A creamy and flavorful dish that brings the beloved Olive Garden experience right to your kitchen!
Introduction
Hey, fellow food lover! If you’re in the mood for a comforting, delicious meal that can whisk you away to a cozy Italian restaurant, look no further than this Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat Recipe! This dish is not only easy to prepare but also packed with creamy goodness and vibrant flavors. Perfect for a family dinner or impressing guests, it’s a recipe that everyone will love, from pasta enthusiasts to chicken lovers.
A Bit About the Recipe
Inspired by Olive Garden’s classic menu item, this Chicken Scampi features tender chicken, sautéed veggies, and a luscious cream sauce over angel hair pasta. It’s a delightful blend of comfort food and restaurant flair that can easily be made at home. Plus, with a few simple ingredients, you can savor the rich taste of Italy without leaving your kitchen!
Ingredients for Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat Recipe | Easy & Creamy:
Here are all the ingredients you’ll need:
Chicken:
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (or preferred cooking oil)
- Chicken tenders: 2 lbs (or thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs)
- Flour: 1 cup
- Italian seasoning: 2 tablespoons
- Salt: 1 tablespoon
- Black pepper: 1 teaspoon
Pasta and Sauce:
- Angel hair pasta: 1 lb (cooked al dente)
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Red bell pepper: 1 (thinly sliced)
- Yellow bell pepper: 1 (thinly sliced)
- Green bell pepper: 1 (thinly sliced)
- Red onion: 1 (thinly sliced)
- Butter: 3 tablespoons
- Garlic: 5 cloves (minced)
- Chicken broth: 1 ½ cups (store-bought or homemade)
- Dry white wine: ½ cup (or substitute with chicken broth)
- Heavy cream: ⅔ cup
- Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (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.
How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat Recipe | Easy & Creamy – Step by Step:
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.
Helpful Tips for Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat Recipe:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh veggies and herbs will enhance the flavor of your dish significantly.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Keep an eye on the chicken to ensure it’s juicy. Overcooked chicken can become dry.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a creamier sauce, feel free to add more heavy cream or pasta water for that perfect consistency.
Serving Suggestions for Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat Recipe:
This Chicken Scampi pairs wonderfully with a light Caesar salad or garlic bread. For drinks, consider serving a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon slices.
Storage and Leftovers for Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat Recipe:
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will last for about 3-4 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat Recipe:
1. Can I use shrimp instead of chicken?
Yes, you can definitely substitute shrimp for chicken in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. Is the white wine necessary?
While the white wine adds depth to the sauce, you can substitute it with extra chicken broth if preferred.
3. Can I make this dish in advance?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the chicken and veggies ahead of time. Just combine everything right before serving.
Conclusion
Now that you have the keys to making Olive Garden Chicken Scampi right at home, it’s time to dive into this creamy, flavorful dish! We encourage you to try this recipe and customize it to your liking. Don’t forget to share your delicious experiences in the comments below! Happy cooking!