Quick Overview
If you love the scrumptious flavors of Olive Garden’s Chicken Scampi, you are in for a treat! This dish combines tender chicken and succulent shrimp in a rich, creamy garlic sauce served over pasta. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner with family or friends. The magic of this recipe lies in its balance of flavors and textures – from the juicy chicken to the perfectly cooked pasta. Creating this wonderful meal at home is easier than you think! In just a few simple steps, you can recreate that restaurant experience right in your kitchen. Whether you want to impress guests or simply enjoy a weeknight meal, this Olive Garden Chicken Scampi recipe will surely please everyone at the table. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get cooking!
Ingredient Breakdown
Chicken Breast
You will need 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. This lean protein adds heartiness to the dish.
Shrimp
Use 1 pound of large shrimp that are peeled and deveined. Shrimp brings a delightful seafood flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
Garlic
Prepare 4 cloves of fresh garlic, minced. Garlic infuses the dish with aromatic richness and depth.
Heavy Cream
Incorporate 1 cup of heavy cream. This adds creaminess to the sauce while balancing out the flavors beautifully.
Parmesan Cheese
Grate ½ cup of fresh Parmesan cheese. This cheese gives your dish a savory and nutty flavor that enhances its overall taste.
Fettuccine Pasta
Cook 8 ounces of fettuccine pasta according to package instructions. The wide noodles hold onto the sauce well and provide a satisfying base for your dish.
Butter
Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Butter brings richness and helps create a silky sauce for your scampi.
Seasonings
Use salt and black pepper to taste along with chopped parsley for garnish. These simple seasonings elevate the dish without overpowering it.
Step By Step Recipe: Olive Garden Chicken Scampi
1. **Cook the Fettuccine**
Begin by boiling water in a large pot and adding salt once it reaches a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces of fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente—usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside while keeping it warm.
2. **Sauté the Chicken**
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add 1 pound of diced chicken breast seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through; then remove from skillet and set aside.
3. **Cook the Shrimp**
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter along with 1 pound of shrimp (peeled and deveined). Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque; then remove them from the skillet as well.
4. **Prepare Garlic Sauce**
Next, add minced garlic to the skillet along with remaining butter (1 tablespoon) over medium heat until fragrant—about 1 minute should suffice. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream while stirring continuously to combine all flavors together.
5. **Add Cheese**
Gradually stir in ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese into your cream mixture while continuing to stir until melted completely—this should take about 2 minutes.
6. **Combine Ingredients**
Return both cooked chicken pieces and shrimp back into your skillet filled with garlic cream sauce; stir until everything is fully coated in that creamy goodness—cook together for an additional minute on low heat.
7. **Mix with Pasta**
Finally, add your drained fettuccine to the skillet mixing it gently so each noodle gets coated evenly with sauce—cook for another minute just until warmed through before removing from heat.
8. **Garnish & Serve**
Before serving up this tasty creation, sprinkle chopped parsley on top as garnish which adds freshness! Enjoy immediately while hot!
Serving and Storing Tips
Serving Suggestions
To serve your Olive Garden Chicken Scampi like an Italian restaurant would do it best, plate it piping hot on individual dishes garnished generously with chopped parsley or even more grated Parmesan if desired! Pair alongside some crusty bread or Caesar salad for an authentic Italian experience that will satisfy everyone around your table!
Storage Guidelines
If you have any leftover scampi after enjoying your meal, store it in an airtight container within your refrigerator where it can last up to three days! When reheating leftovers, use low heat on stovetop or microwave ensuring not to overcook which might cause proteins such as shrimp become rubbery—adding a splash more cream can help restore moisture too!
By following these steps carefully while ensuring proper ingredient usage allows anyone at any level of cooking expertise recreate this stunning dish effortlessly right from their own kitchens!
Mistakes to avoid
When preparing Olive Garden Chicken Scampi, one common mistake is overcooking the chicken. Overcooked chicken can turn dry and chewy, ruining the dish’s tenderness. To avoid this, cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Additionally, don’t skip marinating the chicken in garlic and lemon juice. This step adds flavor and helps tenderize the meat. Another mistake is not using enough butter or olive oil in the sauce. The richness of the sauce is essential for the overall taste, so be generous with your fats.
Another pitfall is neglecting to properly sauté the garlic. Burning garlic can give a bitter flavor to your dish. Sauté it gently until it’s fragrant but not browned. Lastly, be cautious with portions of pasta; too much can overpower the chicken and sauce. Aim for a balanced ratio to create a harmonious dish.
Tips and tricks
To make your Olive Garden Chicken Scampi shine, use high-quality ingredients. Fresh garlic versus pre-minced enhances flavor significantly. Choose good quality chicken breast that you can easily cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. When cooking, start by searing your chicken on high heat to lock in juices before reducing heat to finish cooking through.
Consider using white wine in your scampi sauce; it adds depth and a slight acidity that complements the butter and garlic beautifully. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, chicken broth works just fine as a substitute while still adding flavor.
Pair your dish with crusty bread or a fresh salad for added texture and freshness. Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese right before serving to add color and extra flavor.
Suggestions for Olive Garden Chicken Scampi
For those looking to customize their Olive Garden Chicken Scampi, consider adding vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added nutrition and flavor dimensions. These ingredients not only enhance your meal visually but also contribute unique tastes that complement the dish well.
You might also want to experiment with different types of pasta such as fettuccine or linguine instead of traditional spaghetti if you prefer a thicker noodle that holds sauce better.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try substituting shrimp for some or all of the chicken; this seafood variation offers an exciting twist while retaining the essence of scampi flavors.
Finally, serve your Olive Garden Chicken Scampi with lemon wedges on the side for guests who enjoy an extra burst of citrusy brightness.
FAQs
What is Olive Garden Chicken Scampi?
Olive Garden Chicken Scampi features sautéed chicken tossed in a buttery garlic sauce served over pasta. The dish is known for its rich flavors and creamy texture, making it a popular choice at Italian restaurants.
Can I make Olive Garden Chicken Scampi ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare many components ahead of time. Cooked chicken can be refrigerated and reheated when you’re ready to serve. However, freshly cooked pasta will always taste best when paired with warm sauce just before serving.
What sides go well with Olive Garden Chicken Scampi?
Pairing Olive Garden Chicken Scampi with sides like garlic bread or Caesar salad complements its richness beautifully while providing contrast in texture and flavor.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Using frozen chicken is acceptable but ensure it’s completely thawed before cooking to ensure even cooking and proper texture in your scampi dish.
How do I store leftovers from Olive Garden Chicken Scampi?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently on low heat to prevent drying out the chicken or overcooking the pasta.
Is there a vegetarian version of Chicken Scampi?
Absolutely! You can create a vegetarian version by replacing the chicken with mushrooms or zucchini strips while maintaining all other elements of the classic recipe intact.
Summary
In summary, creating delicious Olive Garden Chicken Scampi requires attention to detail and quality ingredients. Avoid common mistakes like overcooking chicken and burning garlic while following helpful tips and suggestions for customization. With proper preparation, you’ll enjoy this comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion.