How to Recreate Olive Garden’s Famous Chicken Scampi Recipe

Want the rich, buttery taste of Olive Garden’s Chicken Scampi at home? This recipe makes it easy. You’ll get tender chicken, garlicky pasta, and a savory sauce in under 30 minutes. No need for special skills—just basic pantry items and this guide!

Key Takeaways

• Recreate Olive Garden’s Chicken Scampi with everyday ingredients.
• Follow clear instructions for perfect sauce and crispy chicken.
• Adjust seasoning to taste with garlic, lemon, or Parmesan.
• Pair with garlic bread or a side salad for a full meal.
• Use any pasta shape—fettuccine or penne work best.

Getting Started: Ingredients and Prep

Before you start, make sure you have all the ingredients for Olive Garden Chicken Scampi. Also, get your kitchen ready. This will help you cook smoothly and get the best results. Here’s what you need to begin:

Essential Ingredients

• Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• Garlic (minced or chopped)
• Unsalted butter
• White wine (dry, like pinot grigio)
• Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• Parmesan cheese (grated)
• Heavy cream or half-and-half
• Pasta (linguine or fettuccine)
• Seasonings (salt, pepper, red pepper flakes)

Kitchen Tools

• Large skillet (12-inch nonstick preferred)
• Bowls (for mixing and marinating)
• Grater (for parmesan and garlic)
• Tongs or spatula (for flipping chicken)
• Measuring spoons and cups

Preparation Tips

• Marinate chicken in garlic, lemon, and oil for 20+ minutes for better flavor.
• Pre-chop garlic and veggies before starting to save time.
• Measure all olive garden chicken scampi ingredients first—no last-minute scrambling.
• Cook pasta al dente as directed on the box. Drain, but keep 1/2 cup pasta water for adjustments.

Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe

Learn how to make the easy chicken scampi recipe with this simple guide. Here’s what you need for that authentic taste:

It’s easy to cook: start by seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper. Then, sauté it in butter until it’s golden. Next, add garlic, then pour in cream and cheese. Mix it with cooked pasta for a creamy finish. Remember, let the sauce simmer a bit to thicken.

• Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor.
• Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.

Add lemon zest or red pepper flakes for a kick. This easy chicken scampi recipe makes 4 servings in under 30 minutes. It’s great for quick weeknight dinners!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Learn to make Olive Garden chicken scampi sauce and chicken with these easy steps. Follow this order for top-notch results:

Sautéing the Chicken

1. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season both sides of chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook 4-5 minutes per side until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F.
3. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.

Creating the Scampi Sauce

Make the signature olive garden chicken scampi sauce this way:

1. Add 2 garlic cloves (minced) and 2 tbsp butter to the same skillet. Sauté until fragrant (~30 seconds).
2. Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine. Bring to a boil, scraping browned bits from pan.
3. Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Simmer 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Combining Pasta and Chicken

• Add cooked pasta directly to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
• Return chicken to the skillet, nestling pieces into the sauce.
• Serve immediately with grated Parmesan and parsley garnish.

Pro tip: Save 1/2 cup pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.

Exploring Flavor Enhancements

Take your authentic chicken scampi recipe to new heights with these simple tweaks. Start by toasting garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil before adding chicken. This adds deeper smoky notes. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the dish, while a sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds richness.

• Add a pinch of nutmeg when mixing the sauce
• Marinate chicken in buttermilk for 30 minutes before cooking
• Top with chopped parsley right before plating

Try adding a dash of paprika for subtle heat or a splash of chicken broth for creamier sauce. Start with ½ tsp salt and taste as you go. These tips keep your dish true to the authentic chicken scampi recipe while making it your own. Small changes can make a big difference without losing that Olive Garden style.

Homemade Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Variations

Want to make your homemade olive garden chicken scampi unique? Try these creative twists. They let you add your own flair without losing the dish’s essence.

• Red pepper flakes stirred into the sauce
• Sriracha mixed into the pasta toss
• Jalapeños sautéed with the garlic

Herb Infusions

Fresh herbs can really boost the dish’s smell:

• Basil leaves stirred in at the end
• Chopped parsley for garnish
• Thyme sprigs in the cooking butter

Vegetable Add-ins

Add seasonal veggies in the last 5 minutes:

• Zucchini slices
• Asparagus spears
• Cherry tomatoes
• Sautéed mushrooms

Feel free to mix and match these ideas. Try pairing smoky paprika with spinach for a rich dish. Every change keeps the homemade olive garden chicken scampi core while making it your own. Let your imagination run wild!

Authentic Techniques for Perfect Chicken Scampi

Mastering the chicken scampi olive garden copycat requires focus on cooking techniques. Start by using a cast-iron skillet. Its even heat ensures golden-brown chicken without overcooking.

• Browning first: Sear chicken skin-side down until crisp. This locks in juices and adds texture.
• Sauce control: Simmer sauce uncovered until thickened, stirring constantly. Over-reduction can burn butter and garlic.
• Pasta timing: Toss pasta directly in the pan with sauce. Residual heat coats noodles perfectly.

“The difference between home cooking and restaurant magic is in the details—like sauce consistency and pan temperature.” — Executive Chef Maria Torres

For the copycat look, plate pasta first, then arrange chicken atop. Drizzle extra sauce and garnish with parsley. Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking—this prevents steaming and ensures caramelization. Use fresh lemon juice at the end to brighten flavors, just like the original recipe.

Pro tip: Let the skillet rest 2 minutes after adding cream. This melds flavors without curdling. These steps transform your kitchen into an Olive Garden-worthy experience!

Quick Tips for an Easy Chicken Scampi Recipe

Learning to make olive garden chicken scampi pasta at home is easy. These tips save time and keep the taste great. Here are some expert suggestions to make this dish a hit on weeknights.

