cheese on the side for a complete gift.

Flavor Variations

• Try adding some diced ham or prosciutto to the pasta for a salty and savory flavor.
• Add some chopped mushrooms or asparagus to the skillet with the garlic for added flavor and nutrients.
• Use different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or feta, for a unique and tangy flavor.

Troubleshooting

• If the pasta is too dry, add a bit of pasta water to achieve the right consistency.
• If the eggs are too scrambled, try tempering them better next time or adding a bit of cream or milk to the egg mixture.
• If the dish is too salty, try adding a bit of lemon juice or vinegar to balance out the flavors.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the cooked pasta, chicken, and shrimp separately for up to 2 months. Simply thaw and reheat when you’re ready to eat.
• Is it gluten-free? No, this recipe contains gluten in the form of spaghetti. However, you can substitute the spaghetti with gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a larger crowd. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and heat accordingly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the chicken and shrimp carbonara pasta with parsley on the side in a white bowl is a delicious and impressive dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich and creamy sauce, tender chicken and shrimp, and crunchy bacon, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations to make it your own, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further assistance. Happy cooking, and buon appetito!