Olive Garden Chicken Scampi is more than just a recipe—it’s a flavor-packed journey into the heart of Italian-American comfort food. Inspired by the beloved Olive Garden classic, this dish blends tender pan-fried chicken, colorful sautéed bell peppers, and angel hair pasta in a creamy garlic white wine sauce that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re recreating a restaurant favorite or cooking to impress your family, this meal is perfect for weeknights or special dinners.

At CookTune, we believe food connects stories, and our story started in a tiny home kitchen where one simple idea sparked the passion: to transform ordinary recipes into extraordinary experiences. With thousands of home cooks visiting our site every day, we’re proud to deliver flavorful dishes made easy—just like this Olive Garden Chicken Scampi recipe.

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that delivers rich flavor, brilliant color, and restaurant-style finesse right from your stove, this is your go-to. Don’t miss our Chicken Scallopini Recipe for another indulgent favorite.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

The Legacy Behind Olive Garden Chicken Scampi

How Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Became a Classic Favorite

Olive Garden Chicken Scampi didn’t just land on menus by chance—it evolved from centuries of culinary influence. The term “scampi” traditionally refers to shrimp sautéed in garlic, white wine, and butter, but Olive Garden reimagined the dish by swapping shrimp with tender pan-fried chicken. This switch brought new texture and flavor, turning a seafood staple into a versatile main course beloved by pasta lovers across America.

The popularity of Olive Garden Chicken Scampi skyrocketed thanks to its comforting flavor profile—creamy yet garlicky, savory but balanced by the sweetness of sautéed bell peppers. It’s no surprise that this recipe is consistently ranked among the restaurant’s most recreated dishes at home.

What Makes Chicken Scampi So Irresistible

The secret to Olive Garden Chicken Scampi lies in its harmonious layering of textures and flavors. Picture this: golden-brown chicken with a delicate crunch on the outside and juicy tenderness inside. To add crunch and color, add sautéed red, yellow, and green bell peppers. 1. Finish with angel hair pasta drenched in a rich garlic cream sauce made with white wine that clings to every bite.

It’s this combination that makes the dish not just another pasta meal, but a restaurant-worthy experience you can replicate at home.

Don’t miss our Chicken Scallopini Recipe—another Olive Garden-inspired meal bursting with Italian comfort flavors.

Why It’s a Go-To for Home Cooks

Busy weeknight? Date night in? Every time, Olive Garden Chicken Scampi meets the requirements. Without requiring sophisticated cooking techniques, it cooks quickly, uses common cupboard components, and looks great. Whether you’re feeding a family or impressing guests, it strikes the perfect balance of hearty and elegant.

Add to that the fact that it’s flexible—you can substitute the pasta, skip the wine, or add extra spice—and you’ve got a recipe that invites creativity while staying deliciously rooted in tradition.

Nostalgia and Comfort in Every Bite

For many, this dish isn’t just a meal—it’s a memory. It may remind you of that special birthday dinner at Olive Garden or the first fancy meal you ever learned to cook. The creamy sauce, the sizzle of chicken in a hot pan, the aroma of garlic—it all comes together to create an emotional connection that’s hard to beat.

That’s the power of Olive Garden Chicken Scampi: it comforts, impresses, and satisfies in every forkful.

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Must-Have Ingredients for Authentic Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Flavor

Why Ingredients Matter in Olive Garden Chicken Scampi

Crafting a spot-on Olive Garden Chicken Scampi at home starts with selecting the right ingredients. This isn’t the kind of dish where you want to cut corners. Each element plays a key role in replicating that restaurant-quality flavor you love—from the juicy, breaded chicken tenders to the velvety garlic cream sauce. Below, we’ll break down exactly what you need, why it matters, and how to get it just right.

Essential Proteins: Chicken That Delivers on Juiciness

Your scampi is only as good as your chicken. Skip the frozen nuggets and grab fresh chicken tenders or thinly sliced boneless chicken breasts. These cuts cook quickly and evenly while staying moist inside.

Cut	Why It Works
Chicken Tenders	Quick cooking, tender texture
Chicken Thighs (boneless, skinless)	Richer flavor, stays juicy longer
Chicken Breast (thinly sliced)	Leaner option, good surface for breading

Before pan-frying, coat the chicken in a seasoned flour blend—Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and all-purpose flour. This not only gives it that signature crispy golden edge but also helps the chicken absorb the buttery sauce later.

Looking for another quick chicken fix? Check out Easy Creamy Sage Chicken for a dish that’s equally rich and weeknight-approved.

