Chicken and Prawn Carbonara: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Pasta Dish
Chicken and prawn carbonara is a delicious and creamy pasta dish that is perfect for dinner. This dish combines the classic carbonara flavors of bacon, cream, and Parmesan cheese with succulent chicken and prawns for a meal that is both comforting and satisfying.
To prepare this dish, you will need to gather all of your ingredients and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, you can start preparing the chicken and prawns by sautéing them in a pan with garlic and onion. Once the chicken and prawns are cooked through, you can add the bacon, cream, and Parmesan cheese to the pan to create a rich and creamy sauce.
Once the sauce has thickened and the pasta is cooked, you can combine the two in a large serving dish and top with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. This dish is sure to be a hit with your family or guests and is perfect for a cozy night in.
Key Takeaways
- Chicken and prawn carbonara is a delicious and creamy pasta dish that is perfect for dinner.
- To prepare this dish, you will need to gather all of your ingredients and cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
- This dish is sure to be a hit with your family or guests and is perfect for a cozy night in.
Preparing the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, it's important to prepare all of your ingredients. This will make the cooking process much easier and more efficient. In this section, we'll go through the steps to prepare the protein, vegetables, and cheese for your chicken and prawn carbonara.
Protein Preparation
For this recipe, you'll need chicken, shrimp, and bacon. Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces and seasoning with salt and pepper. Next, peel and devein the shrimp, and set aside. Finally, chop the bacon into small pieces.
Vegetable and Cheese Prep
In addition to the protein, you'll also need asparagus, mushrooms, parmesan cheese, and pecorino romano cheese. Begin by washing the asparagus and trimming off the woody ends. Cut the asparagus into 1-inch pieces. Next, clean and slice the mushrooms.
For the cheese, grate the parmesan and pecorino romano and set aside. You'll also need to separate the egg yolks from the whites and chop the parsley.
To cook the dish, you'll also need garlic, olive oil, and butter. Mince the garlic and set aside.
Cooking the Dish
Creating the Sauce
To make the creamy carbonara sauce for your chicken and prawn carbonara, you will need heavy cream, eggs, grated parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Whisk the eggs and grated parmesan cheese together in a bowl and set it aside.
In a large saucepan, heat some olive oil over medium heat and add the pancetta. Cook until crispy and then remove it from the pan. Add some minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Pour in some white wine and let it simmer for a few minutes. Add the heavy cream and let it come to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and slowly add the egg mixture while constantly whisking to prevent the eggs from curdling. Continue to stir until the sauce thickens. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Combining Elements
Cook your pasta, whether it's spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine, or bucatini pasta, in a pot of salted boiling water until it is al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
In another pan, cook the chicken and prawns in some olive oil until they are cooked through. Add some Italian seasoning and cook for another minute. Add the crispy bacon to the pan and mix everything together.
Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the chicken, prawns, and bacon. Pour the carbonara sauce over the pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the rich carbonara sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
Serve your chicken and prawn carbonara hot and garnish with some breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese. This comforting dish is perfect for a cosy night in. Pair it with a glass of wine and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make the sauce for a creamy chicken and prawn carbonara?
To make a creamy sauce for chicken and prawn carbonara, you need to whisk together eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream until it becomes smooth and creamy. Then you can add this mixture to the pan with bacon, garlic, and onion, and cook it until it is thick and creamy.
What are the essential ingredients for a simple chicken and prawn carbonara?
The essential ingredients for a simple chicken and prawn carbonara include spaghetti or linguine, chicken breast, prawns, bacon, garlic, onion, eggs, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
Can you share a healthy version of chicken and prawn carbonara?
Yes, you can make a healthy version of chicken and prawn carbonara by using whole wheat spaghetti or linguine, lean chicken breast, and prawns. You can also use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon to reduce the fat content. Additionally, you can use low-fat milk or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to reduce the calorie count.
What's the key to achieving the perfect texture in a chicken and prawn carbonara?
The key to achieving the perfect texture in a chicken and prawn carbonara is to cook the pasta al dente and to toss it with the hot sauce immediately after draining it. This will help the pasta absorb the sauce and create a creamy texture.
How does chicken and prawn carbonara differ from chicken alfredo?
Chicken and prawn carbonara and chicken alfredo are both pasta dishes that are creamy and rich. However, chicken and prawn carbonara contains eggs, bacon, and onion, which give it a unique flavour. Chicken alfredo, on the other hand, is made with heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
Are there any ingredients that should be avoided when making chicken and prawn carbonara?
When making chicken and prawn carbonara, it's important to avoid using cream cheese, sour cream, or any other dairy products that are not traditionally used in carbonara sauce. Additionally, it's important to avoid overcooking the eggs, as this can cause them to curdle and ruin the texture of the sauce.