If you’ve ever savored the creamy, garlicky goodness of Olive Garden chicken scampi and wished you could recreate it at home, you’re in luck!
This copycat Olive Garden chicken scampi recipe delivers that same restaurant magic right in your own kitchen.
With tender, seasoned chicken, colorful bell peppers, and angel hair pasta swimming in a luxurious white wine cream sauce, this dish rivals the original in every way.
Whether you’re craving Italian comfort food or looking to impress dinner guests, this olive garden chicken scampi copycat recipe brings authentic restaurant flavors to your table without the wait or the price tag.
What Does It Taste Like?
This copycat olive garden chicken scampi offers a symphony of complementary flavors that dance on your palate. The tender chicken, coated in Italian-seasoned flour, provides a savory foundation with subtle herbal notes.
The sauce is where the magic happens-rich and velvety from heavy cream, with bright acidity from white wine and depth from chicken broth.
Fresh garlic adds aromatic punch while the trio of colorful bell peppers contributes a slight sweetness and pleasant crunch.
Each bite delivers creamy, garlicky, and slightly tangy notes that coat the delicate angel hair pasta perfectly. The finishing touch of Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs elevates the entire dish with nutty, fresh flavors.
Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 tablespoon olive oil (or cooking oil of choice)
- 2 lbs chicken tenders (or thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs)
- 1 cup flour
- 2 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 1 lb angel hair pasta (cooked al dente)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or cooking oil of choice)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced into thin strips)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced into thin strips)
- 1 green bell pepper (sliced into thin strips)
- 1 red onion (sliced into thin strips)
- 3 tablespoon butter
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1½ cup chicken broth (store bought or homemade)
- ½ cup dry white wine (or substitute with chicken broth)
- ⅔ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
For Garnish:
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Fresh basil (finely chopped)
- Fresh parsley (finely chopped)
Kitchen Utensils Needed
- Large cast iron skillet or frying pan
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large shallow dish for dredging
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Tongs
- Colander
- Meat thermometer
- Paper towels
- Aluminum foil
Preparation and Cooking Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Step 1: In a large shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly until all the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Step 2: Take each chicken tender and coat it completely in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure adhesion. Shake off any excess flour and place the coated chicken on a clean plate.
Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large cast iron skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the floured chicken tenders in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding).
Step 4: Pan fry the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
Prepare the Pasta and Sauce
Step 5: While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (typically 3-4 minutes). Before draining, reserve one cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
Step 6: Wipe the large skillet clean with a paper towel to remove any residual flour. Return the pan to medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once heated, add the sliced red, yellow, and green bell peppers along with the red onion strips.
Step 7: Sauté the vegetables for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they begin to soften but still retain some crispness.
Step 8: Add the butter and minced garlic to the vegetable mixture. Continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant and the vegetables are tender.
Step 9: Pour the dry white wine into the pan and use your wooden spoon to scrape the bottom, releasing any flavorful browned bits (this is called deglazing). Add the chicken broth and let the mixture cook on medium heat for 2 minutes to allow the alcohol to cook off and the flavors to meld.
Step 10: Stir in the heavy cream, salt, and Italian seasoning. Bring the sauce to a light boil, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Watch carefully as cream-based sauces can bubble over quickly.
Step 11: Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked angel hair pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb some of the sauce. If the sauce seems too thin, add a splash of the reserved pasta water-the starch will help thicken it to the perfect consistency.
Step 12: Once the sauce has reached your desired thickness, arrange the cooked chicken tenders on top of the pasta. Garnish generously with grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh basil, and parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade olive garden chicken scampi!
Customization and Pairing Ideas for Your Chicken Scampi
1. Protein Variations: While this olive garden chicken scampi copycat recipe traditionally uses chicken, feel free to experiment with other proteins. Substitute large shrimp for a classic shrimp scampi twist, or use thinly sliced pork tenderloin for a different flavor profile. For a surf-and-turf version, combine both chicken and shrimp. Vegetarians can replace the chicken with thick slices of portobello mushrooms or firm tofu for a plant-based alternative.
