Have you ever taken a bite of Olive Garden’s Chicken Scampi and thought, “I wish I could make this at home”? Well, you’re in luck! We’re bringing the flavors of this Italian-American favorite right to your own kitchen with a step-by-step guide to recreating the famous Olive Garden Chicken Scampi.
With its tender chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy garlic sauce, this recipe is delicious and sure to impress anyone you share it with.
So get ready to don your chef’s hat, channel your inner Italian cook, and uncover the joy of crafting this beloved dish at home.
What is Olive Garden Chicken Scampi and Why is it So Special?
Ah, the Chicken Scampi—an Olive Garden classic that strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and culinary elegance.
This dish marries tender, pan-seared chicken with a medley of sautéed bell peppers and onions over a bed of al dente angel hair pasta. Topping it all off is a luscious garlic and white wine butter sauce, infused with just enough zing from a splash of lemon.
Each bite is a harmonious blend of creamy, savory, and zesty flavors, making it a standout on Olive Garden’s menu. But what truly makes it special is its versatility—it’s a perfect family dinner, a romantic meal for two, or even an indulgent solo treat.
Ingredients Needed for Olive Garden Chicken Scampi
Let’s talk about what you’ll need. Good ingredients are super important for making this dish. Here’s what to get before you start cooking:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins – Tender, juicy, and seasoned to perfection.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – To coat the chicken and give it a golden crust.
- Salt and black pepper – A must for seasoning.
- 2 tbsp olive oil – For that perfect pan-sear.
For the Sauce:
- 4 tbsp butter – Creamy and indulgent.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced – The star of the sauce for its bold flavor.
- ½ cup vegetable broth – Adds depth and a subtle, savory flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream – The foundation of the creamy sauce.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice – Brightens the entire dish.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Melts into the sauce for extra savory goodness.
For the Pasta and Veggies:
- 12 oz angel hair pasta – Thin and delicate, the ideal base for the dish.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced julienne – Sweet and vibrant.
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced julienne – Adds color and crunch.
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced – A touch of sharpness to balance the sweetness of the peppers.
- Fresh parsley, chopped – For garnish and a pop of freshness.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to create magic in your kitchen.
Nutritional Information for Olive Garden Chicken Scampi
Understanding what’s on your plate is always a good idea. Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (recipe serves 4):
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving | Daily Value (%DV) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 510 kcal | 26% |
| Total Fat | 22 g | 28% |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 120 mg | 40% |
| Sodium | 750 mg | 33% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 45 g | 16% |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g | 11% |
| Sugars | 5 g | – |
| Protein | 36 g | 72% |
| Vitamin A | – | 15% |
| Vitamin C | – | 40% |
| Calcium | – | 20% |
| Iron | – | 12% |
Equipment Needed to Make Olive Garden Chicken Scampi
To make your cooking experience as smooth as the scampi sauce, here’s the essential equipment list:
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Medium saucepan for boiling pasta
- Tongs for flipping chicken
- Whisk for the creamy sauce
- A sharp chef’s knife for slicing vegetables
- Cutting board
- Ladle for serving the sauce
Step-by-Step Recipe for Olive Garden Chicken Scampi
Get your apron on, because this step-by-step guide is where the magic happens.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by getting all your ingredients ready. Cut the bell peppers into thin strips, chop the garlic, and cut the chicken breasts into small pieces so they cook evenly. Sprinkle salt and pepper on the chicken.
At the same time, boil some salted water in a medium-sized pot for the pasta. Getting everything ready now will make cooking much easier!
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
When the water in the saucepan starts boiling, add the pasta and cook it following the instructions on the package until it’s firm but not hard.
This usually takes 8-10 minutes, depending on the type of pasta. When done, drain the pasta but keep a cup of the water to use later for the sauce. Put the pasta aside and move to the next steps.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat a big pan over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil. When the oil looks shiny, place the seasoned chicken pieces in the pan.
Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side, until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked. Once done, move the chicken to a plate and cover it with foil to keep it warm.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, add a little more olive oil if needed. Then, add the chopped garlic and sliced bell peppers. Cook them over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are soft and the garlic smells nice. The peppers will add a sweet taste and bright color to the dish.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Scampi Sauce
Turn the heat to low and mix in the butter and heavy cream with the cooked vegetables. Keep stirring to make a smooth, creamy sauce.
Add a little salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for flavor. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the saved pasta water to make it thinner. Let it cook gently for 2-3 minutes so the flavors blend together.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the pan with the creamy sauce and veggies. Mix everything well so it’s all coated in the sauce.
Let it cook for 2-3 more minutes until warm. Serve the Chicken Scampi right away with some grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley on top for extra flavor.
Olive Garden Scampi Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Saucepan (for pasta)
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Tongs or spatula
- Airtight container (for leftovers)
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken tenderloins – Tender, juicy, and seasoned to perfection.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – To coat the chicken and give it a golden crust.
- Salt and black pepper – A must for seasoning.
- 2 tbsp olive oil – For that perfect pan-sear.
For the Sauce:
- 4 tbsp butter – Creamy and indulgent.
- 4 garlic cloves minced – The star of the sauce for its bold flavor.
