Whether you're a loyal fan of Carrabba's Italian Grill or simply adore the rich flavors of Italian cuisine, discovering how to replicate some of their signature dishes at home can be an exciting adventure. In this post, we reveal 10 must-try Carrabba's copycat recipes that will bring the restaurant's cozy ambiance right into your kitchen. From hearty entrees to delectable desserts, each recipe is crafted to help you recreate that authentic Carrabba's taste. Let's dive in and explore these culinary secrets!
1. Carrabba’s Chicken Marsala
This dish is known for its rich and velvety Marsala wine sauce, featuring succulent chicken. Here’s how you can make it:
- Ingredients: Chicken breasts, flour, butter, Marsala wine, mushrooms, garlic, chicken broth, salt, pepper.
- Method:
- Pound chicken to even thickness and season with salt and pepper. Coat in flour.
- Brown chicken in butter, remove, then cook mushrooms and garlic in the same skillet.
- Deglaze the pan with Marsala wine, reduce, then add chicken back with broth, and simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Serve over pasta or with garlic mashed potatoes.
2. Carrabba’s Sicilian Chicken Soup
Imagine a bowl of comforting soup filled with chicken, vegetables, and tortellini. Here’s how to make it:
- Ingredients: Chicken broth, chicken, garlic, carrots, celery, onion, spinach, dried basil, oregano, tomato, tortellini, salt, pepper.
- Method:
- Cook chicken, shred, and set aside. Sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until translucent.
- Add broth, spices, chicken, and simmer. Add tortellini, spinach, and tomato slices near the end.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and serve warm.
3. Carrabba’s Pasta Carrabba
A simple yet flavorful dish where pasta meets rich Alfredo sauce with sundried tomatoes and sautéed mushrooms:
- Ingredients: Fettuccine, butter, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, spinach, salt, pepper.
- Method:
- Cook pasta to al dente.
- Prepare Alfredo sauce by melting butter, adding cream and garlic, then whisking in Parmesan until smooth.
- Sauté mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes, then add spinach until wilted.
- Combine all with pasta and top with extra Parmesan.
4. Carrabba’s Lasagna
Layers of flavors with a hearty meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted cheese make this lasagna irresistible:
- Ingredients: Lasagna noodles, ground beef, Italian sausage, marinara sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, eggs, basil, parsley, garlic, salt, pepper.
- Method:
- Prepare meat sauce by browning beef and sausage, then adding marinara.
- Combine ricotta with eggs, parsley, and basil for the cheese mixture.
- Layer noodles, meat sauce, cheese mixture, and mozzarella. Repeat, topping with Parmesan.
- Bake until golden and bubbly.
5. Carrabba’s Garlic Mashed Potatoes
A perfect side dish, these potatoes are creamy and full of garlic flavor:
- Ingredients: Potatoes, garlic, butter, milk, cream cheese, salt, pepper, parsley.
- Method:
- Boil potatoes with garlic until tender.
- Mash with butter, milk, and cream cheese. Season to taste and garnish with parsley.
6. Carrabba’s Italian Bread
The perfect starter or side, this bread is all about crusty exterior and chewy interior:
- Ingredients: Flour, water, yeast, salt, olive oil, rosemary, garlic, Parmesan.
- Method:
- Make dough, let rise, shape into loaves.
- Brush with olive oil, sprinkle with rosemary, garlic, and Parmesan. Bake until golden.
7. Carrabba’s Mezzaluna
Filled with creamy cheese and prosciutto, these half-moon ravioli are a delightful dish:
- Ingredients: Flour, eggs, cheese, prosciutto, cream, butter, sage, salt, pepper.
- Method:
- Prepare pasta dough, roll out, and cut into circles. Fill with cheese and prosciutto, seal, and cook.
- Serve with a sauce made from butter, sage, and a hint of cream.
8. Carrabba’s Pollo Rosa Maria
Stuffed chicken breasts wrapped in prosciutto and topped with a herbaceous goat cheese sauce:
- Ingredients: Chicken breasts, prosciutto, goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, lemon, white wine, garlic, butter, parsley, salt, pepper.
- Method:
- Pound chicken, stuff with a mixture of goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach.
- Wrap with prosciutto and bake until done. Make a sauce with garlic, white wine, lemon, and butter. Spoon over chicken.
9. Carrabba’s Italian Lemon Cream Cake
A refreshing end to any meal, this cake combines layers of lemon cake, lemon cream, and mascarpone cheese:
- Ingredients: Flour, sugar, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, mascarpone, heavy cream, vanilla, powdered sugar.
- Method:
- Prepare lemon cake layers.
- Whip mascarpone with cream and lemon juice for filling. Layer and frost, finishing with a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
10. Carrabba’s Tiramisu
Finish your Carrabba’s dining experience with this classic dessert, featuring layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone:
- Ingredients: Ladyfingers, espresso, mascarpone, sugar, egg yolks, dark rum, cocoa powder.
- Method:
- Make a mascarpone cream mixture with egg yolks, sugar, and rum.
- Dip ladyfingers in espresso, layer with cream, and dust with cocoa. Chill before serving.
👩🍳 Note: Cooking times and temperatures might vary slightly based on your kitchen setup.
Each of these Carrabba's copycat recipes brings a taste of the restaurant right to your home, allowing you to enjoy fine dining experiences on your terms. From savory entrees to indulgent desserts, you've now got the tools to turn your kitchen into an Italian culinary haven. Enjoy the process of cooking, savor the flavors, and impress your friends and family with these mouthwatering dishes!
Are these Carrabba’s recipes difficult to make?
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No, these recipes are designed to be approachable for home cooks. While some dishes might require more prep work, the techniques are straightforward. Following the steps carefully will help you achieve restaurant-quality results.
Can I modify these recipes for dietary restrictions?
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Yes, many recipes can be adjusted. For example, you can use gluten-free pasta for the dishes with noodles or replace cream-based sauces with alternatives to suit lactose intolerance. Always ensure to check ingredient lists for allergens.
Where can I source ingredients like Marsala wine or good Parmesan?
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Look for specialty stores or visit well-stocked supermarkets. For imported cheeses like Parmesan, some grocery chains carry international food sections, or you can opt for online gourmet shops that deliver.
