Indulge in the creamy, zesty flavors of Olive Garden’s Chicken Scampi Pasta with this easy-to-follow copycat recipe. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special family dinner, this dish combines tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and a luscious garlic cream sauce over delicate angel hair pasta. Let’s dive into this comforting and gourmet meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
Ingredients Overview
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and a creamy texture to the dish.
- Red, Yellow, and Green Bell Peppers: Provide a burst of color and a sweet, crisp contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Red Onion: Offers a mild sweetness and a slight crunch.
- Garlic: Infuses the dish with its unmistakable aromatic and flavorful notes.
- Flour: Helps to thicken the sauce and create a velvety texture.
- Red Pepper Flakes, Dried Oregano, Dried Basil: These spices bring a warm, aromatic depth to the sauce.
- White Wine: Adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor and helps deglaze the pan.
- Chicken Broth: Enhances the savory elements of the sauce.
- Angel Hair Pasta: Light and delicate, this pasta perfectly absorbs the creamy sauce.
- Chicken Breast Tenderloins: Tender and juicy, these are the stars of the dish.
- Kosher Salt and Coarse Ground Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the flavors of the ingredients.
- Olive Oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps cook the chicken to perfection.
- Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and smooth sauce.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish with a hint of acidity.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, savory finish to the pasta.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Heat Butter: Add 2 tablespoons of butter to a cast iron skillet on medium-high heat.
- Cook Bell Peppers and Onions: Add the sliced bell peppers and red onion, cooking for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce Base
- Melt Butter: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet.
- Cook Garlic and Flour: Once melted, add 2 tablespoons of flour and minced garlic. Whisk well, allowing the flour to cook for about 20 seconds to remove the raw taste.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
- Add Spices and Liquids: Incorporate the red pepper flakes, dried oregano, dried basil, white wine, and chicken broth. Let the mixture reduce over medium heat for 18-20 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
- Boil Pasta: While the sauce is reducing, cook the angel hair pasta one minute shy of the package instructions. Do not rinse the pasta; set it aside.
Step 5: Prepare the Chicken
- Season and Coat Chicken: In a second pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken tenderloins with Kosher salt and coarse ground black pepper, then coat them in the remaining flour.
- Cook Chicken: Add the chicken to the pan, cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 6: Finish the Sauce
- Thicken with Cream: Once the sauce has reduced by half, add the heavy cream and whisk until the sauce is thick and smooth.
- Add Lemon and Cheese: Stir in the lemon juice and half of the shaved Parmesan cheese.
Step 7: Combine and Serve
- Mix Pasta and Vegetables: Toss the cooked angel hair pasta with the sauce, bell peppers, and onions until well combined.
- Top with Chicken: Arrange the cooked chicken tenderloins on top of the pasta.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the dish and serve immediately.
Helpful Tips
Tip 1: Use Fresh Ingredients
- Freshness Matters: Fresh garlic, bell peppers, and herbs will significantly enhance the flavor of your dish.
Tip 2: Don’t Overcook the Pasta
- Al Dente Perfection: Cooking the pasta one minute shy of the package instructions ensures it absorbs the sauce perfectly without becoming mushy.
Tip 3: Deglaze the Pan
- Maximize Flavor: When adding the white wine, make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor.
Tip 4: Warm the Cream
- Smooth Sauce: Warm the heavy cream before adding it to the sauce to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth consistency.
Tip 5: Adjust Spice Level
- Personal Preference: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storing Leftovers
- Airtight Containers: Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions
- Gentle Reheat: Reheat the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
- A1: Yes, fettuccine or spaghetti would also work well with this sauce.
Q2: What can I substitute for white wine?
- A2: You can use chicken broth or a splash of white vinegar mixed with water as a substitute.
Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- A3: Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance. Combine with pasta just before serving.
Q4: How can I make this dish gluten-free?
- A4: Use gluten-free flour for the sauce and gluten-free pasta.
