Name: Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced; 1/2 yellow bell pepper, sliced; 1/2 cup dry white wine; 3/4 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 8 ounces angel hair pasta; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 4 lemon slices, for garnish

If you’re anything like me, you’ve found yourself sitting in an Olive Garden, fork twirling through a creamy plate of chicken scampi, wondering how on earth they make it so flavorful. That buttery garlic sauce, the seared chicken, the colorful bell peppers—all of it just hits the right comfort spot. That’s exactly why I decided to recreate it at home, and let me tell you: this Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat is the real deal.

I’ve made this dish more times than I can count, and each time it brings that restaurant-style magic right to my table. It’s easier than it looks, comes together in under an hour, and tastes like something you’d pay good money for. Whether you’re cooking for a dinner date, family night, or just indulging in a creamy, tangy, garlic-kissed pasta, this dish always delivers.

Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat

This recipe brings the perfect balance of creamy, zesty, and savory. The tender chicken is lightly breaded and pan-seared to golden perfection, resting on a bed of angel hair pasta tossed in a garlicky white wine cream sauce. Add sweet sautéed peppers and red onions for a burst of color and crunch. It’s like a flavor-packed comfort meal with a restaurant flair—and best of all, it’s made in your own kitchen.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Olive Garden uses angel hair pasta in their version, and I recommend sticking with it. The delicate texture of angel hair holds onto the light, silky sauce beautifully without overpowering the other components. But if you’re out of it, thin spaghetti or linguine are solid backups that won’t change the flavor too much.

Options for Substitutions

Chicken: If you’re not into chicken, shrimp is a fantastic alternative. Just sauté until pink and toss it in at the end.
Wine: You can skip the wine and use chicken broth for a family-friendly version without losing much flavor.
Cream: Half and half can replace heavy cream for a lighter option, though the sauce will be less rich.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and a GF flour or cornstarch blend to dredge the chicken.
Vegetarian: Swap out the chicken for roasted cauliflower or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty, meatless version.

Ingredients for This Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat

Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless): These are the protein heart of the dish. Slice them thin for quicker cooking and maximum surface for that golden sear.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the sauce layers.
Flour: A light dredge gives the chicken a slight crust without turning it into full-on fried.
Olive oil and butter: The olive oil gives flavor and high heat cooking power; the butter adds richness to the sauce.
Garlic (minced): A must for that classic scampi flavor—fragrant, punchy, and savory.
Red onion: Adds sweetness and a slight bite, balancing the richness.
Bell peppers (yellow and red): Brings sweetness, texture, and beautiful color.
Dry white wine: Enhances the sauce with a sharp brightness and acidity.
Heavy cream: For the rich, velvety texture that coats the pasta perfectly.
Parmesan cheese (grated): Salty and nutty, it melts into the sauce and tops off the dish.
Angel hair pasta: Light and thin, it holds the sauce well and keeps the dish elegant.
Fresh parsley and lemon slices (optional): For garnish and a zesty finish.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Slice the chicken breasts into thin cutlets. Season with salt and pepper, then lightly dredge each piece in flour. This helps get a beautiful golden sear and adds slight thickness to the final sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add a bit more olive oil if needed, then toss in sliced red onions and bell peppers. Cook for about 5–6 minutes until they soften and begin to caramelize.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and a bit of butter, then let it gently bubble for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, cook your angel hair pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, nestling it into the creamy sauce. Toss in the cooked pasta and gently mix everything to coat. Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the top and stir until melted and well distributed.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Plate the pasta with chicken on top, spoon extra sauce over everything, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices for brightness.

How Long to Prepare the Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat

Prep Time: Most of your prep will involve slicing chicken, chopping vegetables, and gathering your ingredients. This should take about 15–20 minutes if you’re organized and have a sharp knife on hand.

Cooking Time: From pan-searing the chicken to finishing the sauce and tossing everything together, cooking takes about 25–30 minutes. That means you can have this on the table in under an hour—perfect for weeknights or special weekends.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Scampi

Slice chicken thinly to cook it quickly and evenly.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest melt into the sauce.
Deglaze properly: Don’t skip scraping the pan when adding the wine—those brown bits carry tons of flavor.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Angel hair can go from perfect to mushy fast. Keep it al dente.
Toss pasta in sauce: Letting the pasta simmer in the sauce for a minute helps it soak up flavor instead of just sitting under it.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Crowding the pan: Overloading the skillet with chicken leads to steaming instead of searing. Cook in batches if needed.
Adding garlic too early: Garlic can burn quickly. Add it after the vegetables are sautéed.
Using cold cream: Cold cream can curdle when added to hot liquid. Let it come to room temperature or warm slightly.
Skipping the resting: Let the chicken sit a minute after cooking—it helps it retain juices.
Not salting the pasta water: It’s your first chance to season the pasta from the inside out.

What to Serve With Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat?

1. Garlic Bread

Crispy on the edges and soft inside, garlic bread is the ideal companion to mop up extra sauce.

2. Caesar Salad

The crunch of romaine with creamy dressing and croutons offers a fresh contrast to the creamy pasta.

3. Roasted Broccoli

Roasting brings out the sweetness and adds a bit of char, which complements the dish’s richness.

4. Lemon Asparagus

Lightly steamed or roasted with lemon zest, this adds a bright, clean flavor to balance the creaminess.

5. A Glass of White Wine

A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc echoes the sauce ingredients and enhances the meal.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken when cold—add a splash of milk or broth while reheating to loosen it up.

Freezer: It’s best to freeze only the chicken and sauce without the pasta. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Reheating: Warm leftovers over low heat on the stove or in the microwave. Add a little liquid to bring back the creaminess and stir gently.

Estimated Nutrition (per serving, approx.)

Calories: 580 kcal
Protein: 36g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 690mg
Cholesterol: 125mg

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best wine to use in the sauce?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay works best. Avoid sweet wines.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and vegetables in advance, but the sauce is best made fresh for ideal texture.

Is this recipe spicy?

No, it’s mild. But you can add crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat if desired.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

You can, but you’ll miss out on the seared flavor and texture. If using, warm it in the sauce at the end.

What pasta alternatives work well?

Linguine or thin spaghetti are great substitutes if angel hair isn’t available.

Conclusion

This Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat recipe is a restaurant-worthy dish made right in your kitchen without the hassle or the bill. It’s creamy, zesty, savory, and full of texture and flavor—from the golden chicken to the silky sauce and crisp-tender veggies. Whether you’re out to impress or simply treat yourself, this dish is your ticket to indulgent, easy comfort food at home.