Hello food enthusiasts! Today, I’m excited to share with you a Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe that will transport your taste buds straight to the iconic Italian-American restaurant. This delightful dish combines perfectly sautéed chicken tenderloins, colorful bell peppers, and a luscious butter scampi sauce tossed with delicate angel hair pasta. If you’re a fan of delicious chicken pasta recipes, this is a must-try in your kitchen!
Introduction
This Chicken Scampi Recipe is inspired by Olive Garden’s beloved menu item, renowned for its rich flavors and irresistible aroma. This dish perfectly balances tender chicken with the freshness of bell peppers and onions, all bathed in a creamy scampi sauce. A delightful fusion of American and Italian flavors, this recipe brings together the best of both cuisines, making it an ideal choice for a family dinner or special occasion. Whether you’ve visited Olive Garden or not, recreating this dish at home will bring the restaurant experience right to your table!
Ingredients for Chicken Scampi
Here’s what you’ll need to create this restaurant-style Chicken Scampi Recipe:
- Chicken Tenderloins: 12 pieces (approximately 1.75 pounds)
- Flour: ½ cup, for dredging
- Vegetable Oil: For frying
- Red Bell Pepper: ½, cut into strips
- Yellow Bell Pepper: ½, cut into strips
- Green Bell Pepper: ½, cut into strips
- Red Onion: ½ medium, sliced
- Angel Hair Pasta: 12 ounces
- Salt: To taste
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: For serving (optional)
For the Scampi Sauce:
- Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons
- Yellow Onion: ½ cup, diced
- Garlic: 2 tablespoons, minced
- White Wine: 1 cup
- Chicken Stock: 1 cup
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons (approximately 1 large lemon)
- Dried Parsley: 1 tablespoon
- Red Pepper Flakes: ⅛ teaspoon
- Unsalted Butter: 8 tablespoons (¼ pound)
How to Make Chicken Scampi – Step by Step
- Cook the Pasta:
- Begin by heating a large pot of water over high heat until boiling.
- Salt the water generously and add the pasta. Cook until just shy of al dente (the pasta will finish cooking in the sauce later). Save 1 cup of the pasta water.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
- Dredge the chicken tenderloins in flour, shaking off excess. Season with a pinch of salt.
- Cook the chicken until just golden brown on each side, approximately 5-7 minutes per side. Set aside and repeat with remaining chicken.
- Make the Scampi Sauce:
- In a separate medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add diced yellow onion and minced garlic, cooking until just soft but not browned (about 3 minutes).
- Pour in the white wine and simmer to reduce the alcohol, scraping up any bits from the pan. Cook for about 2 minutes.
- Add chicken stock, lemon juice, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove the sauce from heat and whisk in the remaining butter until fully incorporated.
- Vegetables and Assembly:
- Heat the large pasta pot again and add 1 tablespoon of oil.
- Add the bell peppers and red onion, cooking until just softened (3-5 minutes).
- Add the cooked pasta and scampi sauce, tossing gently to coat. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve with freshly grated Parmesan if desired.
- Place the cooked chicken on top of the pasta, and enjoy your Copycat Chicken Scampi!
Helpful Tips for Chicken Scampi
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a burst of flavor.
- For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream to the scampi sauce.
- Feel free to use your favorite pasta shape if angel hair isn’t available.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chicken Scampi
- Proper Dredging: Lightly coat the chicken in flour for a golden crust.
- Simmer Slowly: Avoid boiling the sauce too vigorously. Gentle simmering enhances the flavors.
- Whisking in Butter: Add butter off the heat for a smooth, glossy sauce.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Scampi
Pair this dish with:
- Garlic Breadsticks: Complement the pasta with warm, buttery breadsticks.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp salad with creamy dressing balances the richness of the dish.
- Chardonnay: For a classic pairing, serve with a glass of chilled white wine.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving:
- Calories: 901 kcal
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
Storage and Leftovers for Chicken Scampi
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze individual portions in airtight bags for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, add a splash of water or chicken broth to restore moisture, and warm over low heat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Chicken Scampi
- Can I substitute the wine in the sauce?
- Yes, use additional chicken broth or a splash of apple cider vinegar for a non-alcoholic version.
- What pasta works best with Chicken Scampi?
- Angel hair is traditional, but linguine or spaghetti are good alternatives.
- Can I add more vegetables?
- Absolutely! Mushrooms and cherry tomatoes are great additions.
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
- Use gluten-free flour and pasta for a gluten-free version.
Related Recipes for Chicken Scampi Lovers
- Ultimate Cowboy Casserole Cornbread
: A hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners.
- Sausage Balls with Red Lobster Mix: A flavorful appetizer with a unique twist.
Conclusion
There you have it—a perfect Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. I encourage you to try this dish at home and let me know how it turned out! Feel free to share any personal twists you added. Enjoy your culinary journey!
Print
Chicken Scampi Recipe – Copycat Olive Garden at Home
Description
Hello food enthusiasts! Today, I’m excited to share with you a Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe that will transport your taste buds straight to the iconic Italian-American restaurant. This delightful dish combines perfectly sautéed chicken tenderloins, colorful bell peppers, and a luscious butter scampi sauce tossed with delicate angel hair pasta. If you’re a fan of delicious chicken pasta recipes, this is a must-try in your kitchen!
Ingredients
- Chicken Tenderloins: 12 pieces (approximately 1.75 pounds)
- Flour: ½ cup, for dredging
- Vegetable Oil: For frying
- Red Bell Pepper: ½, cut into strips
- Yellow Bell Pepper: ½, cut into strips
- Green Bell Pepper: ½, cut into strips
- Red Onion: ½ medium, sliced
- Angel Hair Pasta: 12 ounces
- Salt: To taste
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: For serving (optional)
For the Scampi Sauce:
- Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons
- Yellow Onion: ½ cup, diced
- Garlic: 2 tablespoons, minced
- White Wine: 1 cup
- Chicken Stock: 1 cup
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons (approximately 1 large lemon)
- Dried Parsley: 1 tablespoon
- Red Pepper Flakes: ⅛ teaspoon
- Unsalted Butter: 8 tablespoons (¼ pound)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Begin by heating a large pot of water over high heat until boiling.
- Salt the water generously and add the pasta. Cook until just shy of al dente (the pasta will finish cooking in the sauce later). Save 1 cup of the pasta water.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
- Dredge the chicken tenderloins in flour, shaking off excess. Season with a pinch of salt.
- Cook the chicken until just golden brown on each side, approximately 5-7 minutes per side. Set aside and repeat with remaining chicken.
- Make the Scampi Sauce:
- In a separate medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add diced yellow onion and minced garlic, cooking until just soft but not browned (about 3 minutes).
- Pour in the white wine and simmer to reduce the alcohol, scraping up any bits from the pan. Cook for about 2 minutes.
- Add chicken stock, lemon juice, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove the sauce from heat and whisk in the remaining butter until fully incorporated.
- Vegetables and Assembly:
- Heat the large pasta pot again and add 1 tablespoon of oil.
- Add the bell peppers and red onion, cooking until just softened (3-5 minutes).
- Add the cooked pasta and scampi sauce, tossing gently to coat. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve with freshly grated Parmesan if desired.
- Place the cooked chicken on top of the pasta, and enjoy your Copycat Chicken Scampi!
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
Buy Now →
Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
Buy Now →Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a burst of flavor.
- For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream to the scampi sauce.
- Feel free to use your favorite pasta shape if angel hair isn’t available.
