This signature dish from Carino’s is bound to become a family favorite.
Carino’s Spicy Shrimp and Chicken is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines grilled chicken, succulent shrimp, and a rich cream sauce with a kick of spice. The dish is complemented with sliced mushrooms, hydrated sun-dried tomatoes, and sliced green onions, adding depth and texture to the dish. It is served over cooked penne pasta, which absorbs the creamy sauce and delivers a delightful combination of flavors in every bite.
To prepare this dish, start by grilling the chicken breasts until they are fully cooked and slice them into thin strips. In a sauté pan, melt butter and add the shrimp, chicken, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, green onions, salt, and pepper. Sauté until the shrimp is cooked and the mushrooms are tender. Then, pour in the heavy cream and add grated Pecorino Romano cheese and cayenne pepper. Allow the cream to reduce and thicken while stirring to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.
The result is a creamy and indulgent sauce with a hint of spiciness that coats the shrimp, chicken, and pasta. The combination of flavors, from the smoky grilled chicken to the savory shrimp and the earthy mushrooms, creates a delicious harmony that is elevated by the richness of the cream sauce. The dish is perfect for those who enjoy a touch of heat and crave a hearty and satisfying pasta meal.
Carino’s Spicy Shrimp and Chicken is a popular choice for those seeking a delicious and flavorful pasta dish with a kick. Whether enjoyed as a comforting weeknight meal or served to impress guests, this dish offers a delightful combination of ingredients and flavors that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
SERVES: 4
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 20 peeled medium shrimp
- 3 cups sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup hydrated sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 cup sliced green onions
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups heavy cream
- Cayenne pepper, to taste
- 1 (16-ounce) box cooked penne pasta
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Grill the chicken breasts for about 5 minutes per side, or until they are fully cooked. Allow them to cool, then slice into ¼-inch thick strips.
- In a large sauté pan over medium heat, add the melted butter. Add the shrimp, chicken, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, green onions, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp and mushrooms are cooked.
- Pour in the heavy cream and add the grated Pecorino Romano cheese and cayenne pepper. Let the cream reduce by half, stirring to thoroughly combine all the ingredients. This should take about 6-8 minutes.
- Toss the cooked penne pasta with the contents of the sauté pan, ensuring that the pasta is well coated with the sauce and ingredients.
- Serve the Grilled Chicken and Shrimp Pasta hot and enjoy!
VARIATIONS:
- Spicy Shrimp and Sausage: Replace the chicken with spicy Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. Cook the sausage along with the shrimp, mushrooms, and other ingredients for a delicious twist on the dish.
- Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken: Add Cajun seasoning to the chicken and shrimp for a spicier kick. Increase the cayenne pepper in the cream sauce to enhance the heat. Serve over rice or Cajun-seasoned pasta for a Louisiana-inspired dish.
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Chicken: Add fresh lemon zest and minced garlic to the chicken and shrimp while sautéing. Replace the heavy cream with a combination of chicken broth and lemon juice for a lighter and tangier sauce. Serve with linguine or spaghetti for a refreshing twist.
- Mediterranean Shrimp and Chicken: Incorporate Mediterranean flavors by adding chopped Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh herbs like basil and oregano. Consider using sun-dried tomato pesto instead of sun-dried tomatoes for added depth of flavor.
- Creamy Pesto Shrimp and Chicken: Stir in a few tablespoons of basil pesto to the cream sauce to infuse the dish with a vibrant and aromatic flavor. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil for a burst of freshness.
