Olive Garden Chicken Scampi

Olive Garden Chicken Scampi is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish featuring golden-brown chicken tenderloins, bell peppers, and angel hair pasta coated in a rich, garlicky, Parmesan sauce. This copycat recipe recreates the indulgent flavors of the restaurant’s beloved dish with a homemade touch that’s just as delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Scampi combines perfectly seared chicken with colorful bell peppers, a smooth, creamy sauce, and a hint of white wine for depth. The angel hair pasta soaks up the sauce beautifully, and the dish is finished off with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or a special dinner to impress, this dish is a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5-2 pounds chicken tenderloins
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Pasta:

• 1 pound angel hair pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 medium yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3-5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt, to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Pat the chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels and set aside.
• In a shallow bowl, stir together the flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
• Dredge each chicken tenderloin in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Set aside on a chopping board.

2. Cook the Chicken:

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the chicken tenderloins and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan.

3. Cook the Pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the angel hair pasta according to the package instructions, ensuring it’s al dente.
• Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water. Set the pasta aside.

4. Prepare the Vegetables and Sauce:

• Wipe the skillet clean with paper towels, then add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and heat over medium heat.
• Add the sliced red onion and bell peppers to the skillet, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened.
• Stir in the butter and garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Pour in the dry white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the wine simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
• Add the chicken broth and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
• Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, turn off the heat and gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is creamy.

5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the noodles in the creamy sauce. If needed, adjust the sauce consistency by adding some of the reserved pasta water.

6. Serve:

• Plate the pasta and sauce, layering the cooked chicken tenderloins on top.
• Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
• Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and substitute with sautéed mushrooms or grilled vegetables for a delicious vegetarian option.
• Add Shrimp: For a seafood twist, add shrimp to the dish in place of the chicken, cooking them in the same skillet before adding the wine and cream.
• Different Pasta: Use other types of pasta, like fettuccine or penne, if you prefer.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life. Alternatively, you can microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed for thicker cuts of chicken.

2. Can I make this dish without wine?

Yes, you can substitute the dry white wine with extra chicken broth or a splash of white grape juice for a non-alcoholic version.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can cook the pasta and prepare the sauce in advance, but it’s best to cook the chicken fresh for optimal texture. Store the sauce and pasta separately in the fridge, then combine and reheat when ready to serve.

4. Can I use heavy whipping cream instead of heavy cream?

Yes, heavy whipping cream can be substituted for heavy cream in this recipe with the same results.

5. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the leftovers, though the pasta may become a bit softer after freezing and reheating. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months, and reheat on the stove with a little extra cream or broth.

6. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

To prevent curdling, make sure to add the cream to the sauce after the wine has reduced and the pan is off the heat. Stir the cheese in gradually to ensure it melts smoothly.

7. Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can add other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for more color and nutrition.

8. How can I make the sauce richer?

For a richer sauce, you can add more Parmesan cheese or a splash of half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

9. Can I skip the cream?

If you want a lighter version, you can skip the cream and use milk or a combination of chicken broth and cornstarch to thicken the sauce.

10. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any type of pasta can work for this dish. Just be sure to cook it al dente and adjust the sauce to coat the pasta evenly.

Conclusion

Olive Garden Chicken Scampi is a creamy, satisfying dish that combines tender chicken with vibrant bell peppers and a rich, Parmesan-infused sauce. The combination of flavors is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special meal to impress your guests. Quick, delicious, and full of flavor, this dish will become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection!

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