Olive Garden
Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara
Lightly fried to perfection and served with
Olive Garden famous dip.
What Is Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara?
Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara is one of those Olive Garden entrées that immediately tells you it is not trying to be a light meal. It combines grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, pasta, bacon, and a creamy carbonara-style sauce into a rich, filling dish that sits comfortably among the restaurant’s most indulgent menu items. If you enjoy Alfredo but want something with more texture and smoky flavour, this is usually where people end up.
The first thing that stands out is the combination of proteins. Many pasta dishes focus on either chicken or seafood, but this one gives you both. The bacon adds another layer that pushes the dish closer to comfort food territory. Every forkful feels substantial, which explains why it has remained popular with diners looking for a hearty dinner rather than a lighter pasta option.
Unlike seasonal promotions that come and go, Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara has been a recurring favourite on Olive Garden’s menu for years. It is ordered most often as a dinner entrée, especially by guests who want something richer than traditional marinara-based pasta dishes. While menu updates can happen, it remains one of the better-known specialty pasta selections available at many Olive Garden locations in 2026.
Facts About Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara
Detail | Info |
|---|---|
Price | Approximately $21.99 to $25.99 |
Calories | About 1,390 calories |
Serving Size | 1 Entrée |
Available Since | Introduced during the 2010s, exact launch date not officially confirmed |
Menu Category | Entrée / Pasta |
Vegan Friendly | No |
Gluten-Free | No |
Available All Day | Generally Yes |
Permanent or Limited | Permanent Menu Item at many locations |
What Is Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara Made Of?
At first glance, Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara looks like a simple creamy pasta dish. Once you dig in, there is a lot happening. The base starts with pasta covered in a rich cream sauce inspired by traditional carbonara. Olive Garden’s version is Americanized, meaning it leans much heavier on cream than an authentic Italian carbonara would.
The combination of grilled chicken, shrimp, bacon, and roasted red peppers creates a mix of flavors that keeps the dish from becoming one-dimensional. The chicken provides heartiness, the shrimp adds a slightly sweet seafood note, and the bacon brings smokiness that cuts through the richness of the sauce.
Main Ingredients
- Pasta (the foundation of the dish that carries the sauce and toppings)
- Grilled Chicken (adds protein and a savory grilled flavor)
- Shrimp (provides a mild seafood sweetness)
- Bacon (adds smoky, salty richness)
- Cream Sauce (creates the dish’s signature creamy texture)
- Parmesan Cheese (adds nutty, salty depth)
- Roasted Red Peppers (bring sweetness and color)
- Garlic (supports the overall flavor profile)
- Seasonings and Herbs (enhance the sauce and proteins)
Ingredients and formulations may vary by location. Always check Olive Garden’s official allergen guide for the most current information before ordering if you have dietary restrictions.
Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara Calories and What They Mean
With roughly 1,390 calories per serving, Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara lands among the heavier entrées on Olive Garden’s menu. This is not the kind of meal most people order when counting calories closely. It is designed to be rich, filling, and satisfying, often leaving enough leftovers for another meal.
Nutrition Facts
Detail | Info |
|---|---|
Price | Approximately $21.99 to $25.99 |
Calories | About 1,390 calories |
Serving Size | 1 Entrée |
Available Since | Introduced during the 2010s, exact launch date not officially confirmed |
Menu Category | Entrée / Pasta |
Vegan Friendly | No |
Gluten-Free | No |
Available All Day | Generally Yes |
Permanent or Limited | Permanent Menu Item at many locations |
What This Means For You
- The calorie count is high enough that many guests split the entrée or take part of it home.
- Protein is one of the dish’s strengths, with about 58 grams per serving.
- Sodium is on the higher side, even compared with many restaurant pasta dishes.
- The rich cream sauce contributes significantly to the fat and calorie totals.
Compared with Fettuccine Alfredo, Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara contains more protein because of the chicken and shrimp combination. It is also generally higher in calories and fat due to the addition of bacon and the richer sauce profile.
How Much Does Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara Cost?
The price of Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara varies by location, but most guests can expect to pay somewhere between $21.99 and $25.99 before tax and drinks. Urban markets and higher-cost regions often sit at the upper end of that range.
Price Guide
Option | Approximate Price |
|---|---|
Regular / Standalone | $21.99 – $25.99 |
As Part of a Combo | Not commonly offered |
In a Box or Value Meal | Not typically available |
Prices vary by location and may have changed since this was written.
For the amount of food you receive, the value is fairly strong. The dish includes two proteins and a generous portion of pasta, making it one of the more filling entrées on the menu. Many diners end up taking leftovers home, which helps justify the higher price.
What Does Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara Taste Like?
The aroma hits before the first bite. You notice garlic, bacon, and cream almost immediately. Visually, it looks rich, with the sauce coating every piece of pasta while grilled chicken, shrimp, and roasted peppers sit throughout the bowl. It feels substantial before you even pick up your fork.
The flavor starts with the creamy sauce, but bacon quickly takes over. That smoky, salty note keeps the dish from tasting overly heavy. The shrimp adds occasional bursts of sweetness, while the chicken brings a familiar grilled flavor that balances the richness. The roasted red peppers help more than you might expect. Their slight sweetness breaks up what could otherwise be an overwhelmingly creamy experience.
