If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably found yourself dreaming about that creamy, garlicky, veggie-packed chicken scampi from Olive Garden. It’s a dish that delivers comfort and sophistication in every bite. Juicy seared chicken breast strips, tender peppers, and onions mingle in a buttery garlic wine sauce all layered over angel hair pasta. This homemade version nails the flavors while keeping things simple enough for a weeknight meal.

This copycat recipe isn’t just close to the restaurant version—some say it might be even better. Fresh ingredients make all the difference, and when that first forkful hits your mouth, you’ll understand why this dish is a keeper. It’s packed with creamy goodness, full of Italian flair, and absolutely crave-worthy.

Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat

This recipe brings together juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a luscious garlic parmesan sauce with colorful sautéed veggies. It’s hearty without being heavy, and it feels fancy while being effortless to make at home. Whether you’re hosting guests or just want a better-than-takeout dinner, this one delivers every time.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Chicken Scampi?

Olive Garden uses angel hair, and for good reason—it cooks fast and soaks up all that delicious sauce beautifully. However, feel free to swap it with linguine or spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand. Just avoid thick noodles that might overpower the delicate flavors of the garlic wine sauce.

Ingredients for the Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat

Let’s talk about what makes this dish unforgettable. It starts with everyday staples that combine into something extraordinary.

Chicken breast
Bell peppers (red, yellow, and green)
Red onion
Angel hair pasta
Garlic
Butter
Olive oil
White wine
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese
Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper

Each ingredient plays its role perfectly. The chicken is the protein heart of the dish. The colorful peppers and onions add sweetness and texture. Garlic and white wine build the aromatic base for the sauce, while cream and parmesan bring richness. Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper round out the flavors.

How To Make the Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Slice the chicken into thin strips. Cut your bell peppers and onion into similar-sized strips so they cook evenly. Mince the garlic and grate the parmesan if it’s not already prepped.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and a bit of butter. Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet, add more butter and sauté the bell peppers and red onion until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Deglaze the pan with white wine, letting it simmer to cook off the alcohol. Stir in heavy cream, parmesan, and seasonings. Let it thicken slightly into a silky sauce.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the chicken to the pan, add your cooked angel hair pasta, and toss until everything is coated and heated through.

Serving and Storing Chicken Scampi

This recipe generously feeds 4 people and makes for a colorful, satisfying dinner. Serve it with a light sprinkle of extra parmesan and maybe a bit of chopped parsley for freshness.

To store leftovers, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.

What to Serve With Chicken Scampi?

Garlic Bread

The classic choice for soaking up every bit of that garlicky sauce.

Caesar Salad

The crisp romaine and tangy dressing offer a nice contrast to the creamy pasta.

Roasted Asparagus

Adds a bright green crunch that pairs beautifully with the richness of the scampi.

Lemon-Butter Broccoli

Steamed and tossed in lemony butter for a light side.

Parmesan Green Beans

Quick sautéed green beans finished with a dusting of cheese.

Bruschetta

Bright and fresh, it’s a great starter that sets an Italian tone.

Sparkling Water with Lemon

A refreshing drink to balance the creamy elements.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If this scampi is your style, you might fall in love with some of these comforting classics too:

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Tried it already? Let me know how yours turned out in the comments. Did you go heavy on the garlic or maybe toss in mushrooms? I’d love to hear your twist.

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Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat

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Author: Mia Park
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

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Description

Recreate the rich, buttery, and creamy Olive Garden Chicken Scampi at home with this easy copycat recipe. Featuring garlic parmesan sauce, sautéed peppers, and tender chicken over angel hair pasta, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner idea and restaurant-quality comfort food. Great for lovers of Italian-style pasta and creamy chicken dishes.

Instructions

1. Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips. Prepare the bell peppers and red onion by cutting them into strips. Mince the garlic and grate the parmesan if needed.

2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter. Sear the chicken strips until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

3. Add remaining butter to the skillet. Add bell peppers and red onion. Sauté until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

4. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly and cook off the alcohol.

5. Stir in the heavy cream, parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently until slightly thickened.

6. Add cooked chicken back to the skillet along with the cooked angel hair pasta. Toss everything to coat evenly in the sauce.

7. Serve hot with a sprinkle of extra parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.