Queensland Chicken & Shrimp Pasta from Outback Steakhouse features tender grilled chicken and succulent shrimp tossed with fettuccine in a creamy Alfredo sauce, garnished with parsley and Parmesan for a rich, savory delight.
Equipments
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Medium saucepan
- Tongs
- Slotted spoon
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Grater (for Parmesan)
- Colander
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing spoon
- Ladle
- Serving plates/bowls
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) fettuccine pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz (225g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Ensure the shrimp is fully peeled and deveined for the best texture, while the chicken breasts should be boneless and skinless to cook evenly. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated for a richer, creamier Alfredo sauce. The Cajun seasoning adds essential flavor to the protein, so measure it carefully to balance spice without overpowering the dish. It's important to combine both heavy cream and whole milk to achieve the sauce's perfect consistency and luxurious mouthfeel. Your homemade Queensland Chicken & Shrimp Pasta will closely replicate the rich, savory taste found on the Outback Steakhouse copycat menu.
Instructions
- Fill large pot with water and bring to a boil.
- Add fettuccine and cook until al dente; drain using colander.
- Pat chicken breasts dry; season both sides with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss shrimp with some Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken breasts; cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side.
- Remove chicken, let rest, then slice onto cutting board.
- In same skillet, add shrimp; cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink.
- Transfer shrimp to plate.
- In medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic; sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and milk; bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan, mozzarella, and Italian seasoning.
- Season sauce with salt and black pepper to taste; stir until cheese melts and sauce thickens.
- Toss drained fettuccine with Alfredo sauce using mixing spoon.
- Add sliced chicken and cooked shrimp to pasta; toss to combine.
- Plate pasta using tongs or ladle onto serving plates/bowls.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Queensland Chicken & Shrimp Pasta from Outback Steakhouse can be adapted by substituting shrimp with scallops or extra chicken if seafood is unavailable. Use any firm white fish if you prefer a lighter protein alternative while maintaining the creamy Alfredo texture. If fresh herbs are out of reach, dried Italian seasoning works well but reduce quantity as it's more concentrated. When fresh Parmesan is not on hand, high-quality pre-grated cheese can be used, though the flavor may be less vibrant. Your choice of pasta can vary; linguine or tagliatelle both provide a suitable alternative to fettuccine without compromising the dish's authenticity.
Tips
You should always pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a nice sear without steaming. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp; they turn opaque and firm quickly, usually in 2-3 minutes per side. Stir the Alfredo sauce continuously after adding cheeses to prevent it from clumping or burning. Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother, richer sauce compared to pre-grated options.
Nutritions
Queensland Chicken & Shrimp Pasta provides a balanced mix of protein from grilled chicken breasts and shrimp, supporting muscle repair and growth. The dish contains approximately 800-900 calories per serving, driven by rich Alfredo sauce made from heavy cream, whole milk, butter, and cheese, which contribute significant amounts of saturated fat and calcium. Carbohydrates primarily come from 8 oz of fettuccine pasta, delivering sustained energy through complex carbs. Your intake also benefits from garlic and parsley's antioxidants, while mindful portion control can help manage sodium levels from seasoning and cheese.
Storage
Store leftover Queensland Chicken & Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent contamination. Refrigerate promptly and consume within 3-4 days to ensure optimal flavor and safety. To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid curdling the creamy Alfredo sauce and drying out the chicken and shrimp.
Variation or Alternatives
To add a smoky flavor, try grilling the chicken breasts instead of pan-searing them, enhancing both taste and texture. Swap mozzarella cheese with provolone or Gouda for a different creamy richness in the Alfredo sauce. You can substitute shrimp with scallops or crab meat for a seafood variation that complements the pasta beautifully. Your use of fresh parsley can be extended to include basil or chives, offering a more herbaceous finish to the dish.
Allergies
Queensland Chicken & Shrimp Pasta contains common allergens such as shellfish from the shrimp and dairy from the heavy cream, whole milk, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses. The dish also includes gluten from the fettuccine pasta, which may affect those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. You should inform the restaurant of any allergies beforehand to ensure safe preparation.
Why this recipe?
Queensland Chicken & Shrimp Pasta from Outback Steakhouse combines tender grilled chicken and succulent shrimp with a creamy, flavorful Alfredo sauce, creating a rich and satisfying meal. The dish features perfectly cooked fettuccine pasta that soaks up the sauce, balanced with a touch of garlic and Parmesan cheese for added depth. Its appealing combination of protein and comfort food makes it a popular choice for those seeking a hearty yet elegant dining experience. Trying your hand at this copycat recipe allows you to enjoy the restaurant-quality flavors at home while customizing ingredients to suit your personal taste.