Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat: 7 Cozy Comforts

Oh my goodness, if you love Olive Garden’s Chicken Scampi as much as I do, you’re in for a treat! This *Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat* recipe brings that creamy, garlicky goodness right into your kitchen, and trust me, it’s way easier than you might think. I remember my first time trying scampi at Olive Garden—every bite was like a warm hug! I wanted to recreate that same cozy feeling at home, and now I’m sharing my secret with you. The best part? You can whip this up in about 35 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. So grab your apron and let’s dive into making restaurant-quality scampi in the comfort of your own home!

Ingredients List

Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this *Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat*. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced: Fresh and tender, this is the star of the dish.
• 8 oz linguine pasta: Cooked al dente for that perfect bite.
• 4 tbsp butter: Adds richness and depth to the sauce.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Because what’s scampi without garlic? It brings all the flavors together.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth: Use low-sodium for better control over saltiness.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream: This is what makes it creamy and dreamy.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: The finishing touch that elevates every bite.
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes: Just a pinch for a hint of heat—adjust to your liking!
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning.
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish: Freshness and color to make it pop!

Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking; it’ll make the process so much smoother!

How to Prepare Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat

Alright, let’s get cooking! This *Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat* is a breeze to whip up, and I promise you’ll feel like a culinary rockstar in no time. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in about 35 minutes!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your 8 oz linguine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. When it’s done, drain it and set aside.
2. While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat. Let that butter melt and start to bubble—it should smell divine!
3. Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. You don’t want it to brown, so keep an eye on it.
4. Now, toss in your sliced 1 lb chicken breast, seasoning it with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. Yum!
5. Once the chicken is cooked, pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for about 2-3 minutes to let those flavors meld.
6. Time to make it creamy! Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Keep stirring until everything is well combined and the cheese is melted. It’ll be so rich and delicious!
7. Finally, add your cooked linguine to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is coated in that luscious sauce. This is where the magic happens!
8. Before serving, sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped parsley for that fresh touch. Now, dig in and enjoy your homemade scampi!

And there you have it! A restaurant-worthy dish that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Bon appétit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Making this *Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat* at home is a total game changer for your dinner routine! Here’s why you’re going to love it:

• Quick Preparation: In just 35 minutes, you can have a delicious meal on the table, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Restaurant Quality: Enjoy all the rich, creamy flavors you love from Olive Garden, right from your kitchen!
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level or add your favorite veggies to make it your own.
• Budget-Friendly: Save money by making this beloved dish at home instead of dining out.
• Impressive Dish: It’s sure to wow your family and friends, making you the star of the dinner table!

Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a regular in your meal rotation!

Tips for Success

To make sure your *Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat* turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and garlic really elevate this dish. Don’t skimp on quality!
• Watch the Garlic: Sautéing garlic is quick! Keep an eye on it to avoid burning, which can make it bitter.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook your linguine just until al dente, as it will continue to cook a bit when mixed with the sauce.
• Adjust the Creaminess: Feel free to add more heavy cream or broth if you prefer a saucier dish. It’s all about your preference!
• Garnish Generously: Fresh parsley not only adds flavor but also makes your dish look beautiful. Don’t skip this step!

With these tips in mind, you’ll be on your way to mastering this delicious scampi. Happy cooking!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying a delicious meal like this *Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat*, it’s good to know what you’re putting on your plate! Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional values per serving:

• Calories: 650
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 100mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 30g

These values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, so consider this as a general guide. Enjoying a hearty dish like this is all about balance, and I think you’ll find that it’s worth every delicious bite!

FAQ Section

Can I use shrimp instead of chicken? Absolutely! Shrimp is a fantastic alternative and cooks up just as beautifully in this *Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat* recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as shrimp cooks faster than chicken.

What can I serve with this dish? This scampi pairs wonderfully with a side salad, garlic bread, or even some steamed veggies. You can create a complete Italian feast right at home!

Can I make this dish in advance? While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and simply cook the pasta when you’re ready to eat. Just reheat the sauce gently before combining.

Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes! If you use gluten-free linguine, you can easily make this *Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat* suitable for gluten-free diets.

How can I make it spicier? If you like a little kick, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or even a splash of hot sauce to the sauce. Spice it up to your liking!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

So, you’ve made this delicious *Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat*, and now you’ve got some leftovers? No worries! To store your scampi, let it cool down to room temperature first, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just remember to keep those flavors fresh!

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is on the stovetop. Just add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to the skillet to keep it creamy and prevent drying out. Heat it over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also use the microwave if you’re in a hurry—just cover it loosely and heat in short intervals, stirring in between. Enjoy your cozy leftovers!

Serving Suggestions

To make your *Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Copycat* dinner truly special, consider pairing it with some delightful sides and beverages. A fresh, crisp Caesar salad is a classic choice that adds a nice crunch and balances the creamy scampi beautifully. You can also serve some warm garlic bread on the side for that perfect dipping experience—who can resist a bit of bread to soak up all that delicious sauce?

If you’re in the mood for veggies, roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli would complement the dish wonderfully, bringing a pop of color and nutrition to your plate. For a drink, a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the flavors, enhancing the Italian vibe of your meal. Trust me, these pairings will elevate your dining experience to a whole new level!

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