If you are craving a vibrant, flavorful dinner that’s ready in under 40 minutes, this Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe will become your new go-to comfort food. Combining tender slices of chicken with a luscious garlic butter sauce, bright lemon juice, and a touch of white wine, tossed through perfectly cooked linguine, this dish is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together for maximum taste. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend meal, this Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe hits every note with ease and elegance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each adding its special touch to the final result. Fresh garlic and lemon juice bring brightness, chicken breasts supply hearty protein, and a combination of butter and olive oil creates that silky sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. Here is what you’ll gather to create this delicious dish:
- 12 ounces linguine or spaghetti: Choose your favorite long pasta to soak up the buttery sauce perfectly.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced thin: Thin slices cook quickly and stay tender in the skillet.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided: Adds subtle fruity notes and prevents sticking while cooking chicken and sauce.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter divided: Creates a rich, creamy base for the scampi sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic minced: Essential for that classic garlicky punch.
- 0.5 teaspoon salt: Enhances overall flavor and seasons the chicken and pasta.
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and depth.
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a hint of heat in their scampi.
- 0.5 cup dry white wine or chicken broth: Wine adds brightness and complexity, broth makes a great non-alcoholic substitute.
- 0.75 cup chicken broth: Keeps the sauce moist and rich.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Gives the dish its refreshing zing and balances richness.
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds umami and creamy texture for the finishing touch.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Brings fresh color and herbal brightness.
How to Make Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking your linguine or spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. This step is crucial because overcooked pasta won’t hold up against the luscious scampi sauce. Remember to reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining—that starchy water is a secret weapon for loosening the sauce later on.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Season your thinly sliced chicken breasts with salt and black pepper generously to build flavor. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat one tablespoon of olive oil and one tablespoon of butter until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until they turn golden and are cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate, letting it rest while you work on the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining olive oil and butter to the skillet. Toss in minced garlic and red pepper flakes if you want a little kick. Sauté for 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Pour in the dry white wine (or chicken broth if you’re skipping alcohol) and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, scraping up all those lovely browned bits left from the chicken—it’s where the flavor lives.
Step 4: Add Broth and Lemon Juice
Pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, then allow the sauce to simmer gently for another 3 to 4 minutes. The goal here is to let the liquid reduce slightly, intensifying the flavors without evaporating it all away. This layer of bright, tangy richness is what makes this Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe truly special.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta on top. Toss everything together to coat the linguine thoroughly in that garlic butter sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it just right. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh, herbal finish. Serve your creation immediately and get ready for compliments!
How to Serve Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the appearance and flavor, sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese and a fresh wedge of lemon on the side. A bit more chopped parsley adds a pop of vibrant green color that makes the dish feel bright and inviting. For a touch of indulgence, you can drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil right before serving.
Side Dishes
This pasta dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to contrast the richness of the scampi sauce. Crusty bread or garlic bread on the side is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce, ensuring not a drop goes to waste. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or a simple sauté of green beans can add color and texture to round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming dinner party, serve Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe in individual shallow bowls with a garnish of parsley and a lemon twist. Consider plating alongside a small herb bouquet or edible flowers for a restaurant-quality touch at home. If making for a family meal, serve it family-style in a large skillet placed right at the center of the table to encourage sharing and conversation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce and pasta well-coated in butter and olive oil will help prevent it from drying out.
Freezing
While pasta dishes with cream or cheese don’t always freeze well, this Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe freezes fairly successfully if stored properly. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers, and consume within 2 months for best taste. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a little chicken broth or olive oil to revive the sauce’s silkiness. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short intervals, stirring in between to heat evenly without drying out the chicken or pasta.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While linguine or spaghetti is traditional and works perfectly, you can swap in fettuccine, angel hair, or even penne. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
Is it necessary to use white wine in the sauce?
No, white wine adds depth and acidity, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, chicken broth is a fantastic substitute that keeps the sauce flavorful and delicious.
How can I make the sauce creamier?
For a richer, creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream toward the end of cooking, stirring it in gently before tossing with the pasta and chicken.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
You can slice and season the chicken in advance, and even cook the pasta ahead. Just keep the cooked components separate and assemble right before serving to keep everything fresh.
What is the best way to prevent the chicken from becoming dry?
Thinly slicing the chicken breasts helps them cook quickly and stay moist. Also, making sure not to overcook and resting the chicken briefly off the heat will keep it tender and juicy.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe combines simplicity and elegance in a way that makes weeknight dinners feel special without any fuss. Its bright citrus notes balanced with rich garlic butter and tender chicken keep everyone coming back for seconds. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved favorite in your cooking rotation—you won’t regret it!
Print
Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Chicken Scampi Pasta is a flavorful and comforting Italian-American dish featuring tender slices of chicken breast cooked in a garlic lemon butter sauce, tossed with linguine or spaghetti and finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. This easy weeknight meal offers a perfect balance of zesty, savory, and rich flavors, making it a satisfying main course for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces linguine or spaghetti
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 0.5 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 0.75 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 0.5 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Season and cook the chicken: Season the thinly sliced chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and deglaze pan: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the dry white wine (or chicken broth) and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Simmer sauce: Add the 0.75 cup chicken broth and fresh lemon juice to the skillet. Let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce slightly reduces and thickens to coat the pasta and chicken well.
- Combine pasta, chicken, and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta, tossing gently to coat everything in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Finish and serve: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley until everything is evenly mixed. Serve the Chicken Scampi Pasta immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and crusty bread.
- Use dry white wine for authentic flavor or substitute with extra chicken broth if preferred.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