Texture is where this entrée works best. The pasta stays tender, the shrimp has a slight snap, and the bacon introduces a bit of chew and crispness. Compared with Olive Garden’s Fettuccine Alfredo, this dish feels more layered and interesting. Against something like Applebee’s Three Cheese Chicken Penne, Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara generally tastes richer and more indulgent, though also noticeably heavier.
Dietary Information
Dietary Need | Suitable? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Vegan | No | Contains meat, dairy, and animal-derived ingredients |
Vegetarian | No | Includes chicken, shrimp, and bacon |
Gluten-Free | No | Traditional pasta contains wheat |
Dairy-Free | No | Sauce and cheese contain dairy |
Nut-Free | Generally Yes | No nuts listed, but cross-contact is possible |
Halal | No | Not certified halal |
Kosher | No | Not certified kosher |
Low Carb / Keto | No | Pasta contributes significant carbohydrates |
Low Sodium | No | Sodium content is relatively high |
No, this dish is not suitable for vegans or vegetarians. It contains chicken, shrimp, bacon, cheese, and a cream-based sauce. Olive Garden does not officially certify this entrée as vegetarian-friendly, and ingredient preparation methods may vary by location. Cross-contact with animal products is also possible in restaurant kitchens.
No, Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara is not gluten-free. The standard pasta contains wheat, and the restaurant environment presents cross-contact risks for guests with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity. If you require a gluten-free meal, ask your local Olive Garden about available gluten-sensitive menu options and preparation practices before ordering.
Can You Customize Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara?
One reason this entrée stays popular is that Olive Garden allows several modifications. Some changes are simple, while others can noticeably alter the flavour and nutrition profile. Availability depends on your location and the ingredients currently in stock.
Popular Customization Options
- Add extra shrimp for more seafood flavor.
- Add extra grilled chicken for additional protein.
- Request extra Parmesan cheese.
- Ask for extra roasted red peppers.
- Remove bacon if you prefer less smoky flavor.
- Request light sauce to reduce richness.
- Ask for sauce on the side for better portion control.
- Add broccoli if available at your location.
- Pair it with a different soup or salad combination.
- Some guests request extra garlic for a stronger savory flavor.
A few regular customers also ask for additional Alfredo-style sauce to make the dish even creamier, though it is already one of the richest pasta options on the menu. Using the Olive Garden app can make customization easier because many modifications can be selected before placing your order.
Is Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara Still Available in 2026?
Yes, Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara is still available at many Olive Garden locations in 2026. It remains one of the chain’s better-known specialty pasta dishes and continues to appear on numerous restaurant menus across the United States.
While Olive Garden occasionally refreshes its menu, this entrée has not experienced the same cycle of removals and returns that affects some limited-time offerings. The easiest way to confirm availability is through your local restaurant’s online menu or the Olive Garden mobile app. If it is unavailable at your location, Fettuccine Alfredo with added shrimp or Chicken Alfredo are the closest alternatives.
Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara vs. Similar Items
Product | Price (Approx.) | Calories | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara | $21.99-$25.99 | 1,390 | Combines chicken, shrimp, bacon, and creamy carbonara-style sauce |
Chicken Alfredo | $19.99-$23.99 | 1,570 | Similar creamy profile but no shrimp or bacon |
Shrimp Alfredo | $20.99-$24.99 | 1,470 | Focuses on shrimp and Alfredo flavor without chicken |
Applebee’s Three Cheese Chicken Penne | $17.99-$21.99 | 1,320 | Cheese-forward flavor with less seafood complexity |
If you enjoy variety on every bite, Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara is usually the strongest choice because it combines multiple proteins and textures. Chicken Alfredo works better for guests who prefer straightforward comfort food. Shrimp Alfredo suits seafood lovers, while Applebee’s Three Cheese Chicken Penne is a reasonable alternative for someone looking for a similar creamy pasta experience at another casual dining chain.
Ordering Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara Across the US
Across the United States, Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara is one of the more consistent Olive Garden entrées. The recipe changes very little between locations, though pricing can vary by several dollars depending on regional operating costs. Guests in larger metropolitan areas often pay slightly more than those in smaller suburban markets.
The experience can differ depending on where you order. Busy urban locations may have longer wait times during dinner rushes, while suburban restaurants often provide faster service and slightly fresher presentation during slower periods. Because the dish relies on freshly cooked shrimp and a hot cream sauce, timing matters more than it does with some simpler pasta dishes.
For the best results, dine-in service remains the top option because the sauce maintains its ideal texture. Delivery through services such as DoorDash or Uber Eats is convenient, but cream sauces can thicken during transport. Ordering through the Olive Garden app allows easy customization and faster pickup. Mid-afternoon and early dinner hours often provide the best balance of freshness and speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara Worth Ordering?
Order it if you:
- Enjoy rich, creamy pasta dishes.
- Want both chicken and shrimp in the same entrée.
- Like smoky bacon flavors mixed with creamy sauces.
- Plan to share or take leftovers home.
Skip it if you
- Prefer lighter meals with lower calories.
- Are avoiding high-sodium foods.
- Need a gluten-free or dairy-free option.
- Dislike heavy cream-based sauces.
This is the kind of dish you order when you’re in the mood for comfort food and not counting every calorie. The combination of chicken, shrimp, bacon, and creamy sauce delivers exactly what it promises: a rich, satisfying plate of pasta that feels substantial from the first bite to the last. It is not the most balanced item on the menu, and it does not pretend to be. If you love indulgent pasta dishes, Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara remains one of Olive Garden’s most rewarding entrées in 2026.