Q5: What can I use instead of heavy cream?
- A5: Half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream can be used.
Q6: Can I add other vegetables?
- A6: Absolutely! Mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach would be great additions.
Q7: Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
- A7: You can substitute the chicken with tofu or a plant-based protein.
Q8: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
- A8: Yes, rotisserie chicken can be a time-saving alternative.
Q9: How do I prevent the sauce from breaking?
- A9: Ensure the heavy cream is warm and add it slowly while whisking continuously.
Q10: Can I freeze leftovers?
- A10: It’s best to freeze the sauce separately from the pasta for optimal texture.
Q11: What kind of white wine should I use?
- A11: A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works well.
Q12: Can I use different cheeses?
- A12: Pecorino Romano or Asiago can be used in place of Parmesan.
Q13: How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
- A13: Don’t overcook the chicken and let it rest before slicing.
Q14: Can I make this dish spicy?
- A14: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for more heat.
Q15: What can I serve with this dish?
- A15: A fresh green salad or garlic bread pairs nicely.
Q16: Can I use chicken thighs instead of tenderloins?
- A16: Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used.
Q17: How do I thicken the sauce without flour?
- A17: Cornstarch or arrowroot powder can be used as thickening agents.
Q18: What type of pan is best for this recipe?
- A18: A cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan is ideal for even cooking.
Q19: How can I add more flavor to the chicken?
- A19: Marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for extra flavor.
Q20: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
- A20: Use dairy-free butter and cream substitutes to make the dish dairy-free.
Secrets for Culinary Perfection
Secret 1: Quality Ingredients
- Use the best ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients make a significant difference in flavor and texture.
Secret 2: Proper Seasoning
- Season at each step: Season the vegetables, sauce, and chicken separately to build layers of flavor.
Secret 3: Sauté Technique
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the vegetables and chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
Secret 4: Sauce Reduction
- Reduce sauce properly: Allow the sauce to reduce until it coats the back of a spoon for the perfect consistency.
Secret 5: Resting Time
- Let chicken rest: Allow the cooked chicken to rest before slicing to retain its juices.
Secret 6: Pasta Water
- Reserve pasta water: Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
Secret 7: Finishing Touch
- Add lemon juice last: Add lemon juice at the end of cooking to maintain its fresh, bright flavor.
Secret 8: Cheese Integration
- Gradual cheese addition: Add cheese gradually and stir continuously to prevent clumping.
Secret 9: Herb Freshness
- Use fresh herbs: If possible, use fresh oregano and basil for a more vibrant flavor.
Secret 10: Temperature Control
- Control heat: Maintain medium heat while reducing the sauce to avoid burning.
Secret 11: Wine Quality
- Use drinkable wine: Always cook with wine you would enjoy drinking.
Secret 12: Oil Quality
- Use good olive oil: High-quality olive oil enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Secret 13: Uniform Slicing
- Slice vegetables evenly: Evenly sliced vegetables cook more uniformly and look better in the dish.
Secret 14: Pasta Cooking
- Cook pasta al dente: Slightly undercooking the pasta allows it to finish cooking in the sauce.
Secret 15: Sauce Emulsification
- Whisk constantly: Whisk the sauce continuously when adding cream to create a smooth emulsion.
Secret 16: Taste and Adjust
- Taste as you go: Adjust seasonings and flavors throughout the cooking process.
Secret 17: Aromatics
- Bloom spices: Briefly cook dried spices in butter or oil to release their full flavor.
Secret 18: Visual Appeal
- Garnish thoughtfully: Garnish with fresh herbs or additional cheese for a professional presentation.
Secret 19: Balance Flavors
- Balance acidity: Adjust lemon juice and seasoning to balance the rich creaminess of the sauce.
Secret 20: Enjoy the Process
- Have fun: Cooking is an art. Enjoy the process and put your love into every dish!
Enjoy crafting this delightful Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta at home and sharing the joy of a delicious meal with your loved ones. Happy cooking!
