Tuscan Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara Bake
Inspired by the flavors of Italy, this Tuscan Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara Bake elevates a classic dish to a delightful culinary experience. Combining tender chicken strips and succulent shrimp with bucatini pasta, this recipe features a rich pancetta and parmesan cream sauce that envelopes every bite. Roasted red peppers add a sweet, vibrant touch, and a buttery breadcrumb topping creates a satisfying crunch. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Serve it at your next gathering for a taste of Italy in every mouthful!
8
Servings
800
Calories
25
Ingredients
Ingredients
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 cup (none)
Hot Water
1 cup (none)
Italian Seasoning
1 tablespoon (none)
Garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon (fresh)
Chicken Strips or Shrimp
3 lbs (2 lbs chicken strips or 1 large shrimp)
Butter
1 cup (melted)
Garlic, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons (fresh)
Bacon Bits
6 tablespoons (none)
All-Purpose Flour
3 tablespoons (none)
Parmesan Cheese, grated
1 cup (grated)
Heavy Cream
4 cups (none)
Milk
4 cups (none)
Bacon Mixture
1/4 cup (none)
Cooked Pasta
2 boxes (14 oz each) (any long pasta like bucatini, spaghetti, or linguine)
Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Romano Cheese, grated
3 tablespoons (grated)
Parmesan Cheese, grated
3 tablespoons (grated)
Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
1 3/4 cups (shredded)
Panko Breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (none)
Garlic, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons (fresh)
Butter, melted
1 1/2 tablespoons (melted)
Parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons (fresh)
Roasted Red Peppers, cut into small strips
1 1/2 cups (cooked and sliced)
Bacon Bits
1/4 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, hot water, Italian seasoning, and chopped garlic. Add the chicken strips or shrimp, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
3
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped garlic and bacon bits, sautéing for about 5 minutes until fragrant.
4
Stir in the all-purpose flour, mixing well. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and milk, whisking continuously. Season with black pepper and salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
5
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the grated Romano cheese, additional Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella, panko breadcrumbs, chopped garlic, melted butter, and chopped parsley. Mix until well incorporated. Set aside.
6
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken (or shrimp) and cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach the appropriate internal temperature (165°F for chicken, 155°F for shrimp). Add the roasted red peppers and bacon bits during the last minute of cooking.
7
Pour the simmering sauce over the cooked chicken and pasta, blending everything together.
8
Transfer the hot, precooked pasta to a large serving platter. Top with the chicken and sauce mixture, and evenly distribute the breadcrumb mixture over the top.
9
Place the entire platter in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
10
Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious Tuscan Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara Bake!
Nutrition Information
56g
Fat
47.5g
Carbs
22.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tuscan Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara Bake?
It is an Italian-inspired casserole that combines tender chicken strips, succulent shrimp, and bucatini pasta in a rich pancetta and parmesan cream sauce topped with buttery breadcrumbs.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What are the primary proteins in this dish?
The dish features chicken strips and large shrimp.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 800 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 56 grams of fat per serving.
How many grams of protein are in each serving?
Each serving provides 22.5 grams of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
There are 47.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long should the chicken or shrimp be marinated?
The proteins should marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
What is included in the marinade?
The marinade consists of extra virgin olive oil, hot water, Italian seasoning, and chopped garlic.
What types of pasta can be used for this recipe?
You can use any long pasta such as bucatini, spaghetti, or linguine.
How long does it take to simmer the carbonara sauce?
The sauce should simmer for about 10 minutes until it has thickened.
What cheeses are used in the carbonara sauce?
The sauce uses grated Parmesan cheese.
What is in the breadcrumb topping mixture?
The topping includes grated Romano cheese, Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella, panko breadcrumbs, chopped garlic, melted butter, and chopped parsley.
What is the recommended baking time?
Bake the dish for 15 to 20 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
What internal temperature should the chicken reach?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
What internal temperature should the shrimp reach?
The shrimp should reach an internal temperature of 155 degrees Fahrenheit.
How much heavy cream is needed?
The recipe requires 4 cups of heavy cream.
How much milk is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of milk.
What kind of oil is used for the marinade?
Extra Virgin Olive Oil is used for the marinade.
Are there peppers in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1.5 cups of roasted red peppers cut into small strips.
When do I add the bacon bits?
Bacon bits are added both during the sauce preparation and during the last minute of cooking the proteins.
What type of breadcrumbs are best?
Panko breadcrumbs are used to provide a satisfying crunch.
How much garlic is used in total?
The recipe uses approximately 1 tablespoon plus 3 teaspoons of chopped fresh garlic across different steps.
What seasonings are used for the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with black pepper and salt.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and a hearty meal for family dinners.
How do I prepare the pasta?
The pasta should be precooked before being added to the baking platter.
What makes the topping golden and bubbly?
The combination of mozzarella, parmesan, romano, and melted butter in the breadcrumb mixture creates the golden finish.
Can I use different proteins?
The recipe specifies using either 2 lbs of chicken strips or 1 large shrimp amount, totaling 3 lbs of protein.
Should the dish be served immediately?
Yes, for the best experience, let it cool for a few minutes after baking and serve immediately.