Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Olive Garden-inspired Chicken Scampi, a dish that brings a restaurant-quality meal to your home kitchen. This deliciously creamy combination of seasoned chicken, bell peppers, and perfectly cooked pasta offers an exquisite taste experience that’s sure to delight your family and guests alike. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just starting your culinary journey, you’ll find this recipe both accessible and rewarding.
I remember the first time I had this dish. It was during a family celebration at Olive Garden, where the warm ambiance and mouth-watering aroma of freshly prepared foods filled the air. Entirely captivated by the creamy, savory chicken scampi served that evening, I set out on a mission to recreate those flavors at home. Every time I make it now, I’m transported back to that joyful family gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken Scampi recipe stands out not just for its rich flavors but for its ability to bring people together. Here’s why you’ll absolutely love trying this at home:
- Simple Ingredients: No need for exotic items, everything is likely available in your kitchen or local store.
- Delicious and Comforting: The creamy sauce combined with well-seasoned chicken fills the craving for comfort food.
- Restaurant Quality: Impress dine-in guests with this luxurious meal that tastes like it’s from a high-end restaurant.
- Quick to Prepare: It takes less than an hour from start to finish, making it a great option for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients Notes
When preparing this dish, the quality of ingredients can elevate your cooking experience and ensure the flavors pop:
- Chicken Breast: Look for organic and free-range for the best taste. Thinly slice them for quicker cooking.
- Bell Peppers: A mix of colors can brighten up your dish visually and add variety in flavor profiles.
- Onion: Sweet onion works best to add a mild, pleasant flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for that authentic taste, powdered just won’t be the same.
- White Wine: Use a dry white wine like Chardonnay for depth of flavor, or skip it entirely for a non-alcoholic version by using chicken broth.
- Heavy Cream: This is key to getting the sauce thick and creamy; sub with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Pasta: Traditional spaghetti or linguine works well here, but feel free to experiment with fettuccine if you prefer.
Recipe Steps
Step 1
Start by preparing your chicken: slice the chicken breasts thinly, season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the chicken slices, and cook until they’re golden brown on each side. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2
In the same skillet, add sliced bell peppers and onions. Sauté until they become soft and slightly caramelized. This process should take about 5–7 minutes. Set the vegetables aside with the chicken.
Step 3
Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom for extra flavor. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and let it reduce for 3-4 minutes, creating a rich, velvety sauce.
Step 4
Meanwhile, cook your pasta in a pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water to use later if needed to thin the sauce.
Step 5
Combine everything back into the skillet: add the cooked chicken and vegetables into the creamy sauce, then gently toss in the pasta. Allow everything to coat nicely. Adjust seasoning and add a bit of pasta water if necessary to achieve your desired consistency.
Storage Options
If there are leftovers, store the Chicken Scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For freezing, place portions in freezer-safe bags with all air removed to prevent freezer burn. When reheating, do so gently over low heat to preserve the sauce’s creaminess, adding a splash of cream or milk to revitalize the dish.
Variations & Substitutions
Embrace your creativity with the Chicken Scampi! For a healthier twist, use zucchini noodles or Whole Wheat pasta. Those on a gluten-free diet can swap the pasta for gluten-free options easily, without compromising the taste. Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can give it a pleasant kick if you enjoy a bit of spice. For an extra veggie boost, consider adding spinach or mushrooms to the mix.
Serving Suggestions
This dish shines when served fresh and hot, perfect for a charming family dinner or a dinner party with friends. Compliment the Chicken Scampi with a fresh side salad and a warm, crusty baguette. To complete the Italian-inspired evening, pair it with a glass of your favorite white wine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish in advance? Absolutely! Preparing the various elements earlier in the day and combining them right before serving works well. Cook the chicken and vegetables, then simply make the sauce and combine everything when you’re ready to eat. This way, you’ll enjoy a freshly made meal with minimal last-minute effort.
What wine pairs best with Chicken Scampi? A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc makes an excellent pairing due to their acidity, perfectly complementing the rich creaminess of the dish. If white wine is used in cooking, serving the same or similar wine enhances the dining experience.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out? Ensuring that your chicken stays juicy involves not overcooking it. Browning the chicken to just about cooked, then letting it finish cooking at a lower temperature in the sauce retains moisture. Slicing the chicken thinly also helps it cook evenly and more quickly, preventing dryness.
Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds chicken tenders cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 ounces pasta angel hair or linguine
- 1 cup bell peppers sliced red and green
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown.
- Add sliced bell peppers and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until the peppers are tender.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the chicken and peppers, then serve warm.
