I’ve always loved Olive Garden’s Chicken Scampi, and I’m thrilled to share my own copycat version with you. This dish combines tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and a zesty lemon garlic sauce that perfectly mirrors the restaurant’s classic flavors.
Making it at home is simpler than you might think, letting you enjoy restaurant-quality goodness any night of the week. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner for two or entertaining friends, this Chicken Scampi is sure to impress and become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to recreate Olive Garden’s Chicken Scampi right in your kitchen:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Thinly sliced into strips for quick cooking
- 1/2 pound large shrimp
Peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic
Minced finely to release maximum flavor
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
Such as Sauvignon Blanc
- 1 lemon
Zested and juiced for that zesty kick
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped for a burst of color and freshness
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
To taste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Optional, for a hint of heat
- 8 ounces angel hair pasta
Cooked according to package instructions
Equipment
To master Olive Garden’s Chicken Scampi at home, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s what I use in my kitchen to ensure everything comes together perfectly:
- Large Skillet or Sauté Pan
A heavy-bottomed skillet distributes heat evenly, allowing the chicken and shrimp to sear beautifully without sticking.
- Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife
Essential for prepping chicken breasts and mincing garlic with precision and ease.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accurate measurements ensure the balance of flavors in the lemon garlic sauce is spot on.
- Tongs
Perfect for flipping chicken and shrimp, ensuring even cooking without breaking the seafood.
- Grater or Microplane
Freshly grated Parmesan and lemon zest add vibrant flavors; a good grater makes this effortless.
- Large Pot
Needed to cook the angel hair pasta to al dente perfection, absorbing just the right amount of sauce.
- Garlic Press (optional)
For quickly mincing garlic, infusing the dish with robust garlic flavor without the hassle.
- Lemon Squeezer
Extracting fresh lemon juice enhances the citrusy tang of the sauce, elevating the overall taste.
Having these tools on hand ensures a smooth cooking process and helps replicate that beloved restaurant-quality Chicken Scampi right in your home kitchen.
Directions
I’m excited to guide you through recreating Olive Garden’s Chicken Scampi at home. Follow these steps to achieve restaurant-quality results.
Prep Ingredients
| Step | Instruction |
|---|---|
| 1 | Slice 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thin strips. |
| 2 | Peel and devein 1/2 pound of large shrimp, leaving tails on for presentation. |
| 3 | Finely mince 4 cloves of garlic. |
| 4 | Zest and juice 1 lemon, ensuring no seeds are included. |
| 5 | Grate 1/4 cup of freshly Parmesan cheese. |
| 6 | Measure 8 ounces of angel hair pasta and set aside. |
Cook Chicken
| Step | Instruction |
|---|---|
| 1 | Heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. |
| 2 | Add the sliced chicken to the skillet, seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste. |
| 3 | Sauté the chicken for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. |
| 4 | Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. |
Make Sauce
| Step | Instruction |
|---|---|
| 1 | In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. |
| 2 | Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. |
| 3 | Pour in 1/2 cup of dry white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. |
| 4 | Stir in the lemon zest and juice, allowing the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes. |
| 5 | Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. |
| 6 | Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. |
Combine and Serve
| Step | Instruction |
|---|---|
| 1 | Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the shrimp. |
| 2 | Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. |
| 3 | In a large pot, cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions until al dente. |
| 4 | Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with the sauce. |
| 5 | Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired. |
Make-Ahead Instructions
As a chef who loves perfecting recipes, I understand the joy of preparing meals ahead of time without sacrificing flavor or quality. Here’s how you can make Olive Garden Chicken Scampi ahead of your dinner plans:
1. Prep the Ingredients
Start by organizing all your ingredients. Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips and peel and devein the shrimp. Mince the garlic and zest and juice the lemon. Having everything ready will streamline the cooking process when you’re ready to assemble the dish.
2. Store the Chicken and Shrimp
Place the sliced chicken and shrimp in separate airtight containers. Refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. If you want to marinate the chicken for extra flavor, combine it with a little olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper before storing.
3. Prepare the Lemon Garlic Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine the minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and dry white wine. Heat gently until the garlic is fragrant. Stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth. Let it cool, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. This sauce can be refrigerated for up to two days or frozen for up to a month.
4. Cook the Pasta Ahead
Boil the angel hair pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss the pasta with a little olive oil to prevent sticking and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
5. Assemble in Advance
When you’re ready to serve, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken until it’s browned and cooked through, then add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink. Pour in the prepared lemon garlic sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes. Toss in the cooked pasta and mix everything until well combined.
6. Reheating Tips
If you’ve frozen the sauce, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. When reheating the assembled dish, add a splash of white wine or lemon juice to refresh the flavors. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a side of garlic bread for that authentic Olive Garden experience.
Serving Suggestions
Elevating your Olive Garden Chicken Scampi experience is all about pairing it with complementary sides and thoughtful presentations. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve this delightful dish:
Perfect Pairings
- Angel Hair Pasta: Traditionally served with Chicken Scampi, its delicate strands perfectly absorb the zesty lemon garlic sauce.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, garlic bread adds a satisfying crunch and additional garlic flavor.
- Caesar Salad: A fresh Caesar salad with crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons balances the richness of the scampi.
Garnish Ideas
- Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil to add a burst of color and freshness.
- Lemon Wedges: Serve alongside lemon wedges for an extra zing of citrus.
- Grated Parmesan: A light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan enhances the savory notes of the dish.
Beverage Pairings
- White Wine: A crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the lemon garlic sauce beautifully.
- Sparkling Water: For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a splash of lemon maintains the meal’s light and refreshing profile.
Presentation Tips
- Plating: Twirl a portion of angel hair pasta on each plate, top with slices of chicken and shrimp, and drizzle with the vibrant sauce.
- Family-Style Serving: For a cozy dining experience, present the scampi in a large serving dish surrounded by the side dishes.
- Individual Bowls: Serve in shallow bowls to showcase the colorful ingredients and make it easy for everyone to enjoy their portion.
Make It a Complete Meal
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate steamed broccoli or sautéed asparagus for added nutrition and color.
- Protein Boost: Include extra shrimp or chicken for those who crave more protein.
- Spice It Up: Offer red pepper flakes on the side for guests who enjoy an extra kick of heat.
Conclusion
Bringing Olive Garden’s Chicken Scampi into my kitchen has been a delightful experience. Seeing my family enjoy each flavorful bite makes all the effort worthwhile.
I love how this recipe combines simplicity with restaurant-quality taste making it perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering this dish never fails to impress.
