Description
Welcome to our delicious Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat Recipe! If you’re a fan of rich and creamy pasta dishes, you’re in the right place. This savory dish is loaded with colorful bell peppers, crispy chicken tenders, and a luscious garlic-infused sauce. Perfect for any dinner, whether it’s a family gathering or a quick weeknight meal. This recipe will have you feeling like you’re dining at Olive Garden in no time!
Ingredients
- Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or preferred cooking oil)
- 2 lbs chicken tenders (or thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs)
- 1 cup flour
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Pasta and Sauce:
- 1 lb angel hair pasta (cooked al dente)
- 1 tablespoon 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 tablespoons butter
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 ½ cup chicken broth (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup dry white wine (or substitute with chicken broth)
- ⅔ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- Garnish:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil (chopped)
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
Optional Substitutions: For those following a gluten-free diet, swap out the regular flour for a gluten-free alternative and use gluten-free pasta. You can also replace the heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
In a large dish, mix flour, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Dredge the chicken tenders in the mixture, shaking off any excess. Heat olive oil in a skillet and pan-fry the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Once cooked, set the chicken aside and cover with foil.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the chicken is frying, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Using the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté the sliced bell peppers and red onion for 3-4 minutes. Once tender, add butter and garlic, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
Pour in the white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the skillet. Add the chicken broth and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the cream, salt, and Italian seasoning, bringing the mixture to a light boil. Reduce the heat and simmer.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, mixing it with the sauce. Allow the pasta to absorb the flavors for 1-2 minutes. If necessary, use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency. Top the pasta with the fried chicken, garnish with Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and parsley.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Buy Now →Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh garlic, basil, and parsley. Freshly grated Parmesan also adds a richer taste compared to pre-packaged cheese.
- Substitutions for Wine: If you don’t have white wine on hand or prefer not to use alcohol, simply replace it with extra chicken broth for a similar depth of flavor.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to mix in other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to add variety and extra nutrition to the dish.