Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe

Introduction

If you’ve ever dined at Olive Garden, chances are you’ve come across their famous Chicken Scampi. With its golden pan-seared chicken, garlicky cream sauce, sautéed bell peppers, and tender angel hair pasta, this dish is a fan favorite for good reason. It’s indulgent yet fresh, and the flavors are perfectly balanced between savory, creamy, and slightly zesty.

The good news? You don’t need to wait for your next trip to Olive Garden to enjoy it. With this copycat chicken scampi recipe, you can recreate the same restaurant-quality flavors right at home. Not only is it straightforward to make, but it’s also customizable—you can add more vegetables, lighten the sauce, or spice it up to suit your preferences.

This recipe gives you all the creamy, garlicky goodness of the original, but with the added bonus of being homemade, fresh, and budget-friendly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Restaurant quality at home – Recreate Olive Garden flavors for a fraction of the price.
Comforting and satisfying – A creamy pasta dish that feels special yet easy.
Versatile – Customize with shrimp, extra veggies, or a lighter sauce.
Family-approved – A crowd-pleasing dish that appeals to both kids and adults.
One-pan sauce – Easy cleanup without compromising on flavor.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins (or chicken breasts, sliced thin)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter

For the Vegetables

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 small red onion, thinly sliced

For the Scampi Sauce

1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup white grape juice (or chicken broth, for non-alcoholic)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pasta

12 oz angel hair pasta (or thin spaghetti)
1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)

For Garnish

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon wedges

Equipment Needed

Large skillet or sauté pan
Tongs or spatula
Large pot for pasta
Whisk for sauce
Cutting board and knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a shallow dish, mix flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Dredge chicken tenderloins lightly in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and keep warm.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

In the same skillet, add garlic, onion, and bell peppers.
Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized. Remove and set aside with chicken.

Step 4: Make the Scampi Sauce

Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth, scraping up brown bits for flavor.
Add cream, grape juice (or broth), lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return chicken and vegetables to the skillet.
Add cooked pasta, tossing until coated in the sauce.
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and stir gently.

Step 6: Serve

Plate the pasta with chicken on top.
Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges.
Serve immediately while hot.

Expert Tips for Success

Don’t overcook pasta – Angel hair cooks quickly; keep it al dente for the best texture.
Use freshly grated Parmesan – It melts smoother and adds more flavor than pre-grated.
Adjust sauce thickness – If too thick, add a splash of pasta water. If too thin, simmer longer.
For extra richness – Stir in an extra tablespoon of butter just before serving.
Meal prep tip – Make the sauce and chicken ahead, then cook pasta fresh for quick assembly.

Variations & Customizations

Shrimp Scampi Twist – Replace chicken with shrimp for a seafood version.
Veggie-Packed – Add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
Lighter Sauce – Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk.
Spicy Kick – Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Gluten-Free Option – Use rice flour for dredging and gluten-free pasta.

Serving Suggestions

Serve in a shallow pasta bowl for that restaurant feel.
Add a side of garlic breadsticks or cheesy bread.
Pair with a fresh Caesar salad for a balanced meal.
For presentation, drizzle sauce over the chicken and sprinkle extra Parmesan.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer – Freeze chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing pasta for best texture.
Reheating – Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream to loosen sauce.

Nutrition (Approx. per serving, 4 servings)

Calories: 540
Protein: 36 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fat: 22 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 7 g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this without cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or even milk thickened with a cornstarch slurry.

What pasta works best besides angel hair?
Thin spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine all work well with the sauce.

How do I make it dairy-free?
Use olive oil instead of butter and swap cream for coconut cream or almond milk. Use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Conclusion

This Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi brings restaurant flavors to your own kitchen, and the best part is how simple it is to make. With golden chicken, tender vegetables, a creamy garlic sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is both comforting and elegant.

Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a date night at home, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe guarantees success every time. Once you try it, you may find it becomes one of your go-to pasta favorites.

So grab your skillet and pasta pot—it’s time to enjoy a restaurant classic without leaving your home!