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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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