If you’re craving a comforting yet elegant meal that dances with bright garlic and lemon flavors, this Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe is your new go-to. Picture tender strips of golden chicken nestled alongside perfectly cooked linguine, all smothered in a luscious garlic butter sauce with just a hint of red pepper flakes and fresh parsley to brighten every bite. This dish manages to be both impressively simple and absolutely delicious, making it a weeknight hero or a special occasion delight you’ll want to come back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, and each component plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the juicy chicken strips to the fragrant garlic and zesty lemon, every ingredient adds something special to this dish.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 pound: Thin strips cook quickly and absorb the sauce beautifully.
- Linguine or spaghetti, 12 oz: These long noodles capture the sauce perfectly, coating each strand.
- Olive oil, 2 tablespoons: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps brown the chicken to golden perfection.
- Unsalted butter, 4 tablespoons: Creates a rich, silky base for the scampi sauce.
- Garlic, 6 cloves minced: The heart of this dish, infusing it with that irresistible aromatic punch.
- Crushed red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon: Just enough to give the sauce a gentle kick without overpowering.
- Dry white wine, ½ cup (or chicken broth): Adds brightness and depth to the sauce, tenderizing the chicken and lifting flavors.
- Lemon juice, 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed: Brings fresh acidity that balances the richness perfectly.
- Lemon zest, 1 teaspoon: Intensifies the citrus aroma for extra zing.
- Fresh parsley, ¼ cup chopped: A splash of green freshness and subtle herbaceous notes.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving): Adds a lovely salty, nutty finish when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water, then add your chosen linguine or spaghetti. Cook according to the package directions until al dente, ensuring the noodles have just the right bite to stand up to the rich sauce. Save half a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining—it’s pure magic for loosening your sauce later!
Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Chicken
Season your thin chicken strips generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes per side until beautifully golden and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside to rest, which helps keep it juicy.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, sautéing gently for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. This step is crucial for developing that signature scampi aroma that makes your kitchen smell heavenly.
Step 4: Simmer with Wine and Lemon
Pour in the dry white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan to add extra flavor. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly. Then stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest, which bring a bright, refreshing contrast to the rich butter and garlic.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated in that dreamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of your reserved pasta water to loosen it up and give it that perfect silky texture. Finally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
How to Serve Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese crowns this Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe beautifully, adding both savory richness and a subtle nutty taste. Pair that with a few extra sprigs of parsley for a vibrant finish that makes the dish visually irresistible before the first bite.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs incredibly well with simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette or a loaf of warm garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. For a heartier option, roasted or steamed vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli offer a lovely textural contrast while keeping the meal balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special twist, try serving your Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe in individual shallow bowls with a lemon wedge on the side for extra zest. Or plate it atop a bed of sautéed spinach or arugula for an elegant, restaurant-style presentation. If you’re entertaining, garnish each portion with edible flowers or microgreens to wow your guests visually and flavor-wise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which might be hard with this recipe), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the pasta and sauce together for the best flavor, but avoid adding Parmesan until serving to prevent it from changing texture.
Freezing
This Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe freezes fairly well but is best stored without fresh herbs and cheese to maintain texture. Separate the pasta and sauce in freezer-safe containers, freeze for up to 2 months, and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stovetop with a bit of added liquid if needed.
Reheating
To reheat, place your pasta in a skillet over low heat, stirring in a splash of chicken broth or water to revive the sauce’s creaminess without drying out the pasta. Heat until warmed through, then add fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan to refresh the flavors just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use shrimp instead of chicken in this Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! Shrimp is a classic scampi choice and works beautifully here. Just adjust cooking time since shrimp cooks faster—about 2 minutes per side—so it stays tender and juicy.
What if I don’t have white wine? Can I substitute something else?
If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth is an excellent substitute that will still enrich the sauce while keeping it flavorful and moist.
How can I make this dish creamier?
If you love creamy sauces, stir in a splash of heavy cream right before tossing the pasta with the chicken and sauce. It adds a luxurious texture without overpowering the signature garlic and lemon notes.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe works great for meal prep. Store portions in airtight containers and keep fresh herbs separate to add just before eating for maximum freshness.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Definitely! While linguine or spaghetti are traditional, feel free to swap in fettuccine, penne, or even gluten-free pasta depending on your preference and dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
There is something so wonderfully satisfying about making and sharing this Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe. Every forkful carries that perfect blend of zesty lemon, savory garlic, and tender chicken wrapped up in a silky buttery sauce that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, this dish promises smiles and seconds. Give it a whirl—you’ll thank yourself later.
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
A vibrant and flavorful Chicken Scampi Pasta combining tender chicken strips with garlic, lemon, and a buttery white wine sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked linguine for a satisfying Italian-American main dish.
Ingredients
Protein and Pasta
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Seasoning and Garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine or spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken strips with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Deglaze and flavor: Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and allow it to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest for brightness.
- Combine all elements: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together thoroughly, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.
- Finish and serve: Sprinkle the dish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese on the side for garnish.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream before tossing the pasta.
- You can substitute shrimp for chicken to create a seafood scampi variation.
- Use chicken broth instead of white wine if you prefer a non-alcoholic option.
