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Chicken Scampi Pasta

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Chicken Scampi Pasta is a rich and indulgent dish featuring tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a buttery garlic sauce with a hint of lemon. The creamy sauce, infused with white wine and a touch of cream, coats the pasta and chicken, making it an irresistible meal. Quick to prepare in less than 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

  • For the Chicken:

  • 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

For the Pasta:

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

For the Scampi Sauce:

  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)

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

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

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

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

  • Make the Scampi Sauce:
    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.
    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.
    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.

  • Combine the Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce:
    Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir to combine.
    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.
    Stir in the Parmesan cheese and butter until melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.

  • Serve:
    Serve the Chicken Scampi Pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Shrimp Scampi: Replace the chicken with shrimp for a classic shrimp scampi pasta. 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 extra heat.Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a vegetarian-friendly scampi pasta.Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and a dairy-free cream alternative to make this dish gluten-free and dairy-free.

Find it online: https://cookibly.com/chicken-scampi-pasta/