Olive Garden Shrimp Carbonara

The Shrimp Carbonara is one of Olive Garden’s most flavorful pasta dishes, featuring sautéed shrimp with spaghetti in a creamy carbonara sauce studded with crispy bacon, roasted red peppers, and sweet peas. It’s a dish that balances multiple flavors and textures in every bite — creamy, smoky, sweet, and savory all at once.

Traditional Italian carbonara uses egg yolks and Pecorino cheese to create its sauce, but Olive Garden’s American version uses a cream-based approach that’s richer and more accessible. The addition of roasted red peppers and peas gives it color and sweetness that the traditional version lacks, making it uniquely Olive Garden.

Price in 2026

Two carbonara options are available:

• Shrimp Carbonara: $23.49 (1,200 cal)
• Chicken & Shrimp Carbonara: $24.99 (1,440 cal) — both proteins for $1.50 more

Both include unlimited soup or salad and breadsticks. The Shrimp Carbonara is priced the same as the Shrimp Scampi ($23.49) but has nearly double the calories due to the cream and bacon in the carbonara sauce.

Nutrition

• Shrimp Carbonara: 1,200 cal, 62g fat, 48g protein
• Chicken & Shrimp Carbonara: 1,440 cal, 72g fat, 65g protein

What Makes It Special

The carbonara sauce is what sets this dish apart from other pasta dishes on the menu. Unlike the straightforward Alfredo (cream, butter, Parmesan) or the garlic butter Scampi, the carbonara has layers of flavor:

• Bacon: Adds smokiness and crispy texture — it’s real bacon, not bits
• Roasted red peppers: Sweet and slightly charred, adding color and depth
• Peas: Small pops of sweetness and fresh green flavor
• Creamy base: Rich and coating, but not as heavy as straight Alfredo
• Shrimp: Tender and plump, seasoned and sautéed before being added

How It Compares

• vs. Shrimp Scampi ($23.49, 610 cal): Same price, but Scampi is much lighter with garlic butter instead of cream. Choose Carbonara for richness, Scampi for lighter eating.
• vs. Chicken Alfredo ($26.49, 1,570 cal): Alfredo is $3 more and higher in calories but simpler in flavor. Carbonara has more complexity from the bacon and peppers.
• vs. Seafood Alfredo ($27.49, 1,310 cal): If you want seafood and cream, the Seafood Alfredo adds scallops but costs $4 more. Carbonara has bacon but no scallops.

Ordering Tips

• Go for the Chicken & Shrimp combo ($24.99) — just $1.50 more for double protein
• Ask for extra bacon — it’s the best part of the dish
• Pair with Minestrone soup (120 cal) to balance the richness
• A glass of Chianti from the wine list complements the bacon and cream beautifully

Find It Near You

Available at all Olive Garden locations. Find your nearest restaurant on our location map. For all entree options, see the dinner menu guide.