EASY CHICKEN SCAMPI PASTA

I’ll never forget the first time I tried chicken scampi pasta. My friend Sarah made it for a potluck, and I was immediately hooked by the rich, garlicky sauce and perfectly cooked chicken. It tasted like something from a fancy Italian restaurant, but she assured me it was incredibly easy to make at home. That’s when I knew I needed to learn how to make my own version of this classic dish. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Easy Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe- SO GOOD! you’ll ever make!

Easy Chicken Scampi Pasta – Your New Weeknight Hero!

Hey there, friend! Get ready to make some magic in the kitchen because we’re diving headfirst into one of my absolute favorite pasta dishes: Easy Chicken Scampi Pasta! This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and savor every single bite. And the best part? It’s surprisingly simple to throw together, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a weekend treat.

Think succulent pieces of chicken, bathed in a luscious garlic-butter sauce, all tossed with perfectly al dente pasta. Are you drooling yet? Because I am just thinking about it! We’re talking restaurant-quality flavor without the restaurant price tag or the hours spent in the kitchen. Let’s get started, shall we?

Why You’ll Absolutely LOVE This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Seriously, from start to finish, this recipe takes about 30 minutes. Perfect for those nights when you’re short on time but still want a delicious and satisfying meal.
• Packed with Flavor: The garlic-butter sauce is the star of the show. It’s rich, savory, and oh-so-addictive. You’ll want to lick the plate clean, trust me.
• Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe to your liking. Add veggies, swap out the pasta, or adjust the spice level. The possibilities are endless!
• Crowd-Pleasing: This is a guaranteed hit with family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just feeding your hungry crew, everyone will rave about this dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Okay, let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t worry, you probably have most of these in your pantry already. This is where the “easy” part of “Easy Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe- SO GOOD!” really shines!

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces. We want them to cook quickly and evenly.
• 1 pound pasta: Linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine work best, but honestly, use whatever you have on hand. I’ve even made it with penne in a pinch!
• ½ cup butter: Unsalted is my preference, so we can control the salt level.
• 6 cloves garlic: Minced. And when I say 6, I mean *at least* 6. Don’t be shy with the garlic!
• ½ cup dry white wine: Such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. This adds a lovely depth of flavor. If you don’t have wine, you can substitute chicken broth.
• ¼ cup chicken broth: For extra richness and moisture.
• ¼ cup lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is always best. It brightens up the sauce and balances the richness.
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley: For a pop of color and freshness.
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes: For a little kick. Adjust to your spice preference.
• Salt and pepper: To taste.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the chicken.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: For serving. Because cheese makes everything better, right?

Let’s Get Cooking! Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, friend, it’s time to get our chef hats on and whip up this amazing Easy Chicken Scampi Pasta! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal on the table in no time.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

First things first, let’s get that pasta cooking. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Trust me, you want that slight bite! Once it’s cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water. We might need it later to adjust the sauce consistency.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, let’s get the chicken ready. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels (this helps them brown nicely) and season them generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it’s golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook the chicken in batches if necessary. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Scampi Sauce

Now for the magic! In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Pour in the white wine and chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the scampi sauce. Toss to coat. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Stir in the chopped parsley.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

That’s it! You’ve done it! Serve your Easy Chicken Scampi Pasta immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese. Prepare for rave reviews! This is comfort food at its finest.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Chicken Scampi Pasta

Okay, friend, now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s talk about some insider tips and tricks to take your Chicken Scampi Pasta to the next level. These are the little secrets that will make your dish truly unforgettable.

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken is dry and rubbery. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to 165°F (74°C).
• Use Fresh Garlic: Seriously, fresh garlic makes a HUGE difference in the flavor of the sauce. Don’t even think about using garlic powder!
• Deglaze the Pan: After cooking the chicken, there will be some flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. When you add the white wine, scrape up those bits with a spatula. This will add tons of flavor to the sauce.
• Taste as You Go: The key to any great dish is to taste as you go and adjust the seasoning as needed. Don’t be afraid to add more salt, pepper, lemon juice, or red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
• Add Veggies: Feel free to add some veggies to your Chicken Scampi Pasta. Asparagus, broccoli, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes would all be delicious additions.
• Make it Creamy: If you want a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end.
• Garnish Like a Pro: A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a generous grating of Parmesan cheese will make your dish look as good as it tastes.

Variations to Make It Your Own

One of the best things about this Easy Chicken Scampi Pasta is how versatile it is. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Shrimp Scampi Pasta: Swap out the chicken for shrimp. Simply sauté the shrimp in the skillet until pink and cooked through.
• Vegetarian Scampi Pasta: Omit the chicken and add extra veggies, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini.
• Gluten-Free Scampi Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta. There are many great gluten-free pasta options available these days.
• Spicy Scampi Pasta: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
• Lemon Herb Scampi Pasta: Add some fresh herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano, to the sauce.

If you are looking for other pasta options, I highly suggest you try our HONEY PEPPER CHICKEN PASTA. This one is also a favorite!

Another great chicken pasta recipe is our Chicken Macaroni Salad It is a refreshing treat.

For a light and delicious side, try Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad – it complements the richness of the scampi perfectly.

For a vegetarian option with a fresh twist, you absolutely must try our CAPRESE PASTA SALAD! The burst of flavors is incredible!

If you are looking for a meal with some spice, try the Spicy Chicken Rigatoni

Making Ahead and Storage

While this Easy Chicken Scampi Pasta is best served fresh, you can definitely make some components ahead of time to save time during the week. Here’s how:

• Cook the Chicken: You can cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Make the Sauce: You can also make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Cook the Pasta: I don’t recommend cooking the pasta too far in advance, as it can become mushy. However, you can cook it a few hours ahead of time and toss it with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking together.

To store leftover Chicken Scampi Pasta, let it cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to prevent it from drying out.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your Delicious Chicken Scampi Pasta!

There you have it, friend! Your complete guide to making the most incredible Easy Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe- SO GOOD! This dish is a true testament to the fact that you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to create a restaurant-quality meal at home. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of love, you can whip up a dish that will impress your family and friends and leave them begging for more.

So go ahead, get in the kitchen, and start cooking! And remember, don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own. After all, cooking should be fun and creative. And most importantly, enjoy every single bite of your delicious Chicken Scampi Pasta! You deserve it!

Easy Chicken Scampi Pasta

This Easy Chicken Scampi Pasta recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 30 minutes! Tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta are tossed in a luscious garlic-butter sauce for a quick, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing weeknight meal.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian-American

Calories: 650

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 pound pasta linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder optional, for extra flavor
• 1/4 cup reserved pasta water

Equipment

• large pot
• colander
• large skillet
• measuring cups and spoons
• cutting board
• knife
• paper towels
• Spatula or tongs

Method

 

1. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.
2. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Pour in white wine and chicken broth, and bring to a simmer. Let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir in lemon juice, oregano and garlic powder (optional). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the scampi sauce. Toss to coat.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Stir in the chopped parsley.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end. Add veggies like asparagus, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrients and flavor. The chicken and sauce can be made ahead of time and stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Toss with freshly cooked pasta just before serving. Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. Deglaze the pan after cooking the chicken by scraping up the browned bits with white wine to add depth to the sauce.