Olive Garden-Inspired Chicken Scampi

Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to Italy? Today, we’re diving into the realm of Italian-American cuisine with a recipe that mirrors the flavors of the beloved Olive Garden’s Chicken Scampi. From tender chicken to a delectable scampi sauce, this dish promises to be a showstopper at your next dinner gathering. So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

• 12 chicken tenderloins (approximately 1.75 pounds)
• ½ cup flour
• Vegetable oil for frying
• ½ red bell pepper, cut into strips
• ½ yellow bell pepper, cut into strips
• ½ green bell pepper, cut into strips
• ½ medium red onion, sliced
• 12 ounces angel hair pasta
• Salt to taste
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Scampi Sauce:

• 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ cup yellow onion, diced
• 2 Tablespoons garlic, minced
• 1 cup white wine
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 2 Tablespoons lemon juice (approximately 1 large lemon)
• 1 Tablespoon dried parsley
• ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ¼ pound unsalted butter (one stick)

Directions:

1. Prepare the Pasta: Heat a large pot of water over high heat until boiling. Add salt and the pasta, cooking until just shy of al dente. Remember to reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a large frying pan over medium heat, add vegetable oil. Coat each chicken tenderloin in flour seasoned with a pinch of salt, then fry until golden brown on each side, approximately 5-7 minutes per side. Once cooked, set the chicken aside.
3. Craft the Scampi Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for about 2 minutes. Then, add the chicken stock, lemon juice, dried parsley, and red pepper flakes. Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, then whisk in the remaining butter until fully incorporated.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: In the same pot used for cooking the pasta, heat a tablespoon of oil. Add the bell peppers and onion, cooking until they begin to soften. Next, add the cooked pasta and the prepared scampi sauce, gently tossing everything to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce needs to be loosened, utilize the reserved pasta water.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Plate the pasta, ensuring each serving is generously coated with the flavorful scampi sauce. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and crown each portion with the golden-fried chicken tenderloins.

Nutritional Information:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Calories: 650 per serving
• Servings: 4

Now that you’ve mastered this Olive Garden-inspired Chicken Scampi recipe, it’s time to gather your loved ones and savor the fruits of your labor. Buon appetito!

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