Can I use a different type of pasta in Olive Garden Chicken Scampi?

Absolutely. While Olive Garden Chicken Scampi traditionally uses angel hair pasta for its delicate texture and fast cook time, you can experiment with other types too. Thin spaghetti or linguine make suitable substitutes. Just keep in mind that heavier pastas like fettuccine or penne may absorb the creamy garlic sauce differently and could overpower the tender chicken. If you're craving that classic feel, stick to angel hair—it was designed to let the scampi sauce shine.

What’s the best substitute for white wine in Olive Garden Chicken Scampi?

If you're avoiding alcohol, no worries— Olive Garden Chicken Scampi can still be delicious without wine. The best swap is a combo of chicken broth and a splash of fresh lemon juice . This keeps the sauce bright and flavorful, replicating the acidity wine would normally add. Another great option is apple cider vinegar diluted with water, but use it sparingly. The key is to maintain balance. You want that gentle tang without overwhelming the creaminess.

Is Olive Garden Chicken Scampi spicy?

No, traditional Olive Garden Chicken Scampi isn’t spicy. It’s a mild dish built around garlic, butter, cream, and sautéed peppers. But if you love a little kick, you can absolutely make it your own. Add red pepper flakes , black pepper , or even a dash of cayenne to turn up the heat without changing the integrity of the sauce. It’s your kitchen—customize your scampi to fit your flavor profile.

Can I make Olive Garden Chicken Scampi ahead of time?

Yes, Olive Garden Chicken Scampi can be prepared in advance—just follow the right steps to preserve its texture and flavor. Cook the chicken, pasta, and sauce separately. Once they cool, store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat each component on the stovetop, then combine and garnish. This method keeps the chicken crispy, the pasta fresh, and the sauce creamy without splitting.

How do I make Olive Garden Chicken Scampi dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version of Olive Garden Chicken Scampi , you’ll need to swap a few ingredients: Use olive oil or vegan butter in place of regular butter. Replace heavy cream with unsweetened coconut cream or cashew cream . Substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative. The result? A plant-based version that’s still rich, garlicky, and absolutely delicious.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it for Olive Garden Chicken Scampi?

Definitely. If you're aiming for a lighter twist on Olive Garden Chicken Scampi , baking works well. Bread the chicken as usual, then bake on a parchment-lined sheet at 400°F for 20–25 minutes , flipping halfway through. You’ll still get a crisp texture without the added oil. While pan-frying gives that restaurant-style golden crust, baking is a great option if you're watching your calories or cooking in bulk.

Olive Garden Chicken Scampi – 3 Secrets to the Perfect Sauce

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Author: Maria
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Category: Main Course, Pasta
Method: Pan‑fry chicken + sauté veggies + simmer sauce
Cuisine: Italian‑American
Diet: Low Fat

Description

A copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi—crispy breaded chicken tenders served atop angel hair pasta, colorful bell peppers and red onion, all drenched in a creamy garlic, white wine and chicken broth sauce.

Ingredients

Units Scale

2 Tbsp olive oil
2 lb chicken tenders (or sliced chicken breast)
1 cup all‑purpose flour
1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
1 Tbsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 lb angel hair pasta
1 Tbsp olive oil (for veggies)
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 red onion, thinly sliced
3 Tbsp butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
2/3 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Parsley & extra Parmesan, for garnish

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Instructions

Mix flour, Italian seasoning, salt & pepper; coat chicken tenders.
Heat 2 Tbsp oil in skillet over medium-high; fry chicken 2–4 min per side until golden and cooked. Cover to keep warm. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Cook angel hair pasta to al dente; reserve 1 cup pasta water, drain. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Add 1 Tbsp oil to same pan; sauté peppers & onion 3–5 min until tender-crisp. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Add butter and garlic; cook ~1 min until fragrant.
Pour in wine, deglaze pan, then add broth and simmer 2 min. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Stir in cream and Parmesan; bring to a gentle simmer.
Add pasta (and pasta water if needed), toss to coat sauce thoroughly. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Top with chicken, garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan, and serve warm.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Use chicken tenders—they cook evenly and stay juicy. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
For lighter version, substitute half-and-half or milk for cream. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Reheat leftovers gently with a splash of broth to revive creaminess. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 1034 kcal
Fat: ≈45 g
Saturated Fat: ≈16 g
Carbohydrates: ≈106 g
Protein: ≈49 g

Find it online: https://cooktune.com/olive-garden-chicken-scampi/