Irresistible Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe

Olive garden’s chicken scampi dazzles taste buds with its rich, buttery sauce and tender pasta.

Memories of restaurant dining flood back when you recreate this classic Italian-American dish at home.

Garlic and white wine create a magical backdrop for succulent chicken strips.

Each bite promises restaurant-quality flavors without stepping outside your kitchen.

Authentic ingredients combine to unlock a restaurant-inspired culinary experience that feels both familiar and extraordinary.

Professional chefs might guard their secrets, but now you can master this delectable recipe with confidence.

Grab your skillet and let the delicious adventure begin!

Helpful FAQs For Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe

• What makes this chicken scampi similar to Olive Garden's version?

This recipe captures the restaurant’s signature flavors by using a combination of garlic, white wine, and butter sauce that creates the classic Olive Garden taste right in your own kitchen.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe isn’t inherently spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes if you want a little kick to your chicken scampi.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

While linguine is traditional, you can absolutely substitute with other long pasta like fettuccine or spaghetti without changing the overall recipe’s core flavors.

• Do I need any special cooking skills to make this recipe?

Not at all! This chicken scampi is beginner-friendly and requires basic cooking techniques like sautéing chicken and making a simple pan sauce.

Why Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe Tastes Just Like The Original

• Whip Up Quick Comfort: This chicken scampi recipe delivers restaurant-quality deliciousness in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Easy to personalize with extra garlic, red pepper flakes, or your favorite herbs, making it adaptable for different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Budget-Friendly Olive Garden Copycat: Save money by recreating a popular restaurant dish at home, using simple ingredients most home cooks already have in their pantry and refrigerator.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: The creamy, garlicky sauce and tender chicken create a universally appealing meal that both kids and adults will love, making mealtime stress-free and enjoyable.

What Goes Into Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe

• Linguine: Classic Italian pasta that holds sauce beautifully, perfect for soaking up garlic and butter flavors.

• Chicken Breasts: Tender white meat that absorbs marinade well, choose boneless and skinless for easy preparation.

• Butter, Olive Oil: Rich base for creating a luxurious and flavorful scampi sauce, butter adds creamy depth while olive oil provides authentic Italian touch.
• Garlic, Minced Garlic: Aromatic and essential for traditional scampi flavor, fresh garlic provides more intense taste compared to pre-minced.
• White Wine: Adds sophisticated acidic note to sauce, dry varieties like Pinot Grigio work best.
• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus element that balances richness of butter and adds freshness.
• Parsley, Dried Parsley: Fresh herb that provides color and subtle herbaceous flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance overall taste profile, kosher salt recommended for better control.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy component for those who enjoy a little heat.
• Parmesan Cheese: Traditional Italian cheese for garnishing, adds salty and nutty undertones.

How To Make Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe At Home

Step 1: Prepare Pasta Perfection

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook following package directions until perfectly al dente. Gently drain the pasta in a colander and set aside while keeping it warm.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Chicken Base

• Chicken breasts
• Salt
• Black pepper
• All-purpose flour
• Olive oil

Season chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper. Lightly dust the chicken with flour, ensuring an even coating. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 3: Sear Chicken to Golden Brilliance

Carefully place floured chicken into the hot skillet. Cook until each side turns a beautiful golden brown and the chicken is completely cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside on a clean plate.

Step 4: Develop Luxurious Scampi Sauce

• Butter
• Minced garlic
• White wine
• Chicken broth
• Lemon juice
• Red pepper flakes

Melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in white wine and let it simmer briefly. Add chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Step 5: Combine Sauce and Pasta Magic

Reduce sauce until slightly thickened. Toss the reserved pasta into the skillet, coating each strand with the luscious scampi sauce. Slice the cooked chicken and gently lay it atop the pasta.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish. For an extra touch of elegance, add a light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Bonus Tip: For an authentic Olive Garden experience, pair with warm breadsticks and a crisp side salad.

