I still remember the first time I made this copycat Olive Garden chicken scampi recipe at home—it instantly took me back to those cozy restaurant dinners. I wanted something creamy, a little spicy, and packed with flavor, and this recipe delivered perfectly.

As I cooked, the garlic, peppers, and buttery sauce filled my kitchen with an irresistible aroma. When I finally tasted it, I knew I had to make it again. Now, I’m excited to share exactly how I make it so you can enjoy the same restaurant-style experience at home. You can also enjoy similar recipes like Creamy Spinach Chicken Recipe for another rich and flavorful chicken dish.

Ingredients

Here’s a breakdown of everything you need and why each ingredient matters for the best chicken scampi flavor.
Chicken tenderloins – 1½ pounds (fresh chicken works best because it stays juicy and tender while cooking)
All-purpose flour – ½ cup (used for lightly coating the chicken, helping it brown and slightly thicken the sauce)
Salt – 1 teaspoon (enhances the overall flavor of both the chicken and the creamy sauce)
Black pepper – ½ teaspoon (adds mild warmth without overpowering the dish)
Olive oil – 2 tablespoons (ideal for sautéing because it handles heat well and adds subtle flavor)
Butter – 4 tablespoons (essential for that rich, restaurant-style scampi taste)
Red bell pepper – 1 large, sliced (adds sweetness, color, and balances the creamy sauce)
Green bell pepper – 1 large, sliced (provides a mild bitterness that complements the sweetness of red pepper)
Yellow onion – 1 medium, sliced (builds the base flavor and softens beautifully when sautéed)
Garlic – 4 cloves, minced (fresh garlic gives the signature Olive Garden aroma and depth)
Heavy cream – 1½ cups (creates a thick, creamy sauce—full-fat works best for texture)
Chicken broth – ½ cup (adds savory depth and prevents the sauce from becoming too heavy)
Parmesan cheese – ¾ cup, freshly grated (melts smoother and tastes richer than pre-shredded cheese)
Red pepper flakes – ½ teaspoon (adds gentle heat; adjust based on spice preference)
Angel hair pasta – 12 ounces (light pasta that holds the sauce well and cooks quickly)
Fresh parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped (adds freshness and a pop of color at the end)

Note: This recipe serves 4 generous portions based on the listed ingredient quantities. You can also try Sticky Chicken Tenders Recipe for a different, finger-friendly chicken option.

Variations

This chicken scampi recipe is flexible, and I’ve tried a few fun twists over time. For a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use vegan butter. If you want it lighter, half-and-half works instead of cream. For extra flavor, add sliced mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes. You can also make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and flour.

Cooking Time

Here’s how long it takes from start to finish:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Equipment You Need

Large skillet – for cooking chicken and making the sauce in one pan
Large pot – to boil the pasta evenly
Tongs – to flip chicken and toss pasta with sauce
Cutting board – for prepping vegetables safely
Sharp knife – to slice peppers, onion, and garlic easily

How to Make Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe?

This recipe comes together smoothly when you follow each step in order. I like to prep everything first so cooking feels relaxed and enjoyable.

Prepare the Chicken

Lightly season the chicken tenderloins with salt and pepper, then dredge them in flour. This thin coating helps the chicken brown nicely and gives the sauce extra body later.

Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken until golden on both sides and fully cooked, then remove it from the pan and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add sliced peppers and onions. Cook until softened and slightly caramelized, scraping up the flavorful bits left from the chicken.

Build the Sauce

Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring briefly until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, letting the sauce gently simmer and thicken.

Add Cheese and Chicken

Stir in freshly grated Parmesan until melted. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and let it simmer in the sauce to soak up flavor.

Cook the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, boil angel hair pasta until al dente. Drain well, reserving a little pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Combine and Finish

Add pasta directly to the skillet and toss until evenly coated. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

After making this several times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really elevate the dish:

I always grate Parmesan fresh—it melts smoother and tastes richer.
I avoid overcrowding the pan so the chicken browns instead of steaming.
I taste the sauce before serving and adjust salt or spice as needed.
I add a splash of pasta water if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe?

I love serving this chicken scampi straight from the skillet for a rustic feel. Garnish with extra parsley, red pepper flakes, and shaved Parmesan. Pair it with garlic bread or breadsticks and a crisp green salad. For presentation, twist the pasta into nests and top with sliced chicken.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick nutritional overview per serving to help you plan your meal:

Calories: Approx. 620 kcal
Protein: High, thanks to chicken and cheese
Carbohydrates: Moderate, mainly from pasta
Fat: Rich, from cream, butter, and cheese

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

You can prep the vegetables and cook the chicken a day ahead. Store them separately in the fridge, then finish the sauce and pasta when ready to serve.

Storage

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, which I actually enjoy.

Reheating and Freezing

Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth. Freezing is possible, but the sauce may separate slightly—stir well while reheating.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are so many reasons this recipe has become one of my favorites:

It tastes just like the restaurant version but fresher and homemade.
The ingredients are simple and easy to find.
You can customize it for different diets and flavors.
It’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

If you’ve ever craved Olive Garden chicken scampi at home, this recipe will quickly become a regular in your kitchen.

Ash Tyrrell