Olive Garden Chicken Pasta: Easy Copycat Recipe
Unlock the Secret to Olive Garden's Chicken Pasta at Home
Are you a fan of Olive Garden's savory, creamy Chicken Pasta? The good news is, you don't need to leave the comfort of your home to enjoy this delicious Italian-American dish. This easy copycat recipe will allow you to savor that delightful restaurant taste without the hefty price tag or the wait. Below, we'll guide you through a step-by-step process to recreate Olive Garden's signature dish in your own kitchen, ensuring you can impress your family and friends with your culinary skills.
Ingredients List
Before you start, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienned
- 12 oz penne pasta or any pasta of your choice
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let's dive into making your Olive Garden Chicken Pasta:
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet, let it cool, then slice it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Cook the Pasta
While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until itโs al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about a cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
3. Make the Cream Sauce
In the same skillet you cooked the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until they are translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the Parmesan and Romano cheeses, stirring until they melt into the sauce.
- Mix the milk with the cornstarch to create a slurry, then pour this into the sauce to thicken it.
- Reduce the heat to low, stir in the peas and sun-dried tomatoes, and let it simmer for a few minutes.
4. Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, stirring gently to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to thin it out. Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet and mix everything together.
5. Serve and Garnish
Serve your Olive Garden Chicken Pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley for an added touch of flavor.
๐ Note: For a lighter version, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, and reduce the cheese amounts.
Nutritional Information
Here's an overview of what you're consuming:
Nutrient | Per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | ~650 |
Total Fat | 30g |
Protein | 35g |
Carbohydrates | 60g |
Sodium | 750mg |
To sum up, making Olive Garden Chicken Pasta at home is simpler than you might think. With fresh ingredients and a touch of love, you can bring the essence of Italian cuisine into your kitchen. This dish not only saves you money but also gives you the satisfaction of homemade cooking. Enjoy the rich flavors, the creamy texture, and the pride of replicating a beloved restaurant dish right at your dinner table.
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
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Yes, you can use any pasta you prefer. Fettuccine, rigatoni, or even spaghetti can work well with this creamy sauce.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
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Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add more vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version.
What are some good side dishes to serve with this?
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Salad, garlic bread, or a light soup like minestrone would pair well with this rich pasta dish.