Olive Garden Chicken Scampi
This is just as good as the Olive Garden. On a difficulty scale from 1-5, this is a 3 to make. We just love it!
This is just as good as the Olive Garden. On a difficulty scale from 1-5, this is a 3 to make. We just love it!
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- olive oil
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 red onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup white wine
- black pepper
- 2 teaspoons italian seasoning
- 3/4 cup milk hot
- 2 tablespoons garlic crushed
- 1 tablespoon dried cilantro (optional)
- 1/2 lb angel hair pasta cooked and drained
- 2 bell peppers thinly sliced
- 10 garlic cloves roasted
- 2 chicken breasts sliced
- Carbohydrate 96.5244610268914 g
- Cholesterol 681.22685755877 mg
- Fat 123.319683639703 g
- Fiber 4.12175007760551 g
- Protein 160.7882917654 g
- Saturated Fat 43.6910659177203 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -4 serving(s) (1195g)
- Sodium 746.777149987681 mg
- Sugar 92.4027109492859 g
- Trans Fat 11.2251728147398 g
- Calories 2179 calories
Step-by-step
- For white sauce: Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a saucepan, add 2 tablespoons flour and cook for 2 minutes on medium heat, stirring constantly. Slowly add 3/4 cup hot milk (hot so it won't get lumpy). Set aside. (Make sure that the white sauce is hot when adding to the scampi sauce).
- For scampi sauce: Heat butter over low heat. Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and black pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes on low heat. Add the wine and chicken broth. Stir until combined. (I usually cook mine for about 30-40 minutes). Add 1/4 cup white sauce and cook until slightly thickened.
- Flatten chicken tenders, coat with Wondra flour & brown in a large skillet in a little olive oil until nearly done.
- Add the peppers and onions, saute until chicken is done. Add the sauce. Saute until everything is warmed.
- Add roasted garlic cloves.
- Serve over pasta.
- ROASTED GARLIC: Separate head of garlic into individual cloves (still in 'paper'). Toss in olive oil and wrap tightly in aluminum foil or a small pint-sized dish with a lid. Bake in a 350* oven for 30 minutes. When the garlic has cooled to the touch, you should be able to squeeze it out of the 'paper' shell of the individual cloves.
My Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Adventure
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the ever-present mountain of laundry. But even amidst the chaos, I refuse to compromise on good food. My family deserves a home-cooked meal that tastes amazing, and doesn’t break the bank or take hours to prepare. That's why I'm constantly on the lookout for recipes that are both flavorful and easy to execute. This copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi recipe has become a lifesaver – a weeknight warrior in my culinary arsenal.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are readily available at any grocery store, and the steps are straightforward enough that even a novice cook can master them. The creamy, garlicky sauce is pure indulgence, coating perfectly tender chicken and pasta. My kids, typically picky eaters, devour this dish. It's become a family favorite, and one that I can confidently whip up even on my busiest nights. The secret? A little bit of planning, a dash of efficiency, and a whole lot of love poured into each step.
I've experimented with different variations, always aiming for that perfect balance of flavors. I’ve added a touch more red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, sometimes substituted the angel hair pasta for fettuccine, and even played around with different types of cheese to enhance the creamy sauce. But the core recipe remains largely unchanged because it's already pure perfection. This recipe is more than just a meal; it's a symbol of my commitment to nourishing my family with love and delicious food. It’s a testament to the idea that even amid a busy schedule, we can always make time for quality time together, centered around a hearty, flavorful meal.
The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water – a tantalizing blend of garlic, butter, and herbs. The chicken is succulent and tender, the pasta perfectly al dente, and the sauce, oh, the sauce! It’s the star of the show, a creamy, flavorful concoction that clings perfectly to every strand of pasta and every bite of chicken. This recipe isn't just a meal; it’s an experience. It's a moment of calm in the midst of the storm, a celebration of simple pleasures, and a reminder that even the busiest of lives can accommodate the joy of a home-cooked meal. I encourage you to try it – it's a game-changer.
Beyond the simple pleasure of enjoying a delicious meal, this recipe allows me to connect with my family on a deeper level. The process of cooking itself is a form of self-care; the rhythmic chopping, the sizzle of the pan, the fragrant steam rising – it’s a meditative experience. The act of sharing this meal together, around our kitchen table, creates memories that far surpass the satisfaction of a full stomach. It's a quiet moment of connection, a brief respite from the demands of daily life. And, for a busy working mom, moments like these are truly priceless.
So, whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, give this Olive Garden Chicken Scampi recipe a try. You won't regret it. It's a dish that’s sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire, a go-to meal for those nights when you need something delicious, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to prepare. The simplicity of the recipe makes it adaptable to different schedules and preferences. Adjust the spice level, swap out the pasta, add some vegetables – the possibilities are endless. This recipe is a blank canvas, ready for your personal touch and culinary creativity.
And, most importantly, it's a recipe that brings people together. The shared experience of preparing and enjoying a meal, the laughter and conversations around the table – these are the true ingredients that make this dish so special. It's more than just food; it's a celebration of family, friendship, and the simple joy of sharing a delicious meal together. So, invite your loved ones, light some candles, and get ready to savor every bite of this unforgettable Olive Garden Chicken Scampi.