Smart Tips For Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe

• Prevent Pasta Sticking: Stir noodles occasionally during cooking and rinse with cold water after draining to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the sauce for extra richness and complexity in the scampi's taste profile.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein variation that suits your dietary preferences or pantry ingredients.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Adjust sauce thickness by adding pasta water gradually if the mixture seems too thick or dry during cooking.
• Enhance Herb Freshness: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil right before serving to elevate the dish's aroma and visual appeal.

How To Store Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe Right

• Refrigerate leftover chicken scampi in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep pasta and sauce separate to prevent soggy noodles.
• Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture.
• Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pasta tough and dry out the sauce.
• Freezing is not recommended due to the delicate cream-based sauce and pasta, which tend to separate and lose texture when thawed.

Perfect Pairings For Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe

• Complement with Crisp White Wine: Pair this zesty chicken scampi with a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. These light, refreshing wines perfectly balance the garlic and lemon flavors, cutting through the richness of the dish.
• Add Garlic Bread on the Side: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious scampi sauce. The extra bread complements the pasta and provides a delightful texture contrast to the tender chicken.
• Fresh Herb Salad Companion: Create a light mixed green salad with fresh herbs like basil and parsley. Dress it simply with olive oil and lemon juice to echo the bright flavors in the scampi, making the meal feel complete and balanced.
• Sparkling Water with Lemon: For a non-alcoholic option, serve chilled sparkling water with a fresh lemon wedge. The bubbles and citrus notes will cleanse the palate between bites and enhance the dish's overall flavor profile.

Fun Twists On Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe

• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Scampi: Enhance the classic recipe by adding fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano to the sauce for a vibrant Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Chicken Scampi: Kick up the heat by incorporating Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes, creating a zesty and bold version of the traditional dish.
• Creamy White Wine Chicken Scampi: Transform the recipe by introducing heavy cream and a splash of dry white wine, resulting in a richer, more luxurious sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
• Lemon Garlic Chicken Scampi: Brighten the dish with extra lemon zest and roasted garlic, adding a fresh and aromatic dimension to the classic scampi preparation.

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Olive garden’s chicken scampi dazzles home cooks with restaurant-quality pasta perfection. Garlic-infused butter sauce and tender chicken create a mouthwatering Italian-American classic you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• 12 ounces (340 grams) angel hair pasta or spaghetti

Seasonings and Spices:

• ½ cup (65 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Vegetables and Dairy:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
• ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan, for serving

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Instructions

1. Fill a spacious pot with water and bring to a rolling boil, carefully adding pasta to cook until tender with a slight bite, typically 8-10 minutes.
2. Carefully drain pasta in a colander, gently shaking to remove excess water, then transfer to a warm holding dish.
3. Season chicken pieces with a blend of salt, pepper, and dried herbs, ensuring each morsel is evenly coated.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a shimmering surface.
5. Sauté chicken until golden brown and cooked through, developing a rich caramelized exterior and ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Remove chicken and set aside, keeping warm.
7. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant and lightly golden, releasing its aromatic essence.
8. Pour white wine into the pan, allowing it to simmer and reduce, concentrating the flavors and creating a luxurious base.
9. Add heavy cream and italian seasoning, stirring continuously to create a smooth, velvety sauce.
10. Incorporate lemon juice and red pepper flakes, balancing the creamy sauce with bright, zesty notes.
11. Return chicken to the skillet, gently coating with the luscious sauce.
12. Combine prepared pasta with the chicken and sauce, tossing delicately to ensure even distribution.
13. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated parmesan cheese, adding a final layer of flavor and visual appeal.
14. Serve immediately, presenting a restaurant-quality dish bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Notes

• Always choose high-quality, fresh linguine or angel hair pasta for the best texture and flavor absorption.
• Cook pasta just until al dente to maintain a slight firmness, preventing it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
• Reserve a small cup of pasta water before draining, which can help adjust sauce consistency if needed and adds a subtle starchy richness.
• Rinse pasta with cold water only if you’re making a cold pasta dish; for hot scampi, keep pasta warm and slightly moist to help sauce cling better.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 680
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 73 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg