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Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe

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This Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your kitchen! Tender, golden chicken breast is sautéed with colorful bell peppers and onions, tossed in a creamy garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon. Served over perfectly cooked pasta, it’s the ultimate comfort meal for date nights or family dinners!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
  • ½ cup (65 g) all-purpose flour (for dredging)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Scampi Sauce:

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
  • ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 lemon, juiced and zested
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz (340 g) angel hair pasta or spaghetti
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Grated Parmesan, for serving

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta:

  • Boil water in a large pot and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  • Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the chicken:

  • In a shallow bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Dredge chicken strips in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
  • Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Cook the chicken strips for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Sauté vegetables:

  • In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed.
  • Sauté the garlic, onion, and bell peppers for 4-5 minutes until softened.

4. Make the creamy scampi sauce:

  • Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
  • Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, zest, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning.
  • Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

5. Combine everything:

  • Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
  • Let everything cook together for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

6. Serve:

  • Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and lemon slices.
  • Serve hot with garlic bread or a fresh salad.

Notes

  • Use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier result.
  • Add mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies.
  • Substitute half-and-half for a lighter version of the sauce.