There’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a well-made Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe to bring a little sparkle to your weeknight dinners. This dish perfectly balances tender, juicy chicken strips with a luscious garlic butter sauce, brightened by lemon juice and parsley, and all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. With its rich flavors and simple technique, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels special enough for guests but easy enough for any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is where the magic begins. This lineup is wonderfully straightforward, yet each component plays a crucial role in creating layers of flavor and that irresistible texture you’ll love in every bite.
- 12 ounces linguine or spaghetti: Choose your favorite long pasta to soak up the garlicky sauce perfectly.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced into thin strips: Thin slices ensure quick cooking and keep the chicken tender.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a fruity richness while preventing the chicken from sticking.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided: Butter is essential for that silky, flavorful sauce—dividing it helps layer the richness.
- 6 garlic cloves minced: The heart of the sauce, delivering a fragrant punch with every bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Just enough to give a gentle kick without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth: The wine adds depth and complexity, but broth works beautifully if you prefer no alcohol.
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the sauce saucy and flavorful while balancing the wine.
- Juice of 1 lemon: Brightens and lifts the entire dish with fresh acidity.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: A pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to bring out all the natural flavors.
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving: Adds a savory, nutty finish that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
How to Make Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your linguine or spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—that perfect balance of firm yet tender. Don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of the pasta cooking water; it’s a secret weapon for loosening the sauce and tying everything together beautifully.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter together. Season your thinly sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper and add them to the skillet. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, letting the chicken develop a golden brown crust while ensuring it’s cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside to rest for a moment.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Using the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and toss in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for about a minute until the garlic releases its lovely aroma—be careful not to burn it! Pour in the white wine and chicken broth, scraping any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let this simmer gently for 4 to 5 minutes to reduce slightly, concentrating the flavors.
Step 4: Add Brightness and Herbs
Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley, bringing a fresh and vibrant lift to the sauce. Return your golden chicken strips to the skillet, mixing everything together so every piece is coated with that luxurious garlic butter sauce.
Step 5: Toss with Pasta
Add your drained pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. If the sauce feels a bit thick, splash in some of the reserved pasta water—this helps achieve a silky coating on every strand of pasta. Give everything a good toss so the pasta and chicken meld perfectly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Plate your Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe hot, finishing with a generous shower of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Each forkful is a warm hug of garlic butter, tender chicken, and lively lemon, with an irresistible hint of spice.
How to Serve Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped parsley or freshly cracked black pepper adds a burst of color and freshness. A little more grated Parmesan is always a welcome touch and elevates the dish to restaurant-level indulgence.
Side Dishes
Serve this pasta alongside a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is also fantastic to soak up every last drop of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, serve the pasta family-style in a large, shallow bowl with fresh herbs scattered on top. You can also twirl portions onto individual plates using a fork and spoon, creating an elegant, layered presentation that invites diners to savor every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe tastes wonderful the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days to keep flavors fresh and the chicken tender.
Freezing
While pasta dishes with sauces don’t always freeze with the best texture, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately from the pasta. Freeze in airtight containers for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too, but stirring occasionally until heated through helps maintain that perfect silky texture.
FAQs
Can I use shrimp instead of chicken in this Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! Shrimp is a classic alternative that cooks quickly and pairs wonderfully with the garlic butter sauce. Just adjust your cooking time accordingly as shrimp typically need only a few minutes.
What wine do you recommend for this recipe?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works perfectly here. They add brightness without overpowering the garlic and lemon flavors.
Is this recipe spicy?
It’s lightly spicy thanks to the crushed red pepper flakes, but you can easily reduce or omit them if you prefer a milder dish.
Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta to keep the dish gluten-free without sacrificing taste or texture.
How can I make the sauce creamier?
For a richer, creamier version, stir in about 1/4 cup of heavy cream at the end of cooking. It adds a lovely silky richness while maintaining the fresh lemon flavor.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to meals when you crave something flavorful, indulgent, and downright satisfying. It’s a delightful crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make, bringing that perfect combination of buttery garlic richness and bright citrus freshness to your table every time. Go ahead and give it a whirl—you’re in for a truly delicious treat!
Print
Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Chicken Scampi Pasta is a delicious and hearty Italian-American dish featuring tender strips of sautéed chicken cooked in a garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon and white wine, tossed with perfectly al dente linguine or spaghetti and finished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese. This easy stovetop recipe offers a flavorful, comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces linguine or spaghetti
Chicken and Sauce:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the linguine or spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Sauté the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Carefully pour in the white wine (or additional chicken broth) and the low-sodium chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of the skillet.
- Simmer Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 4–5 minutes until it reduces slightly and thickens a bit, concentrating the flavors.
- Add Lemon and Parsley: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley to brighten and freshen the sauce.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce to coat well. Then add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together thoroughly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Serve: Serve the Chicken Scampi Pasta hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese for added richness and flavor.
Notes
- For a creamier version, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream at the end of the sauce preparation.
- You can substitute shrimp for chicken to make a shrimp scampi pasta variation.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content.
- Be careful not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness.
- Reserve pasta water is important to adjust sauce consistency.
