Zesty Olive Garden-Style Chicken Scampi Recipe at Home

Seafood lovers and pasta enthusiasts unite over this incredible olive garden chicken scampi recipe that promises restaurant-quality magic right in your kitchen.

Tender chicken strips dance with perfectly cooked linguine in a silky, garlic-infused white wine sauce.

Each bite delivers a burst of Mediterranean-inspired flavors that transport you straight to an Italian coastline.

Fresh herbs and a delicate balance of seasonings make this dish sing with elegance and comfort.

The recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend celebrations.

Prepare to impress your dinner companions with this restaurant-worthy masterpiece that captures the essence of classic Italian-American cuisine.

Tools To Prep Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta evenly and cooking to perfect al dente texture.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta quickly and efficiently without losing noodles down the sink.
• Wooden Spoon or Tongs: Perfect for stirring pasta and transferring it between pot and colander.
• Measuring Cups: Ensures accurate pasta quantities for consistent results.

Steps To Cook Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe

• Prepare Pasta Base

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and cook pasta until it reaches perfect tenderness. Once done, carefully drain and set the pasta aside, ready for the delicious sauce to come.

• Sauté Chicken Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and completely cooked through, ensuring each piece is beautifully caramelized and tender.

• Create Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and slightly golden. Pour in white wine and let it simmer, allowing the alcohol to reduce and concentrate the flavors.

• Combine and Finish

Toss the cooked chicken into the garlic butter sauce. Add the prepared pasta, gently mixing to coat every strand with the rich, flavorful sauce. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and a touch of grated Parmesan cheese for extra zest.

• Plate and Serve

Transfer the scampi to warm serving plates. Garnish with additional parsley and a lemon wedge for a bright, fresh finish. Serve immediately while the dish is hot and aromatic.

Simple Tips For Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe

• Pasta Perfection: Choose angel hair or linguine for an authentic Olive Garden experience, ensuring the pasta is cooked just shy of al dente as it will continue to cook when mixed with the sauce.
• Garlic Game Changer: Freshly minced garlic provides a more robust flavor compared to pre-minced versions; crush the cloves slightly before chopping to release maximum flavor.
• Low-Carb Twist: Swap traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter, low-carb alternative that still captures the dish's delicious essence.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace butter with olive oil and use dairy-free cream or coconut milk to create a version that's friendly for those with lactose intolerance or following a dairy-free diet.
• Protein Power-Up: Experiment with different proteins like shrimp, scallops, or even tofu to add variety and cater to different dietary preferences while maintaining the classic scampi flavor profile.

Serving Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe With Style

• Pasta Paradise Plate: Serve this scampi over a bed of fresh, steaming linguine or angel hair pasta for an authentic restaurant-style experience.
• Garlic Bread Companion: Pair the dish with warm, toasted garlic bread or crispy breadsticks to soak up the delicious, buttery sauce.
• Fresh Herb Finishing Touch: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top just before serving to add a vibrant pop of color and bright, herbal flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the rich, garlicky flavors with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which will balance the richness of the scampi sauce.

Storage Plan For Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe

• Smart Meal Prep: Cook extra pasta to create quick lunch meals throughout the week. Store cooled pasta in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Transfer prepared chicken scampi to sealed glass containers, keeping sauce separate from pasta to maintain optimal texture. Consume within 2-3 days for best flavor and quality.
• Freezing Solution: Allow dish to cool completely before freezing in freezer-safe containers. Chicken scampi can be frozen for 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and gently reheat in skillet to restore moisture.
• Reheating Technique: Warm leftovers in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or white wine to revive sauce's silky consistency. Stir gently to prevent pasta from breaking and ensure even heating.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 720 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes In Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe

• Fettuccine: Provides a classic, hearty foundation for the scampi dish, delivering a silky texture that catches the flavorful sauce beautifully.
• Linguine: A delightful alternative with its ribbony shape that perfectly cradles the sauce and chicken.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender protein that absorbs the garlic and herb flavors, creating a succulent main component.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and helps tenderize the chicken during cooking.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the chicken's seasoning.
• Dried Basil, Dried Oregano: Brings classic Italian herb notes that complement the chicken's mild flavor.

• Butter: Creates a rich, luxurious base for the scampi sauce, adding depth and smooth texture.
• Olive Oil: Provides a light, fruity undertone and helps prevent butter from burning.
• Garlic: Delivers an intense, aromatic punch that defines the signature scampi flavor.
• White Wine: Introduces a bright, acidic element that tenderizes and adds complexity to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Transforms the sauce into a silky, indulgent coating that clings perfectly to pasta.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that elevates the entire dish's richness.
• Fresh Parsley: Brings a fresh, bright garnish with a subtle herbal note.

Tantalizing Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe

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4.5 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Olive garden’s chicken scampi delights pasta enthusiasts with its savory blend of tender chicken and garlic-infused sauce. Succulent flavors dance across the plate, promising a restaurant-quality meal you can easily craft at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless), sliced into strips
• 12 oz (340 g) angel hair pasta or spaghetti
• ½ cup (65 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan, for serving
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a generous pot of water to a vigorous boil, then immerse pasta and cook until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly in a colander, shaking off excess moisture, and transfer to a warm serving dish.
2. Chicken Seasoning and Searing: Generously coat chicken pieces with a robust blend of salt, pepper, and dried herbs. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear chicken until achieving a golden-brown exterior and fully cooked interior, ensuring an internal temperature of 165°F.
3. Sauce Foundation: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until aromatic. Deglaze the pan with white wine, allowing it to reduce and concentrate flavors. Introduce heavy cream and italian seasoning, stirring to create a silky, rich sauce.
4. Flavor Elevation: Add lemon juice and red pepper flakes to the sauce, creating a harmonious balance of creamy and zesty elements. Reintroduce the seared chicken to the skillet, gently coating each piece in the luxurious sauce.
5. Final Assembly and Presentation: Delicately toss the prepared pasta with the chicken and sauce, ensuring even coating. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, presenting a Mediterranean-inspired culinary masterpiece.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Cook pasta just until al dente to maintain a slight firmness, preventing mushiness and ensuring a restaurant-quality texture.
• Chicken Browning Technique: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a golden-brown crust, maximizing flavor development and preventing steaming instead of searing.
• Sauce Consistency Control: Simmer sauce slowly and stir constantly to prevent separation and ensure a smooth, creamy finish without curdling.
• Dietary Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version, or use gluten-free pasta to make the dish celiac-friendly and equally delicious.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 720
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 74 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg