How to Make Pasta Carrabba at Home

Craving a homemade Italian dinner that’s bursting with flavor? This article walks you through how to prepare the iconic Pasta Carrabba Recipe, a beloved dish from Carrabba’s Italian Grill. Packed with grilled chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, sautéed mushrooms, and peas, it’s a comforting meal that rivals anything you’d find at a restaurant. With easy-to-follow steps, helpful tips, and versatile ingredient options, you’ll be ready to recreate this classic pasta dish in your own kitchen.

What is Pasta Carrabba?

Pasta Carrabba is a signature dish inspired by Carrabba’s Italian Grill, known for its hearty and flavorful pasta creations. This recipe combines tender, grilled chicken with a rich Alfredo sauce, fresh mushrooms, and sweet peas, served over fettuccine pasta. It’s a meal that delivers both comfort and indulgence in every bite.

While the dish sounds fancy, it’s surprisingly simple to make at home. By marinating the chicken and preparing the Alfredo sauce from scratch, you can achieve an authentic restaurant-quality experience right in your kitchen. The combination of savory and creamy flavors makes it an instant crowd-pleaser.

Why It’s a Crowd Favorite

There’s a reason this dish stands out. First, it’s all about balance. The smoky, marinated chicken pairs beautifully with the smooth, cheesy sauce. Mushrooms add a satisfying earthy touch, while peas bring a hint of sweetness. It’s like a symphony of flavors coming together on a plate.

Fans of Carrabba’s Italian Grill often rave about this dish, and for good reason. Its rich and creamy texture satisfies even the biggest pasta lover. Best of all, making it at home lets you customize it to your liking—no mushrooms? No problem. Prefer shrimp instead of chicken? Go for it!

Whether you’re cooking for family, impressing guests, or simply treating yourself, this dish is worth adding to your dinner rotation. Ready to get started? Keep reading for everything you need to know.

Ingredients and Preparation Pasta Carrabba

Key Ingredients for Pasta Carrabba

To make the perfect Pasta Carrabba Recipe, you’ll need a mix of simple and fresh ingredients. Here’s a breakdown:

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are best. These will be marinated to add bold flavor.
• Marinade: A mixture of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, fresh basil, garlic, salt, and pepper gives the chicken its signature taste.
• Alfredo Sauce: Butter, shallots, garlic, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of black pepper create a creamy and rich sauce.
• Pasta: Fresh fettuccine is ideal, but dried pasta works too.
• Vegetables: Fresh mushrooms and peas add a pop of texture and flavor.

Using high-quality ingredients will help your dish shine. Freshly grated Parmesan, for instance, melts better and tastes sharper than pre-shredded versions.

Essential Tools for Cooking Pasta Carrabba

While this recipe doesn’t require fancy equipment, a few tools can make your job easier:

• Skillet: Perfect for sautéing mushrooms and shallots.
• Grill Pan: Ideal for cooking the chicken if you don’t have an outdoor grill.
• Cheese Grater: Freshly grated Parmesan makes a big difference.
• Meat Thermometer: Ensures your chicken is cooked to the right temperature.
• Large Pot: For boiling the pasta to perfection.

Ingredient Variations

This dish is versatile, so feel free to experiment with substitutions:

• Swap chicken for shrimp, bacon, or Italian sausage for a twist.
• For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add more vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or even zucchini.
• Use gluten-free fettuccine to make the dish suitable for those avoiding gluten.

No matter how you adjust it, this Pasta Carrabba Recipe is sure to impress.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Preparing the Chicken

Start with marinating the chicken to infuse it with flavor. In a bowl, mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they’re fully coated. Let them marinate in the fridge for at least two hours or overnight for deeper flavor.

When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the marinade and grill it over medium heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If you don’t have a grill, you can pan-sear it or bake it in the oven. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.

Crafting the Perfect Alfredo Sauce

While the chicken cooks, it’s time to make the Alfredo sauce. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped shallots and sliced mushrooms, sautéing until they soften. Next, stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds—just until fragrant.

Pour in the heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce begins to thicken. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring it melts smoothly into the sauce. For a touch of sweetness, add the peas last and cook them until heated through.

Assembling the Dish

Cook the fettuccine in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a small cup of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce.

