Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta

There’s something about recreating restaurant classics at home that feels a little magical, right? This Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta is one of those dishes that instantly transports you to a cozy Italian-American restaurant booth—with its buttery garlic sauce, tender chicken, and colorful peppers all twirled up in angel hair pasta. But here’s the secret: it’s even better when you make it yourself. Trust me, once you taste the fresh, homemade version, you’ll wonder why you ever waited in line for it.

This dish is the definition of comfort food dressed up for a special occasion. It’s creamy without being heavy, garlicky without being overwhelming, and zesty with a splash of lemon that brightens every bite. Add in a sprinkle of parmesan and the tender, juicy chicken—you’ve got yourself a restaurant-quality pasta right at home. And the best part? It’s much easier than you think.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about making pasta; it’s about creating an experience that feels indulgent yet comforting. Here’s why it’s bound to become a favorite:

Restaurant Quality at Home: Who doesn’t love a copycat recipe that actually tastes like the real deal? This dish nails it, with all the flavors you crave from Olive Garden.

Colorful and Vibrant: The mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers makes it as beautiful to look at as it is to eat.

Perfect Balance of Flavors: Creamy, garlicky, zesty, and a little spicy thanks to those red pepper flakes.

Quick Enough for Weeknights: It comes together in under an hour, so you can enjoy restaurant-style pasta on a Tuesday night.

Impressive for Guests: Serve this at a dinner party, and watch your friends swoon over your cooking skills.

Recipe Origin
This dish is inspired by Olive Garden’s famous Chicken Scampi, a fan favorite on their menu. It’s a twist on traditional Italian scampi (usually made with shrimp) but with tender chicken tenderloins instead, smothered in a rich garlic-butter sauce with veggies and pasta. The beauty of making it at home? You get to control the quality of ingredients and tweak the flavors just the way you like them.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need:

• Large pot (for boiling pasta)
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

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Ingredients in Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Butter: Adds richness and depth to the sauce, creating that signature scampi flavor.

Bell Peppers (Red, Yellow, Green): These add color, crunch, and sweetness, making the dish as vibrant as it is tasty.

Red Onion: Brings a mild sweetness and pairs beautifully with garlic.

Garlic: The star of the scampi sauce—fragrant, savory, and irresistible.

Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and gives the chicken a light coating when sautéed.

Red Pepper Flakes: Add just a hint of heat to balance the creamy richness.

Oregano & Basil: Dried herbs that bring classic Italian flavor.

White Wine: Provides acidity and depth to the sauce—don’t worry, it cooks down and leaves just the flavor.

Chicken Broth: Builds body in the sauce and enhances the savory notes.

Angel Hair Pasta: Light, delicate, and perfect for soaking up every drop of that garlicky cream sauce.

Chicken Breast Tenderloins: Tender, juicy, and quick to cook—ideal for pasta dishes.

Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balance.

Olive Oil: For sautéing and adding another layer of flavor.

Heavy Cream: Warmed before adding, it blends smoothly into the sauce for silky richness.

Lemon Juice: Fresh and zesty, cutting through the creaminess.

Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty, and the finishing touch that ties everything together.

Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook angel hair pasta until just al dente, then drain and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt half the butter and add the sliced bell peppers, red onion, and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, then remove from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken tenderloins with salt and pepper, then dredge lightly in flour. In the same skillet, heat olive oil and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Make the Sauce: Add the remaining butter to the skillet. Sprinkle in flour and whisk to form a roux. Slowly pour in white wine and chicken broth, whisking constantly until the sauce begins to thicken. Stir in red pepper flakes, oregano, and basil.

Add the Cream and Lemon: Gently stir in the warmed heavy cream and fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Combine Everything: Return the chicken and vegetables to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.

Finishing Touches: Sprinkle with shaved parmesan cheese and give it a final toss.

Serve and Enjoy: Dish it up while hot, with extra parmesan and a squeeze of lemon if you like.

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: ~520 (estimate)

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta
This dish is hearty enough to be a main course on its own, but here are some ideas to round out your meal:

Fresh Salad: A crisp Caesar or simple green salad balances the richness.

Garlic Bread: Because pasta and garlic bread are a match made in heaven.

Roasted Vegetables: If you want extra veggies, roasted asparagus or zucchini are perfect.

Wine Pairing: A glass of crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully.

As a Standalone: Honestly, it’s so satisfying that you don’t need anything else.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Make-Ahead: Chop your veggies and season your chicken ahead of time to save minutes during cooking.
• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to keep the sauce silky.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the cream sauce can separate.

Variations to Try:

• Shrimp Scampi Style: Swap the chicken for shrimp to go classic.
• Veggie-Only: Skip the chicken and load up on extra peppers, onions, and even mushrooms.
• Spicy Kick: Double the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne.
• Herb Upgrade: Add fresh parsley or basil at the end for brightness.

Additional Tips

• Warm the Cream: Always warm cream before adding to hot sauce—it blends better and won’t curdle.
• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Al dente pasta holds up best when tossed in sauce.
• Deglaze Well: Scrape up all those golden bits when you add the wine—that’s where the flavor lives.
• Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled won’t give the same brightness.
• Parmesan Matters: Use real parmesan, freshly shaved or grated, for the best flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
A1: Yes! Just slice them thin so they cook quickly and stay tender.

Q2: Can I skip the wine?
A2: Sure—substitute extra chicken broth and a splash of white grape juice for acidity.

Q3: Can I make this ahead?
A3: It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the veggies and chicken ahead.

Q4: Can I use a different pasta?
A4: Definitely. Linguine or spaghetti work beautifully.

Q5: How spicy is this dish?
A5: It’s mild, but you can adjust red pepper flakes to your liking.

Q6: Can I add mushrooms?
A6: Absolutely, they pair well with the garlic-cream sauce.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?
A7: In the fridge, airtight, for up to 3 days.

Q8: Can I make it dairy-free?
A8: Use olive oil instead of butter and a dairy-free cream alternative.

Q9: What’s the best wine to use?
A9: A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes! Use a large skillet or cook in batches, then combine.

Conclusion
There you have it—a homemade version of Olive Garden’s Chicken Scampi Pasta that’s every bit as delicious (and honestly, even better). With its garlicky cream sauce, tender chicken, and colorful peppers, it’s a dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner, date night, or just because you deserve something amazing, this pasta is guaranteed to impress. So grab that skillet, pour yourself a glass of wine, and get ready to twirl your fork into pure comfort.

atch a homemade Olive Garden–style Chicken Scampi Pasta come together: