Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden Chicken Scampi

Full of Flavor: The golden-brown chicken pairs beautifully with crisp-tender bell peppers, silky angel hair pasta, and a creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce. Each bite is a symphony of savory, tangy, and rich goodness.

Simple Ingredients: The recipe uses pantry staples such as flour, butter, and Parmesan cheese, alongside fresh veggies and chicken. It’s a dish that feels fancy yet is super approachable!

Perfect for Entertaining: Impress your guests with its rich flavors and elegant presentation. It’s great for dinner parties or special occasions.

Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to adapt the recipe to suit your tastes. Swap out vegetables, adjust seasoning, or try different pasta types to make it your own.

Ingredients

• Chicken Tenderloins: For juicy and tender bites, seasoned and lightly coated for a golden, crispy texture.
• All-Purpose Flour, Italian Seasoning, Salt, and Black Pepper: These create a delicious, light crust on the chicken and enhance flavor.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the chicken to a perfect golden brown, adding subtle richness to the dish.
• Angel Hair Pasta: This delicate, fine pasta pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
• Butter: Adds richness and depth to the sautéed vegetables and sauce.
• Red Onion, Bell Peppers, and Garlic: A colorful mix of aromatics gives a nice sweetness, savory depth, and slight smokiness.
• Dry White Wine: Enhances flavors and adds a tangy note to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: The secret ingredient for achieving a luxurious, silky sauce.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated, it brings a nutty, savory flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
• Chopped Fresh Parsley: A vibrant garnish that adds a fresh kick and beautiful color.

How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Scampi

Making this delightful dish at home is easier than you might think!

1. Boil: Bring salted water to a boil and cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining and setting the pasta aside.
2. Dredge: In a shallow dish, mix the flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Dredge each chicken tenderloin in the mixture.
3. Cook: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep warm.
4. Sauté: In the same skillet, melt butter and add the red onion and bell peppers. Cook until they soften, about 3-4 minutes, then add garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant.
5. Deglaze: Pour in the white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Allow it to simmer and reduce slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Make the Sauce: Stir in the reserved pasta water, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until creamy and season with salt to taste.
7. Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Then return the chicken to the skillet and heat everything through for 1-2 minutes.
8. Serve: Plate the dish and top with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Enjoy warm!

Tips for the Best Olive Garden Chicken Scampi

Follow these tips to elevate your dish:

• Keep it uniform: Slice your peppers and onions into uniform, thin pieces for even cooking and a polished look.
• Give it a rest: Let the flour-coated chicken sit on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes before cooking for better adherence of the coating.
• Avoid overcrowding: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary; overcrowding can prevent even browning.
• Add creaminess: For an extra creamy sauce, consider stirring in 1-2 tablespoons of cream cheese when adding Parmesan.
• Brighten up: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest can bring a refreshing zing to the sauce.
• Prep ahead: Get a head start by preparing the chicken and chopping vegetables in advance.

Substitutions and Serving Suggestions

If you’re looking to mix things up, consider these tasty alternatives:

• Choose your pasta: While angel hair is traditional, feel free to use fettuccine or linguine for a different texture.
• Swap the chicken: If you don’t have chicken tenderloins, cut chicken breasts into strips or use boneless thighs. Shrimp also works beautifully.
• Explore wine options: Opt for a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for the best flavor. If needed, substitute with chicken broth.
• Veggie variety: Consider adding mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Make it a feast: Pair the dish with warm breadsticks, a refreshing green salad, or roasted broccoli for a complete meal.

How to Store

Keep your leftovers fresh and delicious by following these guidelines:

To Store: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For the best taste and texture, store chicken and pasta separately.

To Reheat: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce looks dry, add a splash of broth, cream, or wine. Alternatively, use a microwave in 30-second intervals, adding a bit of water and stirring until heated through.