In the skillet, toss the cooked pasta with the Alfredo sauce until it’s evenly coated. Add the sliced chicken on top, stirring gently to combine everything. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Serve the Pasta Carrabba Recipe hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. It’s ready to enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for Success

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking a great pasta carrabba recipe is easier than you think, but a few common missteps can affect the results. First, avoid overcooking the chicken. It can quickly become dry, so always use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F.

When making the Alfredo sauce, don’t rush it. High heat can cause the cream to curdle, ruining the smooth texture. Keep the heat low and stir often. Also, be sure to use freshly grated Parmesan—pre-shredded cheese may not melt evenly and can make the sauce grainy.

Lastly, don’t skimp on seasoning. A pinch of salt and pepper goes a long way to enhance the overall flavor. Taste as you go to get it just right.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers are a bonus, but keeping the creamy Alfredo sauce from splitting can be tricky. Store any extra pasta carrabba recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of heavy cream or milk to the sauce and warm it gently over low heat. This helps maintain its silky texture.

Freezing is another option, but it’s best to freeze the components separately—sauce, pasta, and chicken. This keeps the flavors and textures fresh when reheated.

Pairing Pasta Carrabba with Sides

Salad and Bread Pairings

What’s a delicious pasta carrabba recipe without the perfect sides? A crisp green salad with romaine lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers is a refreshing complement. Toss it with a light Italian dressing or vinaigrette for balance.

For bread lovers, garlic bread or a warm loaf of focaccia is an ideal companion. Both soak up the creamy Alfredo sauce beautifully. If you want to go the extra mile, serve Carrabba’s signature olive oil dip alongside.

Wine Pairings

To complete the meal, consider pairing it with wine. A buttery Chardonnay works wonders with the creamy Alfredo sauce, while a Pinot Grigio offers a crisp contrast. If you prefer red, a light-bodied Pinot Noir provides just enough depth without overwhelming the dish.

Nutritional Information and Benefits

Caloric Breakdown of Pasta Carrabba

The Pasta Carrabba Recipe is a rich and satisfying dish. Most of the calories come from the Alfredo sauce and fettuccine pasta. On average, one serving contains between 600-800 calories. For a lighter twist, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or reduce the Parmesan cheese. These small adjustments make the dish a bit less heavy without losing its creamy texture.

Nutritional Advantages of Pasta Carrabba

This dish may feel indulgent, but it offers some nutritional perks. The grilled chicken provides lean protein, which helps with muscle repair and overall health. Mushrooms and peas are packed with fiber and essential vitamins, adding a boost of nutrients to the meal.

If you want to increase the health value further, toss in vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes. These simple changes make the Pasta Carrabba Recipe both balanced and flavorful.

FAQs about Pasta Carrabba

Can I Make It Ahead?

Yes, preparing the pasta carrabba recipe in advance is a great idea, especially for busy schedules. You can marinate the chicken the night before to save time. Grill or bake it and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the dish.

The Alfredo sauce can also be made ahead, but store it separately from the pasta to keep the texture smooth. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to restore its creamy consistency.

Can I Use Canned Mushrooms?

Fresh mushrooms are recommended for the best flavor and texture, but canned mushrooms can work in a pinch. Be sure to drain and rinse them well before adding to the sauce. However, canned mushrooms lack the earthy richness of fresh ones, so consider this substitution only if necessary.

Is There a Gluten-Free Option?

Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta is widely available and works perfectly with this dish. Double-check that your Parmesan cheese and cream are gluten-free as well. For thickening, cornstarch can be used instead of wheat-based ingredients. With a few tweaks, the pasta carrabba recipe can fit a gluten-free diet seamlessly.

If you’re curious about other pasta recipes with dietary adjustments, check out our guide on gluten-free Italian dishes for more inspiration.

Conclusion

Why You Should Try Pasta Carrabba

The Pasta Carrabba Recipe is more than a meal—it’s a comforting, flavorful dish that feels special every time. Creamy Alfredo sauce, juicy chicken, and tender vegetables make it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or treating yourself, this dish delivers restaurant-style quality at home.

Give it a try, and you’ll see why so many people love it. For more ideas on hearty Italian dishes, check out our guide to pasta recipes that are sure to become family favorites.