Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe: The Best Homemade

Craving that creamy, buttery, and garlicky goodness of Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe? You’re in luck! This homemade version captures all the flavors of the restaurant favorite, and it’s easier than you think. Juicy chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich scampi sauce come together for the perfect meal. Plus, making it at home means you can customize it just the way you like. Let’s dive into this delicious copycat recipe!

Ingredients Needed

Before you start, gather all the ingredients to make the Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe just like the restaurant version.

Essential Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into thin strips)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup bell peppers (sliced, mix of red, yellow, and green)
• 1/2 cup red onion (sliced)
• 1 pound angel hair pasta
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Optional Ingredients for Customization:

• Extra Parmesan cheese for garnish
• A splash of white wine for added depth in the sauce
• Shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

For the best-tasting Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe, properly seasoning and cooking the chicken is key.

1. Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked.
4. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

2. Cook the Pasta

Angel hair pasta is the perfect match for this dish. Follow these simple tips:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the angel hair pasta and cook until al dente (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce if needed.

3. Make the Scampi Sauce

The heart of this Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe is the creamy, garlicky sauce.

1. In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well.
4. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using).
5. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

4. Combine and Serve

Bringing everything together is the final step in making this restaurant-quality dish.

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce.
2. Add the cooked pasta and mix everything together until well coated.
3. Stir in the bell peppers and red onion, letting them soften slightly in the warm sauce.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
5. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for a zesty finish.

Tips for the Best Olive Garden Chicken Scampi

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and Parmesan cheese enhance the flavor.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: Angel hair pasta cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it.
• Balance the sauce: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water or broth.
• Sear the chicken properly: A golden-brown crust locks in juices and adds flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

Want to switch things up? Here are a few delicious variations:

• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free thickener for the sauce.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
• Seafood Twist: Substitute shrimp for chicken to create a shrimp scampi version.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Use mushrooms or tofu instead of chicken.

What to Serve with Chicken Scampi

Complete your meal with these tasty side dishes:

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy scampi sauce.
• Caesar Salad: A crisp, refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Adds color and extra nutrients to your plate.
• Bruschetta: A light and flavorful appetizer that pairs well.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? Here’s how to keep your Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe fresh:

Storage:

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Avoid freezing, as the creamy sauce may separate.

Reheating:

• Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to maintain the sauce’s texture.
• Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to prevent drying out.

Final Thoughts

Now you can enjoy the delicious flavors of the Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe right at home! This easy-to-follow recipe gives you the same creamy, garlicky goodness without the restaurant wait. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out. Don’t forget to share this recipe with fellow pasta lovers! Happy cooking!