Craving a delicious restaurant-style meal that you can easily make at home? This Creamy Chicken Scampi with Peppers and Garlic offers all the flavors of the popular dish from Olive Garden but with a homemade twist. Tender, seasoned chicken combined with a flavorful mix of bell peppers, red onions, and a rich garlic cream sauce creates a perfect blend of textures and tastes. Paired with al dente angel hair pasta, this dish is an elegant and satisfying meal that can be served for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. Let’s dive into the recipe and bring the taste of Italy straight to your kitchen!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or any cooking oil you prefer)
- 2 lbs chicken tenders (or thinly sliced chicken breasts or thighs)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 1 lb angel hair pasta (cooked al dente)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or cooking oil of your choice)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups of chicken broth (whether store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup dry white wine (or substitute with additional chicken broth)
- ⅔ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
For Garnish:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, finely chopped
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions:
- Prepare the chicken:
In a shallow dish, mix the flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Coat each chicken tender in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess. - Cook the chicken:
In a large skillet, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the chicken tenders and sear them for 3–4 minutes per side until they achieve a golden brown crust and are fully cooked. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. - Sauté the vegetables:
In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sliced bell peppers and red onions. Sauté for about 4–5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside with the chicken. - Make the sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, or until it becomes aromatic. Pour in the chicken broth and white wine (if using), stirring to combine. Let the liquid simmer for 3–4 minutes to reduce slightly. - Add cream and seasonings:
Stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and salt. Simmer the sauce for another 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. - Combine everything:
Add the cooked chicken and sautéed vegetables back into the skillet with the sauce, stirring to coat everything evenly. - Toss with pasta:
In a large serving dish or directly in the skillet (if it’s big enough), toss the cooked angel hair pasta with the creamy chicken and vegetable mixture until well combined. - Garnish and serve:
Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, and parsley over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Conclusion:
This Creamy Chicken Scampi with Peppers and Garlic is a show-stopping dish that combines tender, golden-brown chicken with vibrant peppers and a silky garlic cream sauce. The fresh herbs and grated Parmesan add an extra layer of flavor, while the angel hair pasta soaks up all the deliciousness. It’s an easy, satisfying meal that tastes just like your favorite restaurant dish but is made right at home. Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread, and you’ll have a meal that’s bound to impress your family or dinner guests. Buon appetito!