Chicken Scampi Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Scampi Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, with its perfectly balanced flavors. The tender chicken is paired with a buttery, garlicky sauce that’s infused with lemon and white wine. The sauce is creamy without being too heavy, making it light yet indulgent. It’s an easy-to-make, one-pan dish that’s ready in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a special dinner. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that your family will love.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into thin strips or cubes)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 8 oz pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti)

• 4 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1/2 cup white wine (such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc)

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for extra flavor)

• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tablespoons butter

• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

2. Cook the chicken:

1. While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Make the scampi sauce:

1. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

2. Pour in the white wine and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes, or until the liquid reduces by half.

3. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest (if using). Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

4. Combine the pasta, chicken, and sauce:

1. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir to combine.

2. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

3. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and butter until melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.

5. Serve:

1. Serve the Chicken Scampi Pasta hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Shrimp Scampi: Replace the chicken with shrimp for a classic shrimp scampi pasta. Simply cook the shrimp until pink and opaque, then follow the recipe as directed.

• Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or a chopped fresh chili to the sauce for a spicy kick.

• Vegetarian version: Skip the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a vegetarian-friendly scampi pasta.

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free. You can also use a dairy-free cream alternative to make it dairy-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover Chicken Scampi Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then heat in a skillet over low heat, adding a little extra cream or pasta water if necessary.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of cream, milk, or pasta water to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use other cuts of chicken?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs, boneless skinless chicken tenders, or even rotisserie chicken for this dish. Just adjust the cooking time based on the size of the chicken pieces.

2. Can I use frozen shrimp instead of chicken?

Yes! Simply thaw the shrimp, then sauté them in the skillet until pink and opaque. Follow the rest of the recipe as directed.

3. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute milk for a lighter sauce. However, the sauce may be less creamy. You could also use half-and-half or a combination of milk and butter for a similar richness.

4. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes would pair wonderfully with this dish. You can sauté them in the skillet before adding the garlic to infuse them with flavor.

5. How do I make the sauce thicker?

To thicken the sauce, simply let it simmer for a few extra minutes. You can also add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water to the sauce for additional thickness.

6. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Just store them separately and assemble the dish when you’re ready to serve.

7. How can I make this dish spicier?

If you like it spicy, add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or fresh chopped chilies to the sauce for extra heat.

8. Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes! While traditional scampi is often served with linguine, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne.

9. How do I keep the chicken tender?

To keep the chicken tender, avoid overcooking it. Sear it on both sides until golden and cooked through, but be careful not to dry it out. Using boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs ensures a tender result.

10. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Use a dairy-free cream alternative (such as coconut cream) and skip the Parmesan cheese. You can also use a dairy-free butter substitute.

Conclusion

Chicken Scampi Pasta is a rich and comforting dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy, garlicky sauce that’s perfectly balanced with a burst of lemon. This easy-to-make meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner, special occasion, or date night. With its simple ingredients and indulgent flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Serve it with a light salad or some crusty bread to complete the meal—this creamy pasta dish is sure to satisfy!

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