Time-Saving Hacks

Try these shortcuts to speed up prep:

1. Prep in Advance: Marinate chicken while boiling pasta to multitask efficiently.
2. Use Ready-Made Sauce: Swap homemade sauce for store-bought garlic-infused marinara as a shortcut.
3. Cook in Batches: Sauté chicken and veggies separately to ensure even cooking without overcrowding the pan.

Substitutions and Alternatives

Make the dish your own with these swaps:

“The best substitutions keep the dish’s soul intact while fitting your pantry.”

Try these ideas to personalize olive garden chicken scampi pasta. Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Freeze leftovers for a quick meal later.

Detailed Guide to Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Ingredients

When making the olive garden chicken scampi recipe at home, every ingredient is key. Here’s how to choose the best ones for a top-notch meal:

• Chicken breast: Opt for boneless, skinless cuts. Tenderize slightly for even cooking.
• Butter: Choose unsalted butter to control salt levels in the sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh cloves release the most vibrant flavor—mince them finely.
• White wine: Dry varieties like Pinot Grigio add acidity without sweetness.
• Heavy cream: Enhances creaminess without overpowering the dish.

Quality is crucial. Fresh parsley and grated Parmesan make a big difference. For the olive garden chicken scampi recipe at home, skip pre-shredded cheese. It dries out fast. Use whole garlic for more depth.

• Substitute chicken thighs for extra moisture if breasts are too lean.
• Swap linguine with spaghetti if needed, but avoid thin noodles.
• Add a dash of lemon juice to brighten flavors if the sauce tastes flat.

Choosing ingredients carefully keeps your dish true to the original. Focus on freshness and balance. This way, your olive garden chicken scampi recipe at home will impress every time.

Copycat Secrets: Chicken Scampi Olive Garden Copycat Recipe

Learning to make Olive Garden’s Chicken Scampi is all about the little things. These details can make a huge difference. Here’s how to bring the restaurant’s magic to your kitchen.

Balancing Flavors

• Season chicken with salt and pepper before cooking to lock in juices.
• Simmer sauce slowly to meld butter, garlic, and white wine (or broth) for depth.
• Drizzle lemon juice at the end to brighten the dish—no more than a tablespoon.

Presentation Tips

Serving like a pro can elevate the experience. Try these tricks:

1. Plate pasta first, then spoon sauce and chicken on top.
2. Garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan right before serving.
3. Place lemon wedges on the side for last-minute squeezing.

Pair with a crisp salad or garlic bread to mirror the restaurant setup. Small tweaks can turn a good dish into an impressive copycat masterpiece.

Perfecting Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta at Home

Cooking pasta just right is crucial for your Chicken Scampi. Al dente pasta is best because it holds sauce well and stays tender. Start by adding a lot of salt to your water—it makes pasta taste better.

• Boil water first before adding pasta.
• Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Test pasta 2 minutes before the package time—taste for firmness.

Save a cup of pasta water! It helps thicken sauces when mixed with cooked pasta. For more flavor, toss pasta with olive oil and Parmesan before adding sauce. If pasta is overcooked, add pasta water to loosen the sauce.

“Pasta should be a canvas, not the star. Let the sauce shine.” – Professional chefs

Combine pasta with your Chicken Scampi by mixing them in the sauce. This ensures every strand is coated evenly. Serve right away to keep everything warm and tasty.

Conclusion

Making Olive Garden Chicken Scampi at home is easy. This recipe combines simple steps with real flavors for a dish that feels like a restaurant. From the buttery sauce to the tender chicken, every part makes a delicious meal.

Don’t forget the tips for saving time and swapping ingredients. They make this recipe a quick weeknight favorite without losing quality. Adding a spicy kick or fresh veggies lets you make it your own. This shows homemade scampi can be just as good as any restaurant’s.

When you’re hungry, don’t order takeout. Your kitchen has everything you need for a meal that’s both cozy and impressive. Try the recipe again, make it your own, and feel proud of making Olive Garden Chicken Scampi. Every bite shows that amazing food begins at home.

FAQ

What are the key ingredients in the Olive Garden Chicken Scampi recipe?

The main ingredients for Olive Garden Chicken Scampi are chicken breast, garlic, and white wine. You’ll also need butter, olive oil, and pasta like linguine or fettuccine. Seasonings like salt, pepper, and parsley add extra flavor.

Can I make a copycat version of Olive Garden Chicken Scampi at home?

Yes, you can make a tasty homemade version of Olive Garden Chicken Scampi. Just use quality ingredients and follow the cooking steps carefully for the best taste.

What type of pasta is best for Chicken Scampi?

You can use linguine, fettuccine, or any pasta you like for Chicken Scampi. The important thing is that the pasta goes well with the rich sauce.

How can I make the Chicken Scampi sauce at home?

To make the sauce, melt butter and oil in a pan, then add garlic. Deglaze with white wine and simmer until it’s reduced. Mix it with cooked chicken and pasta for a smooth sauce.

Are there any easy variations for this Chicken Scampi recipe?

Yes! You can add a spicy kick with red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like basil or thyme. You can also add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to make it your own.

What are some time-saving hacks for making Chicken Scampi?

To save time, prep your ingredients ahead, use pre-cooked chicken, or make the sauce early. This way, you can quickly put everything together when you’re ready to eat.

How do I ensure my Chicken Scampi is authentic?

Use fresh garlic, quality chicken, and good white wine for authentic Olive Garden flavor. Follow the instructions closely to get the restaurant taste at home.

Can I substitute ingredients in the Chicken Scampi recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ingredients. Use shrimp or scallops instead of chicken, or zucchini noodles for a lighter option. Just adjust cooking times as needed.