Dreamy Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe for Pasta Lovers

Life gets busy, but nothing beats a restaurant-quality pasta dish you can whip up in your own kitchen, especially when it comes to this mouthwatering Olive Garden chicken scampi recipe that captures all the restaurant’s signature flavors.

Tender chicken strips dance alongside perfectly cooked linguine, bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce that promises pure comfort.

Each twirl of pasta promises a burst of zesty, herbal notes that transport you straight to an Italian-style dining experience.

The combination of succulent chicken, aromatic herbs, and rich sauce creates a symphony of flavors that will make dinner feel extraordinary.

Weeknight meals never looked so elegant or tasted so incredible.

Professional chefs might guard their secrets, but this recipe unlocks the magic right in your own kitchen.

Get ready to impress everyone at your table with this restaurant-quality masterpiece that’s surprisingly simple to create.

Serving Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Like a Pro

• Pasta Plate Perfection: Arrange the chicken scampi on a large white plate with the pasta nestled underneath, allowing the creamy sauce to pool around the edges for a restaurant-style presentation.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the rich, garlic-infused dish with a crisp white wine like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc to balance the creamy sauce and enhance the meal's flavors.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle additional fresh basil and parsley just before serving to add a bright, aromatic touch that brings the entire dish to life with a pop of green color and fresh herbaceous notes.
• Bread Side Companions: Serve warm garlic breadsticks or crusty Italian bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce, turning this main course into a complete and satisfying dining experience.

Smart Storage Ideas for Olive Garden Chicken Scampi

• Smart Portioning: Divide the chicken scampi into individual meal-sized containers for easy grab-and-go lunches during busy workweeks. Perfect for meal preppers looking to save time and enjoy a delicious homemade dinner.
• Refrigerator Freshness: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The creamy sauce and tender chicken maintain their delightful flavors when properly sealed and chilled. Keep pasta and chicken separate if possible to prevent soggy textures.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Prepare a double batch and freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to restore the sauce's creamy consistency.
• Reheating Magic: Warm individual servings in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little extra broth or cream to revive the sauce's silky texture. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent the pasta from becoming tough or the sauce from separating.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 7

What You’ll Need for Olive Garden Chicken Scampi

• Chicken Tenders: Lean protein that provides a juicy, tender base for the dish, choose fresh, high-quality tenders for best flavor.
• Flour: Creates a crispy golden coating that locks in moisture and adds texture to the chicken.
• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Essential flavor boosters that enhance the chicken's taste profile and add aromatic depth.

• Angel Hair Pasta: Delicate, thin pasta that absorbs sauce beautifully and provides a light, elegant texture.
• Bell Peppers, Red Onion: Colorful vegetables that add crunch, sweetness, and vibrant nutrition to the dish.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides a robust, pungent flavor foundation for the sauce.
• Butter: Adds richness and creates a smooth, velvety sauce texture.

• Chicken Broth: Provides a deep, savory liquid base that intensifies the overall flavor profile.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, silky sauce that coats the pasta and chicken perfectly.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty finish that elevates the entire dish's complexity.
• Fresh Basil, Parsley: Bright, fresh herbs that provide a pop of color and refreshing flavor contrast.

Tools for Cooking Olive Garden Chicken Scampi at Home

• Large Shallow Dish: Perfect for mixing flour and seasonings, coating chicken evenly.
• Cast Iron Skillet or Frying Pan: Essential for browning chicken and creating the delicious sauce.
• Large Pot: Needed for boiling pasta to al dente perfection.
• Paper Towel: Quick tool for wiping skillet clean between cooking steps.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: Helps accurately measure ingredients for balanced flavors.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for slicing bell peppers, onions, and chopping fresh herbs.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring sauce and mixing pasta without scratching pan.
• Plate with Foil: Keeps cooked chicken warm while preparing sauce.

Instructions for Making Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Just Right

Olive Garden Chicken Scampi

• Chicken Preparation

Select tender chicken pieces and coat them with a blend of flour and seasonings. Sear the chicken in a hot skillet until golden and fully cooked, creating a crispy exterior that locks in moisture. Set aside while preserving the delicious pan drippings.

• Pasta and Vegetable Harmony

Boil angel hair pasta until perfectly tender, ensuring a delicate texture. In the same skillet, sauté colorful bell peppers and red onions, releasing their natural sweetness. Introduce garlic and butter, creating a fragrant base that transforms the vegetables into a mouthwatering foundation.

• Sauce Creation

Deglaze the pan with rich chicken broth, capturing every bit of caramelized flavor. Introduce cream and seasonings, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop depth. Gently fold the pasta into the silky sauce, ensuring each strand is lovingly coated.

• Final Touches

Arrange the crispy chicken atop the saucy pasta. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped herbs, adding a burst of color and bright flavor. The result is a restaurant-quality dish that brings comfort and elegance to your dining table.

Custom Flavor Tips for Olive Garden Chicken Scampi

• Swap Italian seasoning with Cajun or ranch seasoning for a flavor twist. Create a crispier texture by double-dredging chicken in seasoned flour mixture.
• Replace angel hair with linguine or fettuccine for different pasta textures. Whole wheat pasta adds extra nutritional value to the dish.
• Experiment with zucchini, asparagus, or mushrooms alongside bell peppers. Roast vegetables beforehand to intensify their natural sweetness and depth.
• Substitute chicken with shrimp, scallops, or tofu for diverse protein options. Adjust cooking times based on chosen protein's thickness and tenderness.
• Include white wine for enhanced depth or red pepper flakes for subtle heat. Lighten the sauce by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a healthier version.

Succulent Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Classic Italian-American olive garden chicken scampi delivers succulent chicken and shrimp over linguine with zesty garlic-white wine sauce. Diners will savor rich flavors and restaurant-quality comfort straight from their home kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs chicken tenders
• 1 lb angel hair pasta
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 yellow bell pepper
• 1 green bell pepper
• 1 red onion
• 5 cloves garlic
• 1 cup flour
• 3 tbsps butter
• ⅔ cup heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsps Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil
• Fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Coating Preparation: Combine flour, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning in a shallow dish, creating a seasoned dredging mixture for chicken tenders.
2. Chicken Searing: Dredge chicken tenders in seasoned flour, then cook in hot oil over medium-high heat until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Pasta Cooking: Simultaneously boil salted water and cook angel hair pasta until al dente, reserving one cup of starchy cooking liquid when draining.
4. Vegetable Sautéing: In the same skillet, sauté bell peppers and red onion until softened, then add butter and garlic, stirring to develop rich aromatics.
5. Sauce Creation: Deglaze pan with chicken broth, scraping up browned bits, then introduce cream, salt, and Italian seasoning, bringing to a gentle simmer.
6. Combining Elements: Toss cooked pasta in the creamy sauce, adjusting consistency with reserved pasta water if needed, then top with seared chicken.
7. Final Flourish: Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, freshly chopped basil, and parsley to enhance flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

• Flour Coating Technique: Ensure a uniform, light layer by gently shaking off excess flour to achieve a crispy, even exterior on chicken tenders.
• Chicken Cooking Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F for perfectly safe and juicy chicken.
• Pasta Water Magic: Reserve starchy cooking liquid as a secret weapon to adjust sauce consistency and enhance flavor binding.
• Herb Fresh Finishing: Sprinkle herbs just before serving to maintain vibrant color and maximize aromatic impact of basil and parsley.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg