If you’ve ever dined at Olive Garden, you know their Chicken Scampi is a fan favorite—rich, buttery, and oh-so-satisfying! It’s one of those dishes that wraps you in a warm hug, isn’t it? I remember the first time I tried it; I was with friends, and we all fell in love with that comforting blend of garlic, chicken, and creamy goodness. I always craved a way to replicate that magic at home, so I decided to create this copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi recipe. Trust me, it captures all the delightful flavors and aromas of the original dish, making it perfect for cozy family dinners or a quick weeknight treat. You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up this restaurant favorite in your own kitchen!
Ingredients List
Before we dive in, let’s gather everything you’ll need for this delightful dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips for even cooking
- 1/2 cup butter, because who doesn’t love butter?
- 4 cloves garlic, minced—this is where the magic begins!
- 1/2 cup white wine, adds depth to the sauce
- 2 cups heavy cream for that luscious, creamy texture
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice, just a splash for brightness
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, adjust to your spice preference
- Salt and pepper to taste, essential for seasoning
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped, for a fresh finish
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta, the perfect base for our sauce
Make sure to have everything measured out and ready to go—it makes the cooking process a breeze!
How to Prepare Instructions
Cooking Fettuccine
Let’s start with the fettuccine! Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil—this step is super important for flavor. Once it’s bubbling away, add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. You want it al dente, so keep an eye on it! Once it’s done, drain it in a colander and set it aside. Don’t rinse it—just let it hang out while we whip up that amazing sauce!
Preparing the Sauce
Now for the star of the show: the garlic butter sauce! In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. The aroma of melting butter is just divine! Once it’s melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—don’t let it burn! Next, add the sliced chicken to the skillet. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Now, stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Give it a good mix and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens a bit. Wow, the smell is heavenly!
Combining Ingredients
Time to bring it all together! Add the cooked fettuccine directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything gently, ensuring each strand of pasta is coated in that luscious sauce. You might want to use tongs for this—it makes mixing so much easier. Once it’s all combined, garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve it hot, and watch everyone’s eyes light up! Trust me, this dish is as beautiful as it is delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich and flavorful sauce that rivals Olive Garden’s original
- Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort
- Comforting and satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug
- Customizable spice level to suit everyone’s taste buds
Tips for Success
To ensure your copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi turns out perfectly, here are some of my go-to tips. First, make sure your butter is melted over medium heat—if it’s too high, it can brown too quickly. When cooking the chicken, don’t overcrowd the pan; this helps it brown nicely instead of steaming. If you love a little extra flavor, try adding a splash of lemon zest along with the lemon juice for an extra zing!
For serving, I highly recommend pairing this dish with some warm garlic bread—it complements the sauce beautifully! And if you have any leftovers (which are rare in my house!), they reheat nicely in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat; nobody wants rubbery chicken! Enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for this delicious copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi recipe. Each serving has approximately 700 calories, 50g of fat, 25g of protein, and 45g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these figures can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is my go-to for this copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi recipe, you can easily swap it out for other types of pasta like linguine, spaghetti, or even penne. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so check the package for guidance. The important thing is to choose a pasta shape that can hold onto that glorious sauce!
How can I make this dish lighter?
If you’re looking to lighten things up a bit, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt. This will reduce the richness while still giving you a creamy texture. You might also consider using less butter and opting for skinless chicken breasts to cut down on fat. It’ll still be delicious, just a bit lighter on the calories!
What should I serve with this dish?
This Chicken Scampi pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides! I always recommend serving it with warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up that amazing sauce. A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette is also a great choice to balance the richness of the dish. And if you’re feeling fancy, some steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli can add a lovely pop of color and nutrition to your plate!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), storing them properly is key to keeping that delicious flavor intact. Let the Chicken Scampi cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It should stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or a little water to help loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally to heat evenly, and avoid the microwave if you can—it can make the chicken rubbery! Enjoy your tasty leftovers!
Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe: 5 Easy Steps
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This is a copycat recipe for Olive Garden’s Chicken Scampi. It features tender chicken in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 1/2 cup butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
Instructions
- Cook fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add chicken slices and cook until browned.
- Pour in white wine and let it simmer for a few minutes.
- Add heavy cream, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine with cooked fettuccine and mix thoroughly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to taste.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Serve with garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 700
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 50g
- Saturated Fat: 30g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: copycat olive garden chicken scampi recipe