2. Pasta Alternatives: Though angel hair pasta is authentic to the Olive Garden version, other pasta shapes work beautifully with this creamy sauce. Try linguine, fettuccine, or penne for heartier bites. For a low-carb option, substitute zucchini noodles (zoodles) or spaghetti squash. Whole wheat or chickpea pasta adds extra fiber and nutrients while maintaining that satisfying texture.
3. Wine Selection Pairings: Serve your copycat olive garden chicken scampi with a glass of the same dry white wine you used in cooking-Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay all complement the creamy garlic sauce beautifully. For red wine lovers, a light-bodied Pinot Noir won’t overpower the delicate flavors. Non-alcoholic options include sparkling water with lemon or a crisp Italian soda.
4. Vegetable Additions: Enhance the nutritional value and visual appeal by adding extra vegetables to your olive garden chicken scampi ingredients list. Cherry tomatoes add bursts of acidity, while fresh spinach or arugula wilts beautifully into the warm sauce. Asparagus spears, snap peas, or broccoli florets provide additional texture and color. Sun-dried tomatoes contribute an intense, concentrated flavor that pairs wonderfully with the cream sauce.
5. Side Dish Companions: Complete your Italian feast with complementary sides. Warm, crusty garlic bread is essential for soaking up every drop of that luxurious sauce. A simple Caesar salad with crisp romaine and homemade croutons provides a refreshing contrast. Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or broccolini add a healthy, flavorful component. For a true Olive Garden experience, start with breadsticks and a house salad.
6. Spice Level Adjustments: Add a kick to your chicken scampi by incorporating red pepper flakes into the sauce or sprinkled on top as garnish. For a smokier heat, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the flour mixture when coating the chicken. Fresh jalapeños or banana peppers can be sautéed alongside the bell peppers for those who prefer more pronounced spice.
7. Cheese Variations: While Parmesan is traditional, experiment with other Italian cheeses for different flavor dimensions. Pecorino Romano offers a sharper, saltier profile. A blend of Parmesan and Asiago creates complex nutty notes. For extra creaminess, stir in some mascarpone or cream cheese during the final moments of cooking. Finish with fresh mozzarella pearls for delightful melty pockets throughout the dish.
Essential Tips for Perfect Olive Garden Chicken Scampi
1. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: The most common mistake when making this copycat olive garden chicken scampi is dry, overcooked chicken. Since chicken tenders are relatively thin, they cook quickly-usually just 2-3 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to check for the safe internal temperature of 165°F, then immediately remove from heat. The residual heat will continue cooking the chicken slightly as it rests. If using thicker chicken breasts, pound them to an even thickness (about ½ inch) before coating to ensure uniform cooking.
2. Salt Your Pasta Water Generously: Professional chefs say pasta water should taste like the sea. Proper salting is crucial because it’s your only opportunity to season the pasta from within. Add at least 1-2 tablespoons of salt to your boiling water before adding the angel hair pasta. This foundational seasoning makes a noticeable difference in the final dish, ensuring every component of your olive garden chicken scampi is flavorful, not just the sauce.
3. Reserve That Pasta Water: Before draining your cooked pasta, always reserve at least one cup of the starchy cooking liquid. This cloudy water is liquid gold for sauce-making. The starch acts as a natural thickener and helps the sauce cling to the pasta strands. If your sauce seems too thick or breaks (separates), a few splashes of pasta water will bring it back together to silky perfection. Add it gradually, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the ideal consistency.
4. Use Quality Wine for Cooking: The rule of thumb for cooking with wine is simple: if you wouldn’t drink it, don’t cook with it. The wine’s flavor concentrates as it reduces, so cheap, low-quality wine will negatively impact your olive garden chicken scampi ingredients. Choose a dry white wine you enjoy drinking-Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or unoaked Chardonnay work beautifully. The wine adds brightness and complexity that chicken broth alone cannot achieve, though broth works in a pinch for those avoiding alcohol.
5. Control Your Heat When Making Cream Sauce: Cream-based sauces require careful temperature management to prevent breaking or curdling. After adding the heavy cream to your olive garden chicken scampi copycat recipe, maintain a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil. High heat can cause the cream to separate, resulting in a grainy, unappetizing texture. If you notice the sauce beginning to break, immediately remove it from heat and whisk in a tablespoon of cold cream to stabilize the emulsion.
