Olive Garden Chicken Caprese: A Taste of La Dolce Vita

There’s a certain comfort in a dish that evokes a familiar, beloved restaurant experience, especially when it’s elevated with fresh, vibrant flavors. For me, the Olive Garden Chicken Caprese is one such dish. I remember the first time I experienced it, a symphony of perfectly cooked chicken, bright tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a creamy, garlicky sauce, all nestled with tender pasta. It felt like a culinary embrace, a taste of Italy brought right to the table. Recreating that magic at home, with its distinct blend of Italian-American comfort and fresh simplicity, has become a delightful endeavor in my kitchen, allowing me to capture that same joyful feeling with every bite.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: 6 servings
• Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

This recipe brings together classic Italian ingredients for a truly satisfying meal.

For the Caprese Mixture:

• 8-10 plum tomatoes, Roma (approximately 2 pounds)
• 30 medium fresh basil leaves
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 3 tablespoons garlic, minced, divided
• 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
• 1½ teaspoons salt, plus 1 tablespoon salt, divided

For the Chicken:

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or 6 chicken breast fillets
• 1½ cups flour, plus 1 tablespoon flour, divided
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 cup vegetable oil

For the Sauce and Pasta:

• ½ cup white wine
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1½ cups dry capellini (angel hair pasta)

Equipment Needed

• Large bowl
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Non-stick skillet
• Shallow dish
• Large baking dish
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Colander
• Oven
• Broiler

Instructions

Bringing this delightful dish to life involves several distinct stages, each contributing to the final harmonious flavor profile.

1. Prepare the Caprese Mixture: Begin by coring and cutting the plum tomatoes into 1-inch pieces. To preserve their delicious juices and seeds, use a paring knife to remove just the top of the core on each tomato. Next, cut the basil leaves into 1-inch pieces, ensuring no stems remain. In a large bowl, combine the prepared Roma tomatoes, basil, 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of minced garlic, 1½ teaspoons of Italian seasoning, and 1½ teaspoons of salt. Blend these ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Cover the bowl and set aside to refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld.

2. Preheat Oven and Prepare Chicken Dredging Mixture: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a shallow dish, combine 1½ cups of flour, 1 tablespoon of salt, the black pepper, and 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. This will be your dredging mixture for the chicken.

3. Sauté the Chicken: Coat a large, non-stick skillet with vegetable oil and heat it over medium-high heat. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Carefully place the dredged chicken in the hot skillet. Sauté for about two minutes on each side, or until just golden brown. If your skillet is not large enough to accommodate all the chicken at once, it’s best to sauté the chicken in batches to ensure even browning.

4. Partially Cook Chicken in the Oven: Once the chicken is golden brown, transfer it to a large baking dish. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven to cook for approximately 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

5. Cook the Pasta: While the chicken is in the oven, cook the capellini (angel hair pasta) according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside until needed.

6. Prepare the Cream Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and sauté for approximately 1 minute. Be careful not to let the garlic brown.

7. Deglaze and Build Sauce: Slowly add 1 tablespoon of flour to the saucepan and stir to combine, creating a roux. Then, add the white wine and bring to a boil, boiling for approximately 1 minute to allow the alcohol to evaporate.

8. Incorporate Tomato Mixture and Cream: Remove the marinated tomato and basil mixture from the refrigerator. Drain the tomatoes and basil from the liquid, reserving the liquid for later. Add ½ cup of the reserved marinade liquid to the saucepan and sauté for approximately 1 minute. Next, add the heavy cream. Lower the heat and bring the sauce to a simmer.

9. Add Cheese and Broil: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is melted and the sauce is smooth. Preheat your broiler. Remove the chicken from the baking dish and set aside. Transfer the cooked pasta to the baking dish and partly coat it with some of the prepared sauce. Pour a desired amount of the remaining sauce over the pasta and evenly distribute the drained tomatoes and basil over the pasta. Place the chicken on top of the pasta. Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken.

10. Broil to Melt Cheese: Place the baking dish under the preheated broiler for approximately 2-3 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese has melted and is golden brown and bubbly. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Tomato Selection: For the freshest flavor, ensure your plum tomatoes are ripe and fragrant. Roma tomatoes are ideal for their firm texture and fewer seeds, which prevents a watery sauce.
• Basil Brilliance: When chopping your basil, use a sharp knife to avoid bruising the leaves, which can dull their vibrant flavor and color. A chiffonade technique, rolling the leaves tightly and slicing thinly, is a professional way to achieve uniform pieces.
• Chicken Tenderness: If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, you can pound them to an even thickness before dredging. This ensures they cook evenly and quickly.
• Pasta Perfection: Cook your capellini just shy of al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the sauce and broiled. This prevents mushy pasta.
• Sauce Consistency: If your cream sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of milk or chicken broth. Conversely, if it’s too thin, a little extra sauté time or a slurry of cornstarch (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) can help thicken it.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Olive Garden Chicken Caprese is best served immediately, piping hot, straight from the broiler. The melted mozzarella, the tender chicken, and the fragrant tomato-basil sauce create a wonderfully inviting presentation. You can garnish with a few fresh basil leaves for an extra pop of color and aroma.

For storage, allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To reheat, you can gently warm individual portions in a skillet over low heat, or in the microwave. For best results, try to keep the pasta and sauce moist during reheating. You may want to add a splash of cream or water to the sauce to revive its texture.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	1359.9 kcal	–
Calories from Fat	752 g	–
Total Fat	83.6 g	128%
Saturated Fat	28.1 g	140%
Cholesterol	194.1 mg	64%
Sodium	2343.2 mg	97%
Total Carbohydrate	90.4 g	30%
Dietary Fiber	4.7 g	18%
Sugars	4.5 g	17%
Protein	57.6 g	115%

Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free option, use your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for dredging the chicken and thickening the sauce. You can also substitute gluten-free pasta for the capellini.
• Chicken Alternatives: While chicken breasts are classic, you could also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor. For a vegetarian version, consider using large portobello mushrooms or firm tofu, prepared similarly.
• Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add other vegetables to the Caprese mixture, such as chopped bell peppers or thinly sliced red onion, for extra texture and flavor.
• Spice it Up: If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce as it simmers.

FAQs

Q: Can I make the Caprese mixture ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the Caprese mixture up to 24 hours in advance. This allows the flavors to meld even further, enhancing the overall taste.

Q: What kind of wine is best for this recipe?
A: A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works wonderfully to deglaze the pan and add acidity to the sauce.

Q: My sauce seems too thin, what can I do?
A: If your sauce is too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes to allow it to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, whisk 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the simmering sauce and cook until thickened.

Q: Can I use pre-minced garlic?
A: While fresh minced garlic provides the best flavor, you can substitute with jarred minced garlic if needed. Use approximately the same volume.

Q: How can I ensure my chicken doesn’t dry out?
A: Cooking the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F is crucial. Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to check for doneness. Avoid overcooking, and remember it continues to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.

Final Thoughts

This Olive Garden Chicken Caprese is a dish that truly delivers on comfort and flavor, bringing a touch of Italian-American trattoria charm right into your home kitchen. The combination of perfectly cooked chicken, a vibrant tomato-basil mixture, and a luxuriously creamy sauce is simply irresistible. It’s a meal that’s perfect for a family dinner, a special occasion, or simply when you’re craving something utterly satisfying. I encourage you to try this recipe and savor every delicious bite. Serve it with a crisp green salad and a glass of your favorite Italian wine for a complete and memorable dining experience. I’d love to hear your thoughts once you’ve had a chance to make it!