Why Make This Recipe

Chicken Scampi Pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, flavorful sauce and perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s easy to prepare, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. With the bright taste of lemon and the savory touch of garlic, this dish will surely impress your family and friends.

How to Make Chicken Scampi Pasta

Ingredients

12 oz spaghetti
1 1/2 lbs chicken tenders
1 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 Tbsp olive oil (divided)
6 Tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
3/4 cup dry white wine (like chardonnay or sauvignon blanc)
4 garlic cloves (1 Tbsp minced)
1 tsp lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
1/4 cup lemon juice (from 2 lemons)
1/3 cup parsley (finely chopped)
Parmesan (freshly shredded to serve)

Directions

Prep: Start by chopping, zesting, juicing, and mincing all your ingredients before you begin cooking. Season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper, then dredge them in flour.
Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 2 Tbsp salt. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Partially cover to keep it warm.
Sauté Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium/high heat. Add 1 Tbsp of oil and swirl in 1 Tbsp of butter. Sauté the chicken for about 2 minutes on each side, or until it is golden and reaches 165˚F. Remove the chicken to a plate. Add another Tbsp of oil and 1 Tbsp of butter, and sauté the second batch of chicken. Transfer to the plate and cover to keep warm.
Make Sauce: Carefully pour in 3/4 cup of white wine. Bring to medium/high heat and scrape the bottom of the pan to deglaze. Cook for about 5 minutes until it reduces to about 1/4 cup. Add 4 Tbsp of butter and stir to melt. Add the minced garlic and simmer for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1/4 cup of parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with 1/2 tsp salt if needed.
Combine: Return the chicken to the pan and turn to coat in the sauce. Transfer the drained pasta to a large serving bowl. Tilt the pan and spoon extra sauce over the cooked spaghetti. Toss the spaghetti lightly with the sauce, then top with the chicken and drizzle any remaining sauce over the pasta. Serve garnished with more parsley and freshly shredded Parmesan.

How to Serve Chicken Scampi Pasta

Serve Chicken Scampi Pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese on the side. This dish pairs well with a crisp salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal.

How to Store Chicken Scampi Pasta

If you have leftovers, store Chicken Scampi Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to help keep it moist.

Tips to Make Chicken Scampi Pasta

Always taste the sauce before serving to adjust the seasoning as per your preference.
Make sure not to overcook the chicken; it should be golden brown and cooked through but still moist.
For a little spice, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Variation

You can easily customize this recipe! Add vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition. You can also use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use any type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta you prefer. While spaghetti is traditional, fettuccine, linguine, or even penne work well too.

2. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything ahead of time and store it separately. Combine everything fresh when you are ready to eat for the best taste.

3. Can I make this recipe without wine?
Yes, you can substitute wine with chicken broth or vegetable broth for added flavor. Just remember that the taste will vary slightly.