The Pasta Base: Why Angel Hair Works Best

When it comes to the pasta in Olive Garden Chicken Scampi, angel hair is the gold standard. Its fine strands absorb the creamy white wine sauce like a sponge, making every bite silky and flavorful.

Other pasta types that could work:

• Thin Spaghetti – for a bit more bite
• Fettuccine – for a heavier, more indulgent feel

But angel hair remains top pick for texture and how beautifully it plates. Cook it al dente and don’t forget to reserve a cup of pasta water—it can help adjust the sauce’s consistency later.

Bell Peppers: The Color, Crunch, and Sweetness

Tri-color bell peppers—red, yellow, and green—do more than just add a splash of color. Each one brings a unique taste to the table:

Bell Pepper	Flavor Profile
Red	Sweetest and soft when sautéed
Yellow	Slightly tangy and mellow
Green	Earthier, slightly bitter bite

Slice them into thin strips so they cook evenly and quickly. Not only do they balance the richness of the sauce, but they also add crunch and natural sweetness that brightens the dish.

Red Onion: A Sweet, Sharp Companion

Sliced red onion introduces depth and a touch of sharpness, complementing the bell peppers without overpowering the sauce. When sautéed, they mellow into a sweet and silky texture that weaves into the scampi seamlessly.

Discover great ideas like Lemon Shallot Chicken for another skillet favorite that layers sweetness and citrus perfectly.

Herbs and Seasonings: Italian at Its Best

Don’t underestimate the role of seasoning in bringing your scampi to life. Use:

• Italian seasoning: a blend of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary
• Salt and pepper: to enhance and balance all the other flavors
• Fresh basil or parsley: for garnish and a bright, fresh finish

The right herbs turn this from a simple chicken pasta into a restaurant-worthy Olive Garden Chicken Scampi.

Prepping Chicken Like a Pro for Olive Garden Chicken Scampi

Choosing the Right Chicken Cut for That Perfect Olive Garden Texture

One of the secrets behind the iconic Olive Garden Chicken Scampi is the way the chicken is prepared. You don’t just throw it into a pan. You season, coat, and crisp it—strategically. For that crispy-outside, juicy-inside texture Olive Garden is known for, you’ll want to start with chicken tenders or thinly sliced boneless chicken breasts.

Here’s why:

• Tenders cook fast and evenly.
• Thin-sliced breasts allow for a broader surface area for the breading and quicker pan searing.

If you’re using chicken thighs, go boneless and slice them thin. The extra fat adds juiciness, though you’ll trade off some crispiness.

How to Coat the Chicken: The Key to Flavorful Crunch

To mimic Olive Garden’s golden crust, coat the chicken in a seasoned flour mixture. Here’s the formula:

Ingredient	Amount
All-purpose flour	1 cup
Salt	1 tbsp
Black pepper	1 tsp
Italian seasoning	2 tbsp

Instructions:

1. Combine the dry ingredients in a shallow bowl.
2. Pat chicken dry with paper towels for better adhesion.
3. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture and shake off the excess.

This coating does more than just crisp up—it also locks in moisture and gives the sauce something to cling to later.

Pan-Frying Like a Pro: The Olive Garden Way

Time to sear. In a large cast iron skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers (but doesn’t smoke), carefully place the floured chicken in the pan.

Pan-Fry Tips:

• Do not overcrowd the pan. This drops the oil temp and makes the coating soggy.
• Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
• The goal is golden brown on the outside, and an internal temp of 165°F.

After cooking, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm while you prep the sauce and pasta. The crust stays crisp, and the meat stays juicy.

Want another way to enjoy golden pan-seared chicken? Check out Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti for a spicy, creamy variation.

Pro Tip: Layering Flavor From the Pan

Don’t clean the skillet just yet! The brown bits left behind (called fond) are flavor gold. When you add garlic, wine, or broth later, they’ll loosen and dissolve into your sauce, adding savory depth you can’t replicate from a bottle.

This is why your homemade Olive Garden Chicken Scampi might even taste better than the restaurant version—because you’re building flavor step by step.

Building the Ultimate Creamy Garlic Sauce for Olive Garden Chicken Scampi

The Heart of the Dish: Why the Garlic Cream Sauce Sets It Apart

At the core of any Olive Garden Chicken Scampi is its rich, silky, garlic-infused cream sauce. It’s not just a topper—it’s the soul of the dish. This sauce wraps each strand of angel hair in velvety goodness, binds the crispy chicken, and makes the peppers sing. Miss the sauce, and you miss the scampi.

