Olive Garden Chicken Scampi

The aroma of sizzling garlic butter and tender chicken fills your kitchen as you recreate this beloved Italian-American classic at home. Olive Garden Chicken Scampi transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal with its harmonious blend of succulent chicken tenders, colorful bell peppers, and delicate angel hair pasta, all bathed in a creamy garlic sauce. This dish balances rich flavors with fresh vegetables, creating a satisfying meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome. You’ll learn how to perfectly cook the chicken, create that signature scampi sauce, and plate a dish that rivals your favorite Italian restaurant’s version.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade Olive Garden Chicken Scampi recipe delivers restaurant quality with home-cooked comfort. Each bite offers a delightful contrast between the tender, seasoned chicken and the perfectly al dente angel hair pasta. The colorful bell peppers add a sweet crunch that balances the rich, velvety sauce.

What makes this recipe special is its impressive appearance despite its straightforward preparation. The vibrant vegetables create a stunning visual presentation, making this an ideal choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The sauce achieves that perfect balance – creamy without being heavy, flavorful without overwhelming the delicate chicken.

Even kitchen novices can master this chicken scampi recipe with our clear instructions. The ingredients are readily available at any grocery store, and the techniques are accessible to cooks of all skill levels. Best of all, you’ll save money while enjoying the authentic Olive Garden taste you crave, right in your own dining room.

Ingredients List for the Olive Garden Chicken Scampi

These carefully selected ingredients combine to create the signature flavors of Olive Garden Chicken Scampi, with the trio of colorful peppers providing both visual appeal and sweet contrast to the rich, garlicky sauce.

For the Chicken:

• 2 tbsp olive oil (or cooking oil of choice)
• 2 lbs chicken tenders (or thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs)
• 1 cup flour
• 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

For the Pasta and Sauce:

• 1 lb angel hair pasta (cooked al dente)
• 1 tbsp 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 tbsp butter
• 5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 ½ cup chicken broth (store bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup white wine (or substitute with additional chicken broth)
• 2/3 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)

For Garnish:

• Parmesan cheese (grated)
• Fresh basil (finely chopped)
• Fresh parsley (finely chopped)

Pro Tips

To elevate your Olive Garden Chicken Scampi from good to exceptional, focus on these key techniques:

First, don’t rush the chicken coating process. For perfectly golden, crispy chicken, ensure each tender is evenly but lightly coated in the seasoned flour mixture. Shake off excess flour to prevent the coating from becoming gummy during cooking. Allow the oil to fully heat before adding the chicken – it should shimmer but not smoke.

Second, the secret to restaurant-quality pasta is proper timing and water reservation. Cook the angel hair just until al dente (it will continue cooking slightly in the sauce), and always reserve some pasta water before draining. This starchy liquid is a chef’s secret weapon for creating silky, perfectly thickened sauces that cling to each strand of pasta.

Finally, balance is key when creating the scampi sauce. Allow the garlic to become fragrant but not brown (which causes bitterness). When adding the cream, maintain a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil to prevent curdling. If your sauce becomes too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach the perfect consistency.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Step 1: In a large shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper and Italian seasoning. Mix until evenly combined.

Step 2: Coat the chicken tenders in the flour mixture, shake off the excess flour.

Step 3: In a large cast iron skillet or frying pan, add 2 tablespoons of oil and heat over medium high heat. Pan fry the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.

Prepare the Pasta and Sauce:

Step 1: As the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the angel hair pasta according to package direction until al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta water, drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Wipe the large skillet clean with a paper towel. On medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of oil. Add in the sliced peppers and red onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring often.

Step 3: Add the butter and minced garlic to the pan and pan fry for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until all of the vegetables are tender.

Step 4: Add in the cream, salt and Italian seasoning and bring to a light boil, stirring frequently.

Step 5: Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked pasta. Mix until evenly coated in the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes. If needed, add in a splash of the reserved pasta water to thicken the sauce.

Step 6: Once the sauce has thickened add the chicken on top of the pasta.

Step 7: Garnish with grated parmesan cheese, chopped fresh basil and parsley. Serve and enjoy!

Variations

The classic Olive Garden Chicken Scampi recipe is delicious as is, but these variations offer exciting new possibilities:

For a seafood twist, substitute the chicken with 1½ pounds of large shrimp. Prepare the shrimp similarly, but reduce cooking time to about 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. This creates a traditional shrimp scampi with the colorful vegetable medley that makes this dish special.

Make it gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and using gluten-free pasta. Rice noodles or gluten-free angel hair work beautifully with this sauce without compromising on texture or flavor.

For a lighter version, replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk and increase the amount of fresh herbs. You can also add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for extra nutritional value while maintaining the dish’s colorful appeal and creating a vegetable-forward chicken pasta.

Storage and Serving

Store leftover Olive Garden Chicken Scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making this dish excellent for meal prep. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to revitalize the sauce, as pasta tends to absorb liquid during storage. Warm gently over medium-low heat or microwave at 70% power to prevent the sauce from separating.

For an elevated presentation, serve this chicken scampi on warmed plates with a sprinkle of additional fresh herbs and grated Parmesan. A simple side of garlic bread makes the perfect accompaniment for soaking up the delicious sauce. For a complete Olive Garden experience, start the meal with a classic garden salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette.

This dish also transforms beautifully for lunch the next day. Toss cold leftovers with a handful of fresh arugula for a refreshing pasta salad, or pack it in a thermos for a luxurious hot lunch option that will make your coworkers envious.

FAQs

Can I make Olive Garden Chicken Scampi ahead of time?
You can prepare components ahead of time – coat the chicken, slice the vegetables, and mince the garlic up to a day in advance. However, for best results, cook the pasta and assemble the final dish just before serving to maintain the perfect texture and prevent the sauce from being absorbed.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half provides a lighter option while maintaining creaminess. For dairy-free alternatives, full-fat coconut milk works well, though it adds a subtle coconut flavor. In a pinch, you can create a roux with butter and flour, then add additional chicken broth.

Is this recipe spicy?
No, Olive Garden Chicken Scampi is not spicy. It features savory garlic and herb flavors rather than heat. If you prefer some spice, add red pepper flakes to taste when sautéing the garlic.

What wine pairs best with Chicken Scampi?
A crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements this dish beautifully, as their bright acidity balances the creamy sauce. If you prefer red wine, a light Pinot Noir works without overwhelming the delicate flavors.

Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
While fresh vegetables provide the best texture and flavor, in a time crunch, frozen pepper strips can work. Thaw and drain them thoroughly before adding to prevent excess water in your sauce, and reduce their sautéing time by half.

Print