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!
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.
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.