This sauce isn’t hard to make, but it requires attention. The secret? Layered flavor. Start slow, and build.

Butter, Garlic, and the Golden Rule of Flavor

The base begins with butter and fresh minced garlic—not garlic powder. Real garlic, finely chopped and sautéed in butter, releases its natural oils and becomes aromatic in seconds.

Here’s how to nail it:

• Melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in your skillet over medium heat.
• Add 5 minced garlic cloves.
• Sauté until just golden—about 1 to 2 minutes.

You’ll know you’re headed in the correct direction just by the scent. This is where your kitchen starts to smell like Olive Garden.

White Wine and Chicken Broth: Deglazing Like a Chef

Once the garlic’s golden, pour in your dry white wine—about ½ cup. Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works beautifully. Immediately follow with 1½ cups of chicken broth.

The goal here is to deglaze the skillet. That means loosening all those flavorful brown bits stuck to the bottom from your chicken. Those bits? Liquid flavor bombs.

Alternative: No wine on hand? No problem. Just double the broth and add a splash of lemon juice to mimic the wine’s acidity.

Creaminess Without Clumps: How to Get It Right

Next up: ⅔ cup of heavy cream. Pour it in slowly, stirring constantly to prevent curdling. Bring the sauce to a light simmer, not a boil.

Add:

• 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon of salt, or to taste

Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–5 minutes. You’re not aiming for a thick Alfredo consistency here—this should be light and pourable, but silky enough to cling to the pasta.

Check out Lemon Shallot Chicken if you love bright, creamy sauces with an herbaceous twist.

Perfecting the Sauce Consistency with Pasta Water

If the sauce feels too thick, don’t panic. That’s where the reserved pasta water comes in. Add a splash or two to loosen things up while enhancing the starchiness—this helps the sauce cling better to your angel hair.

If the sauce’s too thin? Simmer it uncovered for another 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly.

Let It Rest, Then Combine

Before adding the pasta, take the sauce off the heat and let it to sit for a minute or two until it is smooth. This rest allows the sauce to slightly thicken and cool, making it easier to coat everything evenly without breaking.

You now have a deeply flavorful, creamy garlic sauce that’s worthy of any Olive Garden Chicken Scampi dish—and trust us, it only gets better once it hits the pasta.

Bringing It All Together – Pasta & Assembly for Olive Garden Chicken Scampi

Cooking Angel Hair Pasta to Just the Right Bite

When it comes to Olive Garden Chicken Scampi, the pasta is more than a base. Every drop of that creamy garlic sauce is absorbed by its thin strands, which contribute to the pleasant and fulfilling experience.

Here’s how to get it just right:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
2. Add 1 pound of angel hair and stir immediately to prevent sticking.
3. Cook for just 4–5 minutes, until al dente. Angel hair cooks fast—overdo it, and it’ll fall apart in the sauce.
4. Reserve 1 full cup of pasta water before draining.

That starchy pasta water? It’s liquid gold. It helps adjust your sauce’s consistency later and binds everything together beautifully.

Tossing Pasta in Sauce: Timing Is Everything

Now that your garlic cream sauce is smooth and flavorful, it’s time to bring the pasta into the pan.

Steps:

• Add your cooked angel hair directly into the skillet with the sauce (still warm but not bubbling).
• Gently mix the spaghetti with tongs until it is completely coated.

One tablespoon at a time, add a splash of the pasta water that was set aside if the sauce seems a little thick. This makes the sauce silkier without thinning the flavor.

Don’t miss our Chicken Scallopini Recipe for another amazing chicken-pasta combo with a bright, lemony twist.

Adding the Star of the Show: Chicken Rejoins the Party

Now that your pasta is ready, it’s time to bring back that golden, crispy chicken.

• Place the cooked chicken tenders gently on top of the pasta in the skillet.
• Cover with a lid for 1–2 minutes, allowing the residual heat to warm the chicken slightly and marry it with the sauce.
• To preserve the crust, don’t stir or immerse the chicken too much.

The goal here is contrast. You want the creamy smoothness of the pasta to contrast with the crunchy bite of the chicken.

Finishing Touches: Garnish Like an Olive Garden Chef

Presentation is the final flavor. Don’t skip the garnish—it adds brightness, sharpness, and a visual “pop” that elevates your Olive Garden Chicken Scampi from homemade to restaurant-level.