- ½ cup vegetable broth – Adds depth and a subtle savory flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream – The foundation of the creamy sauce.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice – Brightens the entire dish.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Melts into the sauce for extra savory goodness.
For the Pasta and Veggies:
- 12 oz angel hair pasta – Thin and delicate the ideal base for the dish.
- 1 red bell pepper sliced julienne – Sweet and vibrant.
- 1 yellow bell pepper sliced julienne – Adds color and crunch.
- 1 small red onion thinly sliced – A touch of sharpness to balance the sweetness of the peppers.
- Fresh parsley chopped – For garnish and a pop of freshness.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Start by getting all your ingredients ready. Cut the bell peppers into thin strips, chop the garlic, and cut the chicken breasts into small pieces so they cook evenly. Sprinkle salt and pepper on the chicken. At the same time, boil some salted water in a medium-sized pot for the pasta. Getting everything ready now will make cooking much easier!
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- When the water in the saucepan starts boiling, add the pasta and cook it following the instructions on the package until it’s firm but not hard. This usually takes 8-10 minutes, depending on the type of pasta. When done, drain the pasta but keep a cup of the water to use later for the sauce. Put the pasta aside and move to the next steps.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
- Heat a big pan over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil. When the oil looks shiny, place the seasoned chicken pieces in the pan. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side, until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked. Once done, move the chicken to a plate and cover it with foil to keep it warm.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pan, add a little more olive oil if needed. Then, add the chopped garlic and sliced bell peppers. Cook them over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are soft and the garlic smells nice. The peppers will add a sweet taste and bright color to the dish.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Scampi Sauce
- Turn the heat to low and mix in the butter and heavy cream with the cooked vegetables. Keep stirring to make a smooth, creamy sauce. Add a little salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for flavor. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the saved pasta water to make it thinner. Let it cook gently for 2-3 minutes so the flavors blend together.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the pan with the creamy sauce and veggies. Mix everything well so it’s all coated in the sauce. Let it cook for 2-3 more minutes until warm. Serve the Chicken Scampi right away with some grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley on top for extra flavor.
Notes
Creative Ways to Serve Olive Garden Chicken Scampi
If you love variety in your meals, try these creative ideas to enjoy this delicious dish:
- Serve it over a bed of garlic mashed potatoes instead of pasta for a comforting twist.
- Pair it with a warm, crusty baguette to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Use the Chicken Scampi as a filling for soft tortillas to create flavorful Mediterranean-inspired wraps.
- Top it with a poached or fried egg for a luxurious brunch option.
- Toss the scampi with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter, low-carb alternative.
- Transform it into a baked pasta dish by layering it with mozzarella cheese and baking until golden and bubbly.
- Add a spicy kick with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes and serve with a side of roasted veggies.
- Spoon the creamy chicken and veggies over rice or quinoa for a hearty, gluten-free meal.
Storage Suggestions for Leftover Chicken Scampi
If you somehow have leftovers (we promise it’s rare!), here’s how to store them properly:
- Let the dish cool down to room temperature before storing it.
- Transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent the sauce from drying out and microwave for 2-3 minutes or heat on the stove over medium-low heat.
- You can also freeze the Chicken Scampi without pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Tips for Making the Perfect Olive Garden Chicken Scampi
I know you’re excited to start cooking, but here are a few tips to make sure your Chicken Scampi turns out perfect every time:
- To save time, chop the garlic and bell peppers while the chicken is searing.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth if you want to control the amount of salt in your dish.
- For extra richness, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream.
- If using frozen chicken, defrost it completely before cooking to avoid uneven cooking.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken so that it browns evenly. Work in batches if needed.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta and check for any hidden sources of gluten in the chicken broth or Italian seasoning.
- Use fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to add more depth of flavor to the dish.
Conclusion
Cooking Olive Garden’s Chicken Scampi at home isn’t just about recreating a dish—it’s about capturing the comfort, joy, and connection that comes with sharing a delicious meal.
Follow this recipe step by step, and you’ll find yourself savoring a restaurant-quality dish made with your own hands.
FAQ
Can I use a different pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can! While thin pasta like angel hair or spaghetti works best, you can substitute it with fettuccine, linguine, or even penne for a slightly different texture and experience.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Chicken Scampi is best when served fresh, but you can prep some parts ahead. Cook the pasta and store it in the fridge with a little olive oil to keep it from sticking. You can also cook the chicken and make the sauce separately. When it’s time to eat, warm everything on the stove and mix it together for a fresh taste.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Sure! Shrimp is a great choice for this dish because it tastes great with the scampi sauce. You can also use tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian option—just make sure to season them well to match the flavors of the dish.
How can I make this dish lighter?
To make a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or swap in a plant-based cream alternative. Reducing the amount of butter and using whole-grain or alternative pasta, like zucchini noodles, can also provide a healthier yet equally satisfying meal.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftover Chicken Scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, to preserve the creamy texture of the sauce while avoiding overcooking the chicken or pasta.
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Yes, pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken is an excellent time-saver for this dish. Simply shred or slice the chicken and toss it in the sauce toward the end of the cooking process to heat it through while maintaining its tenderness.
