Olive Garden Chicken Scampi

The aroma of garlic-infused white wine sauce mingling with perfectly sautéed bell peppers and tender chicken will transport you straight to Olive Garden’s kitchen. Olive Garden Chicken Scampi is a beloved Italian-American classic that combines delicate angel hair pasta with succulent chicken tenders and colorful bell peppers, all swimming in a buttery, garlicky sauce that’s both rich and delicate. Whether you’re craving restaurant-quality comfort food or looking to impress dinner guests, this copycat recipe delivers authentic flavors right in your home kitchen. You’ll learn how to recreate this Olive Garden favorite with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Olive Garden Chicken Scampi balances creamy indulgence with bright, fresh flavors in every bite. The tender chicken pieces, cooked to perfection, provide a satisfying protein component while the trio of bell peppers adds vibrant color and subtle sweetness. The real star, however, is the scampi sauce—a velvety blend of butter, garlic, white wine, and Italian herbs that coats each strand of pasta without feeling heavy.

What makes this recipe truly special is its restaurant-quality results with home kitchen simplicity. You’ll achieve that signature Olive Garden taste without specialized equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. The contrast between the silky sauce, al dente pasta, and tender-crisp vegetables creates a textural symphony that makes this dish utterly craveable.

Furthermore, this meal comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for special occasions. The versatility of this chicken pasta dish means it’s equally suitable for family meals or elegant entertaining.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Vegetables:

• 1 lb (450g) chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts, cut into 2-inch strips
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Scampi Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
• ¼ cup (60ml) dry white wine (Pinot Grigio works beautifully)
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For Serving:

• 12 oz (340g) angel hair pasta
• Additional grated Parmesan for garnish
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Pro Tips

Perfect Pasta Technique: The angel hair pasta in Olive Garden Chicken Scampi cooks very quickly—typically in just 4-5 minutes. To achieve that signature Olive Garden al dente texture, cook the pasta for one minute less than the package instructions state. This slight undercooking ensures the pasta will finish cooking perfectly when tossed with the hot scampi sauce. Always reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining; the starchy water can help thin the sauce if needed without diluting the flavor.

Sauce Consistency Secret: The key to an authentic scampi sauce lies in the emulsion process. After adding the heavy cream, allow the sauce to simmer gently without boiling, which prevents any separation. Whisk in cold butter pieces one at a time rather than all at once—this creates a silky, emulsified sauce that clings beautifully to both the pasta and chicken. If your sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water; if too thin, let it reduce a few minutes longer.

Vegetable Perfection: For that characteristic Olive Garden vegetable texture—tender but still slightly crisp—cook your bell peppers and onions in batches. Overcrowding the pan causes steaming instead of sautéing, robbing you of those caramelized edges that add tremendous flavor. Aim for vibrant, slightly softened vegetables rather than completely soft ones, as they’ll continue cooking slightly when combined with the hot pasta and sauce.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Season the chicken strips with ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of the Italian seasoning. Set aside. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil for the pasta. Slice all your vegetables and have them ready in separate bowls. Measure out all sauce ingredients before beginning to cook, as the process moves quickly once started.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken strips in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (work in batches if necessary). Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced onions and cook for 2 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the bell peppers and sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp and beginning to develop some color at the edges. Add the minced garlic and remaining Italian seasoning, cooking for just 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will turn bitter.

Step 4: Make the Scampi Sauce
Reduce heat to medium and add the white wine to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon (these contain tremendous flavor). Allow the wine to reduce by half, about 2 minutes. Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer for 3 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer. Add the butter one tablespoon at a time, whisking continuously to emulsify. Once the sauce begins to thicken slightly, stir in the Parmesan cheese and lemon juice.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta and Combine
While making the sauce, cook the angel hair pasta in the boiling water for 1 minute less than package directions. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and immediately add it to the skillet with the sauce and vegetables. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and gently toss everything together, allowing the pasta to absorb some of the sauce for about 1 minute. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Finish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve your Olive Garden Chicken Scampi immediately in warm bowls, topped with additional grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if desired. Pair with crusty garlic bread for an authentic Olive Garden experience!

Variations

Seafood Scampi: Transform this Olive Garden Chicken Scampi into a seafood delight by substituting the chicken with 1 pound of large shrimp, scallops, or a combination of both. The cooking process remains similar, but seafood requires less cooking time—about 1-2 minutes per side for shrimp until they turn pink and opaque. The delicate sweetness of seafood pairs beautifully with the garlic-wine sauce for an elevated dining experience.

Vegetarian Scampi Primavera: Create a meatless version by omitting the chicken and doubling the vegetables. Add seasonal vegetables like asparagus tips, zucchini slices, or cherry tomatoes along with the bell peppers. For protein, include 8 ounces of sautéed mushrooms or add a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans at the final combining stage. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain the vegetarian integrity while preserving the signature scampi flavor profile.

Gluten-Free Garlic Scampi Pasta: This creamy chicken pasta dish can be easily adapted for gluten-sensitive diners by substituting the traditional angel hair pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta variety. Rice noodles, corn pasta, or chickpea pasta all work well. Be sure to check your chicken broth is gluten-free, and consider thickening the sauce with a teaspoon of cornstarch slurry if needed, as gluten-free pasta releases less starch to help thicken the sauce naturally.

Storage and Serving

Olive Garden Chicken Scampi is best enjoyed immediately after preparation when the pasta is perfectly al dente and the sauce is creamy and emulsified. If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to revitalize the sauce, as pasta tends to absorb liquid during storage. Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

For an authentic Olive Garden experience, serve this dish with warm breadsticks and a side salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette. The bright acidity of the salad provides a pleasant contrast to the rich, creamy pasta. For a more substantial meal, pair with a glass of the same dry white wine used in the sauce—Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complement the dish beautifully.

For elegant entertaining, serve individual portions in warmed shallow bowls, garnished with a light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan, a twist of cracked black pepper, and a small sprig of fresh parsley. The colorful bell peppers against the cream sauce create a visually appealing presentation worthy of any special occasion.

FAQs

Can I make Olive Garden Chicken Scampi without wine?
Yes! While the wine adds depth and acidity to the authentic Olive Garden Chicken Scampi, you can substitute it with additional chicken broth plus 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to mimic the slight acidity that wine provides.

What’s the best pasta to use if I don’t have angel hair?
Angel hair pasta is traditional, but linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti work well too. Thicker pastas will need longer cooking times and will create a slightly different texture in the final dish but will still be delicious.

Can I prepare any components ahead of time?
Yes! Slice all vegetables and chicken up to 24 hours ahead and store separately in the refrigerator. You can even pre-cook the chicken and refrigerate it, then warm it in the sauce during final assembly.

Is there a lighter version of this recipe?
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and reduce the butter to 2 tablespoons. The sauce won’t be quite as rich but will still be flavorful.

Why is my sauce separating or too thin?
Sauce separation usually happens when the heat is too high or when dairy is added to a very hot liquid. Ensure you’re using gentle heat when adding cream and butter. If your sauce is too thin, allow it to simmer longer to reduce, or create a slurry with 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water and whisk it in.

Conclusion

This Olive Garden Chicken Scampi is comfort food at its finest — a perfect balance of tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and delicate pasta swimming in a garlic-infused creamy sauce that rivals the restaurant original. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into a special occasion, bringing the Olive Garden experience right to your dinner table without the wait or the bill. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this recipe promises to deliver smiles with every twirl of pasta-laden fork.

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