If you’ve ever found yourself savoring every last bite of the creamy, zesty, and downright irresistible Chicken Scampi at Olive Garden, you’re not alone. This dish is a beloved favorite for good reason—it blends buttery garlic sauce with tender chicken and colorful peppers, all tossed with pasta to create a restaurant-worthy experience at home.

Our copycat version captures everything you love about the original but is made with simple pantry staples and easy steps. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or an indulgent date night at home, this recipe brings the magic of Olive Garden to your kitchen, no reservations needed.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into this creamy classic, having the right tools at hand makes all the difference. Start with a large non-stick skillet — essential for getting a perfect sear on the chicken while letting the peppers caramelize to golden perfection. A medium saucepan is a must for cooking your pasta just right and for preparing the decadent scampi sauce.

Use tongs to flip your chicken easily and keep your hands safe from oil splatters. A microplane or fine grater will help you freshly grate parmesan, unlocking its nutty richness. Don’t forget a sharp chef’s knife for prepping the veggies quickly and uniformly. These tools help streamline your workflow and ensure even cooking throughout.

Ingredients for the Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The protein star of this dish. Thinly sliced or pounded for even cooking.
Bell peppers (red, yellow, and green): Add color, sweetness, and a slight crunch to contrast the creamy sauce.

Red onion: Brings a slight bite and beautiful color to the dish.
Fresh garlic: A must-have for that authentic scampi flavor.
Olive oil: For searing the chicken and sautéing the vegetables.
Butter: Used in the sauce to add richness and balance out the acidity.

White wine or chicken broth: Deglazes the pan and deepens the flavor profile.
Heavy cream: Gives the sauce its luscious texture.
Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce and adds nutty, salty depth.
Italian seasoning: Enhances the savory notes.
Salt & black pepper: For seasoning throughout.
Angel hair or thin spaghetti pasta: Light and perfect for soaking up the scampi sauce.

How To Make the Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Slice chicken breasts into strips and season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Let them rest while you prep the veggies.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add a touch more olive oil if needed. Sauté the sliced bell peppers and red onion until just tender and slightly caramelized.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Lower the heat and add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Once fragrant, pour in white wine or chicken broth to deglaze, scraping up the flavorful bits. Stir in heavy cream and grated parmesan. Let it simmer until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Combine and Toss

Return the chicken to the skillet, letting it warm through in the sauce. Meanwhile, cook the pasta until al dente. Toss the pasta into the skillet and mix until everything is coated in the creamy sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with more parmesan and freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh finish.

Serving and Storing Chicken Scampi

This dish is best served hot and fresh from the skillet. Plate it up with a generous spoonful of sauce and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Pair it with crusty garlic bread or a light Caesar salad for the full Olive Garden vibe.

Leftovers? No problem. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet with a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life—microwaving may dry it out, so stovetop is best.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While angel hair is traditional, fettuccine, linguine, or even penne can work beautifully.

Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for the white wine?

Yes, you can use chicken broth with a splash of lemon juice to mimic the acidity and depth of flavor.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the chicken and chop the vegetables ahead. The sauce also reheats well with a little added cream.

What vegetables can I add?

Spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini are great add-ins. Just be sure to sauté them well to avoid excess moisture.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not at all. It’s a mild, creamy pasta dish. If you want heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can do the trick!

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love this creamy chicken scampi, you’ll definitely enjoy these comforting classics from Life With Olivia:

Longhorn Parmesan Chicken for a crispy, cheesy twist.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole for a hearty family-style bake.
One-Pan Garlic Herb Chicken with Potatoes & Green Beans for a complete one-dish dinner.
Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot for an easy slow cooker option.
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini for another creamy chicken pasta favorite.

And if you want daily kitchen inspiration, head over to my Pinterest board: Life With Olivia Recipes

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how it turned out for you! Did you make it with wine or go with broth? Add extra veggies or spice it up? I love hearing how these dishes become your own.

Questions welcome too—let’s cook smarter together!

Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Skip the reservation and bring restaurant-quality flavor to your table with this Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat. This creamy garlic parmesan pasta with seared chicken and vibrant peppers is the perfect quick dinner idea for weeknights or date nights. It’s a satisfying, easy recipe that delivers big on flavor—ideal for fans of creamy chicken pasta dishes and comforting food ideas.

Instructions

1. Slice chicken breasts into strips and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, sauté bell peppers and red onion until just tender and slightly caramelized.

4. Reduce heat, add butter and garlic. Cook until fragrant. Deglaze with white wine or broth.

5. Stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Simmer until thickened.

6. Cook pasta until al dente. Add it to the sauce along with cooked chicken. Toss everything together.

7. Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

Pound the chicken to an even thickness for quicker and more even cooking.

Freshly grated parmesan melts better and adds more flavor than pre-shredded.

For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half and reduce the butter.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 620
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 520mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 145mg

Keywords: chicken scampi, Olive Garden copycat, creamy pasta, easy dinner