Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of the restaurant right to your home. This recipe features tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a creamy garlic sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta. Ideal for family dinners or special occasions, this dish is sure to impress everyone at your table with its rich flavors and vibrant presentation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: The combination of herbs, garlic, and fresh vegetables creates a deliciously creamy sauce that elevates the dish.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat by adding your choice of veggies or adjusting the seasonings.
- Family Favorite: With its hearty ingredients and comforting flavors, this dish is sure to become a staple in your home.
- Impressive Presentation: The colorful bell peppers and fresh herbs make this dish as visually appealing as it is tasty.
Tools and Preparation
To make Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat efficiently, having the right tools on hand is essential. These items will help streamline the cooking process and ensure that each step goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet or frying pan
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet or frying pan: Ideal for sautéing the chicken and vegetables evenly until they are perfectly cooked.
- Pot for boiling pasta: Ensures you can cook the angel hair pasta while preparing the sauce simultaneously.
- Mixing bowl: Useful for combining dry ingredients like flour and seasonings before breading the chicken.
- Knife and cutting board: Essential for chopping vegetables quickly and safely.
Ingredients
For Cooking Chicken
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or cooking oil of choice)
- 2 lbs chicken tenders (or thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs)
- 1 cup flour
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
For Pasta and Vegetables
- 1 lb angel hair pasta (cooked al dente)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or cooking oil of choice)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced into thin strips)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced into thin strips)
- 1 green bell pepper (sliced into thin strips)
- 1 red onion (sliced into thin strips)
For Sauce
- 3 tbsp butter
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 ½ cup chicken broth (store bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or sub with chicken broth)
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
Toppings
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Fresh basil (finely chopped)
- Fresh parsley (finely chopped)
How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preheating your skillet over medium heat. While it’s heating up:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
2. Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture until well-coated.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Add olive oil to the heated skillet.
1. Place the breaded chicken tenders in the skillet.
2. Sauté for about 5–7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set aside.
1. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil along with sliced red onion and bell peppers.
2. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Add butter to the skillet with vegetables.
1. Once melted, stir in minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
2. Pour in chicken broth and white wine; let it simmer for a few minutes.
3. Stir in heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and salt; cook until thickened slightly.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with cooked angel hair pasta.
1. Toss everything together gently so that pasta is coated in sauce.
2. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and parsley before serving. Enjoy your Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat hot!
How to Serve Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat
Serving Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat is all about presentation and pairing. This dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing with its colorful ingredients. Here are some popular suggestions to enhance your serving experience.
With Fresh Herbs
- Garnish with Basil and Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil and parsley on top for a vibrant touch and added flavor.
Pair with Garlic Bread
- Crispy Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side to soak up the creamy sauce. It’s a classic combination that never disappoints.
Add a Simple Salad
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the scampi beautifully.
Top with Grated Parmesan
- Parmesan Cheese: Finish off each plate with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
Serve in Individual Bowls
- Individual Portions: For a more elegant dining experience, serve the chicken scampi in individual bowls, allowing guests to enjoy their own portion.
Wine Pairing
- Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc: A glass of dry white wine pairs perfectly with this dish, enhancing the overall dining experience.
How to Perfect Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat
To achieve the best version of Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh herbs and vegetables to elevate the flavors in your dish.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure your angel hair pasta is cooked al dente for the perfect texture that holds up well in the sauce.
- Control Heat Levels: Cook the chicken at medium-high heat to achieve a nice golden-brown crust without drying it out.
- Balance Creaminess: Adjust the amount of heavy cream based on your preference for creaminess; less cream results in lighter sauce.
- Experiment with Seasoning: Feel free to add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or lemon zest for extra brightness.
- Make Ahead Options: Prepare components like chicken and sauce separately, then combine just before serving to save time.
Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat
When enjoying Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat, adding complementary side dishes can round out your meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and buttery, perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with croutons and Caesar dressing adds crunch and flavor contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until tender make a nutritious side that complements the main dish.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing accompaniment.
- Risotto: Creamy risotto can serve as an indulgent side that matches well with the chicken scampi flavors.
- Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds color and a healthy touch to your plate while being easy to prepare.
- Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb option, spiralized zucchini provides an interesting twist that pairs well with the sauce.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil offers a flavorful starter or side dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps that can impact the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken before cooking can lead to bland flavors. Always ensure you season your chicken with salt and Italian seasoning for maximum taste.
- Overcooking the pasta: Cooking the pasta too long can result in mushy noodles. Aim for al dente pasta so it holds up well in the sauce.
- Neglecting the garlic: Garlic is essential for flavor, but burning it can turn the dish bitter. Add garlic toward the end of cooking to keep its rich taste.
- Using low-quality wine: Substituting with an inferior wine can affect the sauce’s depth. Choose a decent dry white wine for a more robust flavor.
- Not letting the sauce thicken: Rushing through the cooking process may leave you with a watery sauce. Allow time for simmering so that flavors meld and the sauce thickens beautifully.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat
- Place in a freezer-safe container or bag for best results.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Use low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce’s consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat:
Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders as long as they are fully cooked before adding them to the dish.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative if you want a lighter option.
How spicy is Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat?
This recipe is not spicy; however, you can add crushed red pepper flakes for some heat if desired.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare everything except for adding cream and pasta. Combine just before serving for best results.
Is there a vegetarian version of Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat?
Absolutely! Substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Final Thoughts
Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat is not only delicious but also versatile. You can adjust ingredients based on your preferences, whether it’s adding more veggies or using different proteins. This comforting dish is sure to impress family and friends alike. Give it a try, and enjoy this delightful meal at home!
Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat
Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat is a delightful dish that captures the essence of restaurant dining right in your kitchen. This creamy pasta dish combines tender chicken tenders, colorful bell peppers, and a luscious garlic sauce, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or special occasions. In just 30 minutes, you can impress your loved ones with this visually appealing and delicious meal. The combination of fresh herbs and vibrant vegetables adds depth to the flavors, ensuring everyone at your table will savor every bite. Perfectly paired with garlic bread and a fresh salad, this dish is your new go-to for any gathering.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken tenders
- 1 lb angel hair pasta
- 3 tbsp butter
- 5 cloves garlic
- 1 ½ cup chicken broth
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- Bell peppers (red, yellow, green)
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil & parsley
Instructions
- Preheat a skillet over medium heat. In a bowl, combine flour with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Dredge chicken tenders in the mixture.
- Add olive oil to the skillet and sauté the breaded chicken for about 5–7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, add more olive oil and sauté sliced bell peppers and onion for about 3–4 minutes.
- Add butter and minced garlic to the veggies; cook until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and white wine; simmer for a few minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and salt until slightly thickened. Combine cooked chicken and angel hair pasta in the sauce.
- Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 300g)
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
