Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara Bake?
It is a hearty one-dish meal inspired by classic Italian flavors, combining tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and crispy bacon in a rich, creamy parmesan sauce.
What proteins are included in this recipe?
The recipe includes boneless skinless chicken breasts, shrimp, and bacon or Italian pancetta.
How should the chicken be prepared before cooking?
The chicken breasts should be boneless, skinless, and cut into cubes.
How much shrimp is required for this dish?
You will need 1/4 lb of shrimp that has been shelled and deveined.
Do I need to coat the chicken and shrimp before frying?
Yes, lightly coat the cubed chicken and shrimp with 1/4 cup of flour to ensure they are evenly dusted.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How much cooking oil is needed in total?
A total of 5 tablespoons of cooking oil is used: 3 tablespoons for the chicken and shrimp, and 2 tablespoons for the bacon and onion.
How long do I cook the floured chicken and shrimp?
Cook them in a skillet over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center.
What type of bacon or pancetta is used?
The recipe calls for 8 slices of bacon or Italian pancetta, diced into 1/4-inch pieces.
How should the onion be prepared?
One small onion should be finely chopped.
How long should I sauté the bacon and onion?
Sauté them for about 3 to 5 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the onion is translucent.
What seasonings are added to the skillet mixture?
A pinch of salt and a pinch of white pepper are added to the meat mixture.
Does this recipe use wine?
Yes, it uses 1/4 cup of white wine to concentrate the flavors.
How long should the white wine cook in the skillet?
Allow the wine to cook for approximately 2 minutes, reducing it by half.
How many eggs are needed for the carbonara base?
The recipe requires 4 beaten eggs.
What kind of cream is used for the sauce?
One cup of heavy cream is used to create the creamy sauce.
What type of parsley is recommended?
One teaspoon of chopped fresh Italian parsley is used.
How much parmesan cheese is included?
The recipe uses 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for dusting at the end.
How do I make the egg and cream mixture?
Whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and Italian parsley, then incorporate the grated parmesan cheese until smooth.
How are the cooked meats combined with the sauce?
Gently fold the chicken, shrimp, and bacon mixture into the egg and cream mixture until well combined.
What type of dish should I use for baking?
Use a greased casserole dish and spread the mixture evenly.
How long does the dish take to bake?
Bake it in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes.
How do I know when the bake is ready?
The dish is ready when it is golden around the edges and set in the center.
What should be added after removing the dish from the oven?
Lightly dust the top with cracked black pepper and additional parmesan cheese.
Should the dish be served immediately?
It is best to allow the dish to cool slightly before serving.
Is this a good recipe for a family dinner?
Yes, it is described as an excellent choice for family dinners or gatherings due to its comforting and hearty nature.
What are the primary flavor tags for this recipe?
Tags include chicken, shrimp, carbonara, Italian, casserole, and comfort food.
Can I use regular pepper instead of white pepper?
The recipe specifically calls for white pepper in the skillet and cracked black pepper for the garnish.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is rich, creamy, and smooth thanks to the combination of eggs, heavy cream, and parmesan.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 main ingredients used to create this dish.