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COPYCAT OLIVE GARDEN CHICKEN SCAMPI centered hero view, clean and uncluttered
Yesica Andrews

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe Easy Delicious

Enjoy a flavorful Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi with tender chicken, sautéed bell peppers, and onion tossed with angel hair pasta in a rich butter scampi sauce. This comforting dish brings the favorite restaurant flavors right to your kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 901

Ingredients
  

  • 12 chicken tenderloins (approximately 1.75 pounds)
  • ½ cup flour
  • vegetable oil for frying
  • ½ red bell pepper cut into strips
  • ½ yellow bell pepper cut into strips
  • ½ green bell pepper cut into strips
  • ½ medium red onion sliced
  • 12 ounces angel hair pasta
  • salt to taste
  • freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving, if desired
  • 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ cup yellow onion diced
  • 2 Tablespoons garlic minced
  • 1 cup white wine
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 2 Tablespoons lemon juice (approximately 1 large lemon)
  • 1 Tablespoon dried parsley
  • ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ¼ pound unsalted butter (8 tablespoons, one stick)

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the angel hair pasta; cook until it is just short of al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water and drain the rest.
  2. While the pasta water is heating, heat a large skillet on medium and pour in 2 Tablespoons of vegetable oil. In a shallow dish, combine flour with a pinch of salt and dredge the chicken tenderloins, shaking off excess flour.
  3. Once the oil is hot, cook each piece of chicken until golden on both sides, about 5 to 7 minutes per side, using additional oil as necessary. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 Tablespoons of butter. Add diced yellow onion and minced garlic, cooking gently for about 3 minutes until softened but not browned.
  5. Pour in the white wine, letting it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce and evaporate the alcohol, scraping the pan to loosen any browned bits.
  6. Add chicken stock, lemon juice, dried parsley, and red pepper flakes, then let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
  7. Take the pan off heat and whisk in the remaining 8 tablespoons of butter until the sauce is smooth and glossy, then set the sauce aside.
  8. Return the large pot to the stove and heat 1 Tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the sliced bell peppers and red onion, sautéing for 3 to 5 minutes just until they begin to soften.
  9. Add the pasta and prepared scampi sauce to the pot with the vegetables, carefully tossing everything together to coat the pasta without breaking it. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
  10. Serve the pasta topped with the cooked chicken pieces and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • This recipe can be prepped in stages—chicken and sauce can be made ahead to save time. Use a dry white wine like chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, or pinot grigio for best results and avoid sweeter varieties.