Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe

If there’s a dish that brings the perfect harmony of vibrant flavors, creamy sauce, and tender chicken to your dinner table, it’s the unforgettable Olive Garden Chicken Scampi. This dish captures the essence of classic Italian-American comfort food with its garlicky, buttery sauce paired with delicate angel hair pasta and colorful bell peppers. Each bite bursts with savory goodness, making it an absolute favorite to whip up for family dinners or impressing guests. Trust me, once you try this Olive Garden Chicken Scampi, it will quickly become one of your go-to recipes for a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal right at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Olive Garden Chicken Scampi comes down to a handful of simple yet carefully selected ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so special—from tender chicken coated in a fragrant seasoning blend to fresh, sweet bell peppers for a pop of color and crunch.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Essential for a rich, smooth sauté and adds a lovely fruity aroma.
• 2 lbs chicken tenders: Tender, quick-cooking, and perfect for keeping the dish juicy and flavorful.
• 1 cup flour: Provides a light coating that helps brown the chicken beautifully.
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that infuses the flour and sauce with classic Italian herb notes.
• 1 tablespoon salt: Balances the flavors and enhances every ingredient.
• 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle, warming kick to the chicken coating.
• 1 lb angel hair pasta: Delicate and quick-cooking, it soaks up the luscious scampi sauce perfectly.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used again for sautéing the vegetables to keep them tender and shimmering.
• 1 red bell pepper: Sliced thin for a sweet crunch and gorgeous color.
• 1 yellow bell pepper: Brightens the dish with its sunny hue and natural sweetness.
• 1 green bell pepper: Adds earthiness and a fresh vegetable bite.
• 1 red onion: Thinly sliced for a mild sharpness that softens beautifully as it cooks.
• 3 tablespoons butter: Brings creaminess and richness that make this sauce truly indulgent.
• 5 cloves garlic, minced: Absolutely essential for that iconic scampi flavor — bold and aromatic.
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth: Builds the base of the sauce with savory depth and moisture.
• ½ cup dry white wine: Lifts the sauce with a crisp, slightly fruity acidity; chicken broth can be used instead.
• ⅔ cup heavy cream: Creates the silky texture that coats the pasta and chicken luxuriously.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Reinforces the herbaceous highlights in the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste): Brings everything together with balanced seasoning.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated fresh for a nutty finish that melts into the sauce on top.
• Fresh basil and parsley: Finely chopped for a burst of color and fresh herbal brightness as garnish.

How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Scampi

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by creating a perfectly seasoned coating for your chicken. Combine flour, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning in a shallow dish. Coat the chicken tenders evenly and shake off any excess flour so the chicken browns nicely without clumping. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and pan-fry the tenders just a few minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Setting these aside under foil keeps them warm and juicy until they’re ready to join the sauce. This step is key because your chicken needs to be flavorful and tender at the core of your Olive Garden Chicken Scampi.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add your angel hair pasta. Cook it al dente for that perfect toothsome bite that won’t get mushy when mixed with the sauce. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of the cooking water before draining — it’s a handy secret to adjust the sauce consistency later if needed. The pasta is the canvas for this dish, ready to soak up the luscious scampi sauce that’s on its way.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Wipe out your skillet and add more olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the red, yellow, and green bell peppers along with the red onion. These vibrant veggies add not just incredible color but a fresh sweetness and gentle crunch which balances the richness of the sauce beautifully. Sauté them for a few minutes to soften without losing their brightness.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Next, add butter and the minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until fragrant and tender, around 1 to 2 minutes. Pour in the dry white wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pan, lifting those flavorful browned bits that add depth. Stir in the chicken broth and let it simmer for a couple of minutes, infusing the sauce with savory goodness. Then mix in the heavy cream, salt, and Italian seasoning, bringing everything to a gentle boil while stirring frequently. This silky, garlicky cream sauce is what makes Olive Garden Chicken Scampi so irresistible.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat every strand in that luxuriously creamy blend. If the sauce seems too thick, a splash of the reserved pasta water can loosen it to the perfect consistency. Finally, nestle the pan-fried chicken tenders on top of the pasta, allowing the flavors to mingle before serving. Your Olive Garden Chicken Scampi is now ready to delight!

How to Serve Olive Garden Chicken Scampi

Garnishes

One of the joys of serving Olive Garden Chicken Scampi is adding those finishing touches that elevate each plate. Sprinkle plenty of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top for a salty, nutty contrast that melts into the sauce. Then add finely chopped fresh basil and parsley for a pop of green color and a fresh herbal aroma that complements the richness perfectly.

Side Dishes

While the dish is quite complete on its own, pairing it thoughtfully can enhance the experience. A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the scampi, while crusty garlic bread offers a delightful way to soak up any leftover sauce. Roasted or steamed asparagus or green beans also make fantastic vegetable sides that bring bright, fresh flavors to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress your guests or make dinner feel extra special, consider serving the pasta in shallow bowls rather than deep plates, allowing room to display the chicken tenders artfully on top. Garnish with a lemon wedge on the side for those who love a zesty twist. Another idea is to sprinkle some toasted pine nuts over the top for a subtle crunch that adds a lovely textural contrast to the creamy sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Olive Garden Chicken Scampi keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, but the pasta can absorb the sauce and thicken, so be ready to refresh it gently when reheating.

Freezing

Freezing Olive Garden Chicken Scampi is possible but not ideal due to the delicate nature of angel hair pasta and cream sauce. If you must freeze, separate the chicken and sauce from the pasta before doing so, and store them in airtight freezer-safe containers. Use within one month for best quality and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the sauce and chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water to bring the sauce back to the perfect consistency. Once warmed through, toss in freshly cooked or reheated angel hair pasta, stirring gently until everything is heated evenly. Avoid using a microwave if possible for best texture and flavor retention.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for Olive Garden Chicken Scampi?

Absolutely! While angel hair pasta is traditional and ideal due to its lightness and quick cooking, you can substitute linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine depending on your preference. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is it okay to skip the white wine in the sauce?

Yes, you can replace the white wine with additional chicken broth. The wine adds a subtle acidity that brightens the sauce, but the broth keeps it flavorful and moist if you prefer not to use alcohol.

How do I make sure the chicken stays tender?

Using chicken tenders or thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs helps the meat cook quickly without drying out. Also, don’t overcook the chicken in the skillet; once browned and just cooked through, remove it promptly and keep it covered to retain moisture until serving.

Can I prepare Olive Garden Chicken Scampi ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, warm the sauce and chicken gently, then toss with freshly cooked pasta to keep everything tasting fresh and delicious.

What are good alternatives to fresh herbs for garnish?

If you don’t have fresh basil or parsley on hand, dried Italian seasoning can be sprinkled lightly over the finished dish. You could also try fresh chives or oregano for a different but tasty herbal note.

Final Thoughts

This Olive Garden Chicken Scampi recipe is a celebration of bold flavors, simple ingredients, and timeless techniques that come together to create an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a cozy weeknight dinner, the irresistible combination of creamy garlic sauce, tender chicken, and bright vegetables will keep everyone coming back for more. Give it a go and watch this dish become a cherished staple in your kitchen!

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