6. Cut Vegetables Uniformly: For professional-looking results and even cooking, slice your bell peppers and red onion into strips of similar width (about ¼ inch). Uniform pieces ensure everything cooks at the same rate, preventing some vegetables from becoming mushy while others remain raw. This attention to detail also improves the visual presentation of your dish. Use a sharp knife and take your time with the prep work-it makes a noticeable difference in both texture and appearance.
7. Fresh Herbs Make All the Difference: While dried Italian seasoning works wonderfully in the flour coating and sauce, finishing your copycat olive garden chicken scampi with fresh herbs elevates it from good to extraordinary. Fresh basil and parsley add vibrant color, aromatic freshness, and a pop of flavor that dried herbs simply cannot match. Add these garnishes just before serving to preserve their bright flavor and appearance. If you’re growing herbs at home, this is the perfect opportunity to showcase them.
Storage and Reheating Guidance
Store leftover olive garden chicken scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce. Microwave reheating works but may result in slightly dry pasta.
Common Queries and FAQs
Here are some common questions I’ve got you covered about this recipe
Q: Can I make this olive garden chicken scampi recipe ahead of time?
A: While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components separately. Cook the chicken and store it in the refrigerator, then make the sauce and pasta fresh when ready to serve. Cream sauces don’t reheat as well, so for meal prep, consider storing the cooked chicken and vegetables separately from the sauce and combining everything just before serving.
Q: What can I substitute for heavy cream in this copycat recipe?
A: Half-and-half can work in a pinch, though the sauce will be thinner and less rich. For a lighter version, try using whole milk thickened with a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch. Dairy-free alternatives include full-fat coconut milk (use the thick cream from the top of the can) or cashew cream, though these will alter the flavor profile slightly.
Q: Why does the restaurant version taste different from my copycat olive garden chicken scampi?
A: Commercial kitchens often use higher fat content in their sauces and may add flavor enhancers like MSG or concentrated stocks. They also typically use clarified butter and finish dishes with extra butter for richness. The quality and freshness of ingredients, particularly the Parmesan cheese and herbs, significantly impact the final taste.
Q: Can I freeze chicken scampi for later?
A: Cream-based sauces generally don’t freeze well, as they tend to separate and become grainy when thawed. If you must freeze it, store in airtight containers for up to 1 month, but expect texture changes. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently, whisking in fresh cream to help restore the sauce consistency.
Q: What if I don’t have Italian seasoning for the olive garden chicken scampi ingredients?
A: Make your own blend by combining equal parts dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. A pinch of garlic powder and dried parsley rounds out the flavor. This homemade Italian seasoning works perfectly in both the chicken coating and the sauce.
Q: How do I prevent my pasta from sticking together?
A: Use plenty of boiling water (at least 4-6 quarts for 1 pound of pasta), stir immediately after adding the pasta, and don’t add oil to the water. Oil prevents sauce from adhering to the pasta. If the cooked pasta sits before you’re ready to use it, toss it with a small amount of olive oil or reserved pasta water.
Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken tenders?
A: Absolutely! Chicken breasts work wonderfully in this olive garden chicken scampi copycat recipe. Slice them horizontally into thinner cutlets (about ½ inch thick) or pound them to an even thickness for uniform cooking. You can also cube the chicken breast for bite-sized pieces that are easier to eat with the pasta.
Q: What’s the best dry white wine to use for cooking?
A: Choose wines labeled “dry” rather than sweet. Pinot Grigio is the most popular choice for Italian dishes and has a clean, crisp flavor. Sauvignon Blanc adds herbaceous notes, while unoaked Chardonnay provides a rounder, fuller body. Avoid wines labeled “cooking wine” as they contain added salt and are lower quality.
This copycat olive garden chicken scampi recipe proves that restaurant-quality Italian cuisine is absolutely achievable in your home kitchen.
With tender, perfectly seasoned chicken, colorful vegetables, and that signature creamy garlic sauce coating delicate angel hair pasta, every bite transports you straight to your favorite booth at Olive Garden-without leaving your dining room. The best part?
You control the olive garden chicken scampi ingredients, can customize to your preferences, and enjoy this luxurious meal for a fraction of the restaurant price. Give this recipe a try tonight and discover just how simple it is to create impressive, delicious Italian-American classics at home!
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