Craving a delectable, restaurant-style meal that’s easy to whip up at home? This Creamy Chicken Scampi with Peppers and Garlic delivers all the flavors of your favorite Olive Garden dish with a homemade touch. Tender, seasoned chicken pairs beautifully with a mix of bell peppers, red onions, and a rich garlic cream sauce, creating a perfect harmony of textures and tastes. Served with al dente angel hair pasta, this dish is both elegant and satisfying—ideal for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. Let’s dive into this recipe and bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen!
Ingredients:
**For the Chicken:**
– 2 tablespoons 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 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 chicken broth (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:
1. **Prepare the Chicken:**
– In a shallow dish, mix the flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Coat each chicken tender with the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
2. **Cook the Chicken:**
– Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the chicken tenders and sear for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. **Sauté the Vegetables:**
– In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the sliced bell peppers and red onions. Sauté for 4–5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside with the chicken.
4. **Make the Sauce:**
– Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and white wine (if using), stirring to combine. Simmer for 3–4 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. **Add Cream and Seasonings:**
– Stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and salt. Simmer the sauce for another 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
6. **Combine Everything:**
– Return the cooked chicken and sautéed vegetables to the skillet, stirring to coat them evenly with the sauce.
7. **Toss with Pasta:**
– In a large serving dish or directly in the skillet (if large enough), toss the cooked angel hair pasta with the creamy chicken and vegetable mixture until well combined.
8. **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 meal that combines golden-brown chicken with vibrant vegetables and a silky garlic cream sauce. The fresh herbs and Parmesan add extra layers of flavor, while the angel hair pasta soaks up all the deliciousness. It’s an easy, satisfying dish that tastes just like your favorite restaurant fare but is made right at home. Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread, and you’ll have a meal that’s sure to impress your family or dinner guests. Buon appetito!