Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe

Hey there, fellow food lovers!

I can’t wait to share my go-to Chicken Scampi Pasta recipe with you—it’s a real weeknight winner in my house.

Every time I sauté those tender chicken strips with garlic and butter, the kitchen smells like a cozy Italian bistro.

I’ve found that using freshly squeezed lemon juice makes all the difference—it brightens the flavor like nothing else.

The best part? It’s the luscious, garlicky sauce that clings to the pasta, making each bite simply divine.

One little tip: don’t skimp on the parsley; it adds a fresh pop of color and a herby punch that brings the dish together.

I love this recipe because it’s the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication—your family will think you spent hours in the kitchen!

How to Make Chicken Scampi Pasta

Ingredients List

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1 1/2 lbs chicken tenders
• 1 1/2 tsp 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, 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

Step-by-step Process

Step 1

Prepare your ingredients by chopping, zesting, and juicing as needed.

Measure out all other ingredients and set aside.

Step 2

Boil a pot of salted water for the pasta.

Meanwhile, season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper, then dip them in flour, removing any excess.

Cook the pasta in boiling water until al dente, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and transfer the pasta to a serving platter.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.

Cook the floured chicken tenders in the skillet until golden brown and cooked through.

Remove the cooked tenders from the skillet and set them aside.

Reduce the heat to medium, and in the same skillet, add some butter.

Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes.

Sauté for about a minute or until the garlic is fragrant.

Step 4

If using white wine, add it now and cook for 3-4 minutes or until the wine is reduced by half.

If not using wine, skip to the next step.

Step 5

Add low-sodium chicken broth and let the sauce simmer on low heat.

Then, add your cooked pasta, lemon juice, zest, 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water, and cooked chicken (along with any accumulated juices) back into the skillet.

Step 6

Increase the heat to medium-high and toss the pasta and chicken together until they’re fully coated with the sauce.

Add more reserved pasta water to achieve the desired sauce consistency if necessary.

Remove the skillet from heat, stir in grated Parmesan cheese, and let the pasta stand for a minute to allow the sauce to thicken.

Garnish with chopped fresh Italian parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Serve your Chicken Scampi Pasta hot and enjoy!

Side Dishes for Chicken Scampi Pasta

Pairing a delicious chicken scampi pasta with the perfect side dish can enhance your dining experience.

Here are a few side options that complement your main course.

Garlic Bread

To truly elevate your chicken scampi pasta experience, serve it with warm garlic bread.

The flavors in garlic bread pair wonderfully with the garlic butter sauce in the pasta and provide an excellent way to soak up any leftover sauce on your plate.

Caesar Salad

A classic Caesar salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of chicken scampi pasta.

The crisp lettuce, tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons bring a pleasing variety of textures to your meal, making it a satisfying and well-rounded dining experience.

Steamed Vegetables

Consider serving your chicken scampi pasta with steamed vegetables for a lighter and healthier option.

The natural flavors and textures of vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus complement the pasta dish while providing essential nutrients.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

To add a slightly different flavor profile to your meal, try pairing your chicken scampi pasta with roasted Brussels sprouts.

The caramelized outer edges and tender inside of the sprouts can add a delightful crunch and depth of flavor, making it an exciting addition to your meal.

Risotto

If you’re looking for a more hearty and indulgent side, opt for a creamy risotto to accompany your chicken scampi pasta.

Its rich and velvety texture creates a luxurious dining experience while highlighting your pasta’s garlic and lemon flavors.

Remember, the key to a fantastic meal is how well your side dishes harmonize with the flavors and textures of your main course.

Choose from these side dishes to create a memorable and delicious chicken scampi pasta dinner.

Ingredients Substitutes

Parsley

When it comes to parsley, dried can be substituted for fresh in a pinch.

You would use about 1 to 2 tablespoons of dried parsley, but keep in mind that the final dish might not have the same fresh and herbaceous quality as it would with fresh parsley.

Chicken Broth

Chicken broth can be a suitable substitute if you don’t have or prefer not to use white wine in your chicken scampi pasta.

It still lends a depth of flavor and complements the other ingredients in the dish.

How to Store Chicken Scampi Pasta

Storing your chicken scampi pasta properly is essential to preserving its flavor and freshness.

Here are a few tips on how to store your dish to enjoy it later.

Refrigerate

Allow the chicken scampi pasta to cool down completely before transferring it into an airtight container.

Place the container in the refrigerator, where it can be stored for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

If you want to store your chicken scampi pasta for longer, freezing is a great option.

Pack the pasta in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags and store them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Make sure to label the container with the date of storage to keep track of its shelf life.

How To Reheat Chicken Scampi Pasta

When you’re ready to enjoy your stored chicken scampi pasta, remove it from the refrigerator or freezer and reheat it in a skillet on the stovetop on low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

If the pasta is frozen, it’s better to let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Remember, to preserve the quality of your chicken scampi pasta, try to avoid frequent fluctuations in temperature and store it in airtight containers to prevent it from absorbing other flavors in your fridge or freezer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are the most common mistakes to avoid when preparing Chicken Scampi Pasta:

Overcooking the Pasta

When preparing chicken scampi pasta, it is crucial to cook the pasta until it is al dente.

Overcooked pasta will become mushy and unappetizing.

To avoid this, make sure to follow the package instructions and check the pasta frequently as it cooks. Additionally, you can reserve some pasta water to help loosen the sauce and adjust the consistency if necessary.

Not Browning the Chicken

Browning the chicken adds both flavor and texture to your dish.

Make sure to properly cook and brown the chicken before adding it to the sauce.

If the chicken is not browned, it can make the dish less flavorful, and the chicken may become overcooked while simmering in the sauce.

Using Too Much Garlic

While garlic is an essential ingredient in chicken scampi pasta, using too much can overpower the other flavors.

Be mindful of the quantity of garlic you use, and consider adjusting it based on your personal taste preferences.

Overcooking the Chicken

Overcooked chicken can become tough and dry, which is not ideal in a chicken scampi pasta dish.

Monitor the chicken closely and cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it remains juicy and tender.