Garnish Checklist:

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese – for nutty, salty sharpness
• Finely chopped parsley – for color and freshness
• Chopped fresh basil – optional, but excellent for aroma

Serve your scampi with garlic breadsticks, a side salad, or a crisp glass of white wine.

Tips, Tricks & Smart Swaps for Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Success

Making Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Your Own

One of the greatest things about cooking at home is the freedom to customize your meals to your taste—and this dish is no exception. There’s lots of opportunity to modify and try new things, even though the traditional Olive Garden Chicken Scampi dish is well-liked for a reason. Whether you’re avoiding alcohol, looking for dairy alternatives, or craving more heat, these tips and smart ingredient swaps will help you personalize the dish without sacrificing that signature flavor.

Let’s dive into some of the most useful tweaks you can make.

No Wine? No Problem. Here’s the Perfect Swap

Dry white wine is used in traditional scampi sauce to enhance acidity and deglaze the pan. But if you prefer a non-alcoholic version or simply don’t have wine on hand, no worries. Here’s a quick workaround:

• Swap It With: More chicken broth (½ cup) + 1–2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice
• Why It Works: The broth keeps the body of the sauce rich, while lemon adds the acidity wine would normally provide.

You won’t miss the wine—but your sauce will still pop with brightness and depth.

Lighten It Up Without Losing Flavor

While the original Olive Garden Chicken Scampi recipe calls for heavy cream, you can lighten the dish with a few easy modifications:

Cream Substitute	Use In Place Of	Flavor/Texture Outcome
Half-and-half	Heavy cream	Lighter, still creamy
Coconut cream	Heavy cream	Dairy-free, slightly sweet
Greek yogurt (thinned)	Heavy cream	Tangy, healthier twist

A word of advice: Before adding the Greek yogurt, take the sauce off the stove.

Add a Kick: Spice It Up Like a Pro

Though Olive Garden Chicken Scampi isn’t traditionally spicy, it can absolutely handle some heat. Here’s how to dial it up:

• Add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
• Stir in a pinch of cayenne with the Italian seasoning.
• Serve with spicy olive oil drizzle on top for added richness and zing.

These little touches won’t overpower the creamy sauce, but they’ll add a gentle warmth that balances the sweetness of the bell peppers beautifully.

Want more flavorful heat? Try our Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti for another spicy, creamy pasta option.

Going Dairy-Free Without Ditching the Creamy Vibes

If you’re cutting back on dairy or cooking for someone lactose-intolerant, you can still enjoy a luscious scampi. Here’s how:

• Butter Substitute: Use olive oil or plant-based butter for sautéing.
• Cream Substitute: Try unsweetened coconut cream or cashew cream for a thick, dairy-free alternative.
• Parmesan Alternative: Use nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan for a cheesy kick.

You’ll be amazed how close you can get to the original Olive Garden Chicken Scampi flavor with just a few plant-based swaps.

Make It a One-Pot Wonder (With Less Cleanup!)

Don’t feel like dirtying three different pans? Here’s a clever method:

1. Sear the chicken first and set it aside.
2. Sauté veggies, build your sauce in the same pan.
3. Add cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet for the final toss.

Boom—one skillet, one meal, one happy cleanup.

Conclusion: Mastering Olive Garden Chicken Scampi at Home

Bringing the rich, satisfying flavor of Olive Garden Chicken Scampi into your own kitchen is more than just following a recipe—it’s about understanding the layers of flavor, honoring the ingredients, and adding your own personal twist. From the buttery garlic cream sauce to the tender pan-seared chicken and crisp bell peppers, every bite delivers comfort and indulgence.

You’ve now got every tool you need to make Olive Garden Chicken Scampi taste like the real deal—maybe even better. You know how to:

• Choose the right chicken cuts for juiciness and crisp
• Build a balanced, silky sauce from scratch
• Pair it with perfect sides and wine
• Store and reheat it like a pro
• Avoid the most common kitchen mistakes

Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner, a romantic date night, or to impress guests, this dish is guaranteed to wow. And the best part? It’s versatile. You can keep it classic or adjust for dairy-free, wine-free, or spice-friendly preferences without losing the soul of the dish.

So go ahead—roll up your sleeves, preheat your skillet, and give Olive Garden Chicken Scampi the homemade spotlight it deserves.

Looking for more bold, satisfying chicken dishes? Learn more about Sheet Pan Greek Chicken Dinner.

FAQs About Olive Garden Chicken Scampi