Name: Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil (or cooking oil of choice); 2 lbs chicken tenders (or thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs); 1 cup flour; 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning; 1 tablespoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 lb angel hair pasta (cooked al dente); 1 tablespoon 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); 3 tablespoons butter; 5 cloves garlic (minced); 1 ½ cups chicken broth (store bought or homemade); ½ cup dry white wine (or sub with chicken broth); ⅔ cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste); Parmesan cheese (grated); Fresh basil (finely chopped); Fresh parsley (finely chopped)

Jump to Recipe

Picture this: a mesmerizing tumble of golden sautéed chicken, ribbons of sweet peppers and red onions, and twirls of delicate angel hair pasta, all enveloped in a creamy, garlicky sauce—that’s the magic of Olive Garden Chicken Scampi. This crowd-pleasing favorite captures the very soul of Italian-American comfort food, with vibrant color, irresistible flavors, and a touch of elegance. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a friends-gathering at home, this Olive Garden Chicken Scampi recipe brings the restaurant experience right to your table, with all the goodness made fresh in your kitchen.

Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in Olive Garden Chicken Scampi plays a crucial role, blending together for an unforgettable dish. With a simple list of pantry and fresh items, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create something this delicious. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few chef’s tips for the best results.

Olive oil: Opt for a fruity extra-virgin olive oil for both flavor and a hint of richness in sautéing.
Chicken tenders or thin-sliced chicken breast/thighs: Tenders are juicy and cook quickly, but breast or thigh work great sliced thin.
Flour: Lightly coats the chicken for a golden, crisp sear and helps thicken the sauce.
Italian seasoning: Adds herbaceous notes that are classic to scampi—don’t skip it!
Salt: Essential for bringing out the flavors in every layer.
Black pepper: Freshly cracked pepper offers a subtle heat that wakes up the chicken.
Angel hair pasta: Its delicate texture nestles perfectly in the creamy sauce.
Red, yellow, and green bell peppers: Each color brings sweetness and a pop of cheerful color.
Red onion: Sliced thin, it adds bite and mellows beautifully in the pan.
Butter: Brings classic richness and helps create the scampi’s silky sauce.
Garlic: The aromatic heart of the scampi—use fresh cloves for best flavor.
Chicken broth: Forms the backbone of the sauce; homemade or low-sodium store-bought both shine.
Dry white wine (or extra broth): Adds acidity and depth—use what you’d enjoy sipping.
Heavy cream: Lends lusciousness to the sauce, making it irresistibly velvety.
Extra Italian seasoning & salt: Just a sprinkle to make the sauce sing.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated, it finishes the dish with a savory flourish.
Fresh basil & parsley: Chopped and scattered on top for an herby, vibrant finish.

How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Scampi

Step 1: Season and Dredge the Chicken

Start by creating a simple dredge—combine flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish. Toss your chicken tenders or strips in this flavorful mixture, ensuring every piece gets a nice, even coating. This not only helps with a crisp golden crust but also infuses the chicken with herby, savory flavor right from the start.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat up a generous drizzle of olive oil in your largest skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high warmth. Once shimmering, add your coated chicken pieces and sear for two to three minutes per side, just until golden and cooked through (165°F inside). Don’t crowd the pan—work in batches if you need to. Move the finished chicken to a plate and keep it snug beneath foil while you set up the next steps.

Step 3: Boil the Pasta

While you’re tending the chicken, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook your angel hair pasta just to al dente—it will finish cooking in the sauce soon. Before draining, scoop out a cup of that starchy pasta water and keep it for later. Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to soak up all the goodness that’s coming its way.

Step 4: Sauté the Veggies

Wipe your skillet clean (carefully!) so the sauce doesn’t scorch. Add another splash of olive oil over medium heat, and pile in your sliced bell peppers and red onion. Sauté them for three to four minutes, stirring often, until they’re vibrant and just tender, with a little caramelization at the edges for that sweet, roasty flavor.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

Add butter and minced garlic to the softened veggies, letting everything sizzle for another minute or two—your kitchen will smell incredible! Next, pour in the white wine, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring in the chicken broth and let it all bubble away together for two minutes, melding those flavors beautifully.

Step 6: Creamy Finish and Toss

Reduce the heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, a pinch more Italian seasoning, and a dash of salt. Let it come to a gentle boil to thicken ever so slightly. Now, nestle in your cooked angel hair pasta, tossing it gently to coat every strand in the luscious sauce. If it’s a bit thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to loosen it to perfection. Warm for just a minute or two—don’t let it dry out!

Step 7: Add the Chicken and Finish

Arrange your golden chicken pieces back on top of the pan, right over the tangles of pasta. Take a minute to admire all those colors! Let it warm through for just a moment. Generously shower the whole creation with freshly grated parmesan, basil, and parsley. That’s it—your made-from-scratch Olive Garden Chicken Scampi is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Olive Garden Chicken Scampi

Garnishes

A final sprinkling of parmesan cheese cannot be skipped—the nutty, salty goodness ties everything together. For extra flair, scatter chopped fresh basil and parsley right before serving. These herbs bring not only bright green color but a refreshing, aromatic finish that elevates your Olive Garden Chicken Scampi from homemade to restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

This dish is incredibly versatile on the table, pairing well with a simple leafy green salad, buttery garlic bread, or a crisp Caesar salad. For those who love a little extra, try a side of roasted asparagus or blistered cherry tomatoes. These sides add contrast and balance, letting the Olive Garden Chicken Scampi be the star while still offering a complete, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting a special dinner? Serve your Olive Garden Chicken Scampi family-style in a big, shallow platter, letting every color and texture shine. For a cozy twist, try individual pasta bowls, twirling a nest of angel hair and topping each with chicken and a confetti of veggies. Add a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil on top for a glossy, irresistible finish that will impress every guest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Olive Garden Chicken Scampi (lucky you!), let it cool to room temperature first. Transfer the pasta and chicken to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as the dish rests, making for an even more flavorful meal the next day.

Freezing

While the creamy sauce may separate a bit when frozen, you can absolutely freeze leftovers for those busy nights. Place cooled scampi in a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Store for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back the silkiness of the sauce. Microwave reheating works too—cover loosely and stir halfway through. Whichever method, just watch closely so the chicken doesn’t dry out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While angel hair pasta is traditional for Olive Garden Chicken Scampi, you can use spaghetti, linguine, or even fettuccine if you prefer a heartier bite. The key is to cook whichever pasta you choose just to al dente.

Is white wine essential for the sauce?

The wine adds wonderful depth and a gentle acidity, but if you’d rather skip it, just use extra chicken broth instead. You’ll still get a deliciously creamy sauce for your Olive Garden Chicken Scampi.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Simply swap regular flour for your favorite gluten-free blend, and opt for gluten-free angel hair or spaghetti. The results are just as tasty and satisfying, so everyone can dig in!

Is it possible to lighten up the sauce?

For a lighter twist, use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and a touch of cornstarch in place of the heavy cream. Your Olive Garden Chicken Scampi will still be creamy, with a bit less richness.

Can I make Olive Garden Chicken Scampi ahead of time?

You can certainly prep the vegetables and dredge the chicken in advance, but for best texture, assemble and serve the dish fresh. If you do make it ahead, toss the pasta with a spoonful of sauce to prevent sticking, and add a splash of broth when reheating to revive the creaminess.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to bring the magic of Olive Garden Chicken Scampi to your own table. This dish is warm, colorful, satisfyingly creamy, and full of flavor—perfect for sharing with the ones you love. Give it a whirl and let each bite remind you why restaurant classics are even better homemade!