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Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat Recipe – Easy & Creamy Pasta

Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat Recipe – Easy & Creamy Pasta


Description

Who doesn’t love a deliciously hearty pasta dish that brings the flavors of Olive Garden right into your kitchen? This Olive Garden Chicken Scampi copycat recipe is loaded with colorful bell peppers, savory red onions, and tender chicken, all combined in a creamy, garlicky sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or an elevated weekend meal, this scampi is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!


Ingredients

Scale

 

Chicken:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil (or your preferred cooking oil)
  • 2 lbs chicken tenders (or thinly sliced chicken breast/thighs)
  • 1 cup flour
  • 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper

Pasta and Sauce:

  • 1 lb angel hair pasta (cooked al dente)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
  • 1 yellow bell pepper (thinly sliced)
  • 1 green bell pepper (thinly sliced)
  • 1 red onion (thinly sliced)
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 5 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 ½ cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup dry white wine (or substitute with chicken broth)
  • ⅔ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt to taste

Garnish:

  • Parmesan cheese (grated)
  • Fresh basil (finely chopped)
  • Fresh parsley (finely chopped)

Instructions

 

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  1. In a large shallow dish, combine flour, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Coat the chicken tenders in the flour mixture, then shake off the excess.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Pan-fry the chicken for about 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep it warm.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

  1. While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook the angel hair pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
  3. Reserve one cup of pasta water, drain the pasta, and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

  1. Wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel, then add 1 tablespoon of oil.
  2. Add the red, yellow, and green bell peppers, along with the red onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

  1. Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Pour the white wine into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  3. Add chicken broth and cook on medium heat for about 2 minutes.
  4. Pour in heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt, stirring to combine.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken with the Sauce

  1. Reduce heat to low, add the cooked pasta, and toss it in the sauce to coat evenly.
  2. If the sauce needs thickening, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
  3. Add the cooked chicken on top of the pasta and let it warm through.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly chopped garlic and herbs enhance the dish’s flavors significantly.
  • Chicken Alternatives: For a lighter version, substitute chicken with shrimp or use grilled chicken for added smokiness.
  • Make It Spicy: If you like a kick, add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.