Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe Without Wine

Olive Garden’s chicken scampi is a beloved menu favorite, but you don’t need wine to recreate it at home. This alcohol-free version captures every bit of that restaurant magic using ingredients from your pantry.

The result is a creamy, garlic-packed dish that tastes identical to the original. Making this copycat recipe is simpler than you might think.

Instead of wine, we use chicken broth and fresh lemon juice to create the perfect flavor foundation. The combination delivers the same rich, savory taste that makes this dish so addictive.

Why Make Chicken Scampi Without Wine?

Many home cooks prefer wine-free versions for various reasons. Some avoid alcohol for personal or religious reasons. Others simply don’t want to buy a whole bottle of wine for one recipe. This version proves you don’t need wine to create an amazing scampi dish.

The absence of wine doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. This recipe compensates with extra garlic, herbs, and a touch of lemon that brightens the entire dish. The result is a family-friendly meal that tastes just as indulgent as the restaurant version.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Scampi Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Vegetables and Pasta:

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 12 ounces angel hair pasta
• Salt for pasta water

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add plenty of salt. Bring to a rolling boil. Cook the angel hair pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.

Cook the Chicken

Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and onion. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still have a slight crunch. The residual chicken flavors in the pan will enhance the vegetables.

Build the Scampi Sauce

Push vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add butter to the empty space and let it melt. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Don’t let the garlic burn.

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let it reduce by half, which takes about 3-4 minutes. This concentrates the flavors and creates the perfect base for your sauce.

Create the Creamy Finish

Lower the heat to medium-low. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly. Add the lemon juice and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together. If the sauce seems too thick, add some reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

Sprinkle in the fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if using. Toss once more to distribute the herbs evenly throughout the dish.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Scampi

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Cut pieces evenly so they cook at the same rate. Remove them as soon as they’re golden and cooked through to prevent dryness.

Save That Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water helps bind the sauce to the noodles. Always reserve some before draining.

Control the Heat: Keep the heat at medium-low when adding cream to prevent curdling. Gentle heat ensures a smooth, velvety sauce.

Fresh Garlic Matters: Minced fresh garlic provides much better flavor than garlic powder. Don’t substitute here.

Timing is Key: Have all ingredients prepped before you start cooking. This dish comes together quickly once you begin.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this chicken scampi immediately while hot. Pair it with warm garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce. A simple Caesar salad or steamed broccoli makes an excellent side dish.

For an authentic Olive Garden experience, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on individual servings. A glass of sparkling water with lemon complements the dish perfectly.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce seems thick. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the chicken tough.

This wine-free chicken scampi proves that restaurant-quality meals are achievable at home. The combination of tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and creamy garlic sauce creates a satisfying dinner that the whole family will love.

Best of all, you can enjoy this indulgent meal any night of the week without the need for wine.