If you’re craving a dish that combines tender chicken with a luscious, garlicky sauce and perfectly al dente pasta, this Chicken Scampi with Pasta Recipe is just the answer. Bursting with bright lemon notes, fresh parsley, and a subtle hint of white wine, every bite feels like a celebration of simple, vibrant flavors. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining friends, this recipe turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that’s sure to become a fast favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Scampi with Pasta Recipe uses straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating its signature bright, garlicky flavor and satisfying texture. From the tender chicken to the zingy lemon, every component is essential for that perfect harmony on your plate.
- 12 ounces spaghetti: The classic pasta choice that holds the sauce beautifully and provides the perfect bite.
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders: Juicy, tender pieces that cook quickly and soak up all the wonderful flavors.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt: Enhances all the ingredients without overpowering them.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the dish.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Helps create a light coating on the chicken for a golden, crisp finish.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided: For sautéing chicken and building the base of the sauce with a fruity richness.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided: Adds silkiness and richness to the sauce, perfectly balancing the acidity.
- 3/4 cup dry white wine (chardonnay or sauvignon blanc): Brings brightness and a subtle complexity to the sauce’s flavor.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the sauce with a wonderfully aromatic punch.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Delivers fresh citrus notes that brighten every bite.
- 1/4 cup lemon juice: Adds tang and lightness, lifting the entire dish.
- 1/3 cup parsley, finely chopped: A fresh herb that gives color and a herbaceous finish.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving: Optional but highly recommended for that salty, nutty kick on top.
How to Make Chicken Scampi with Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Start by gathering everything so your cooking flows seamlessly. Chop the parsley, zest and juice the lemon, and mince the garlic. Season the chicken tenders generously with sea salt and black pepper, then dredge them in the flour to ensure a golden crust once cooked.
Step 2: Cook Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until just al dente according to package instructions. This ensures the pasta will absorb the sauce well without becoming mushy later. Don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining — it’s essential for perfectly finishing the dish.
Step 3: Sauté Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken tenders and cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they develop a beautiful golden color and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. This step locks in juiciness and creates wonderful flavor from browning.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
To the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and half the butter. Sauté the minced garlic just long enough to release its aroma — about 30 seconds is perfect so it doesn’t burn. Deglaze the pan with the white wine, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let this simmer for 5 minutes to reduce and concentrate those flavors.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
Stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and parsley, which brings a vibrant freshness to the sauce. Return the chicken to the skillet along with the remaining butter, tossing gently to coat everything evenly. Add the reserved pasta water and the cooked spaghetti, then toss all together until every strand is luxuriously covered. This step melds the flavors and ensures the pasta doesn’t dry out.
How to Serve Chicken Scampi with Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation and taste, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and grate plenty of Parmesan cheese over the top. The greenery adds a pop of color, and the cheese delivers a savory, salty finish that makes every bite irresistible.
Side Dishes
Keep your sides light and complementary. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus can provide contrast to the richness of the scampi. Garlic bread is another crowd-pleaser that soaks up every drop of sauce deliciously.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your loved ones by plating the pasta in a neat nest on the plate, topped with chicken tenders arranged artfully on top. Drizzle a little extra sauce around the plate and garnish with lemon wedges to add brightness and a splash of color. Serving in shallow bowls also works beautifully, making it perfect for family-style sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Chicken Scampi with Pasta Recipe (though you might not!), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep its flavor and texture well for up to 3 days, making a tasty next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal for this dish due to the delicate texture of the pasta and chicken, but if necessary, freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta in airtight containers. They should be consumed within one month for the best taste and texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving as it can make the chicken rubbery and the pasta mushy. Stir occasionally until warmed through and the sauce is fresh again.
FAQs
Can I use other pasta instead of spaghetti?
Absolutely! Linguine or fettuccine also work wonderfully with this Chicken Scampi with Pasta Recipe because their shape holds the sauce beautifully, but feel free to use your favorite pasta type.
What if I don’t want to cook with wine?
You can substitute the white wine with chicken broth and a splash of lemon juice to maintain acidity and flavor. The sauce will still be delicious but slightly less complex.
Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders?
Yes, chicken breasts sliced into thin strips or bite-sized pieces work perfectly. Just make sure not to overcook them to keep them juicy and tender.
Is the dish spicy?
No, this Chicken Scampi with Pasta Recipe is mild and flavorful without heat. However, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing garlic if you like a little kick.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the simmering sauce until it reaches your desired consistency. Be careful not to make it too thick as it should lightly coat the pasta.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Scampi with Pasta Recipe is a true winner for any busy weeknight or special occasion. It’s a dish full of brightness, buttery richness, and comforting textures that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I can’t wait for you to try it and add it to your recipe collection — trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Chicken Scampi with Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Chicken Scampi with Pasta recipe features tender chicken tenders sautéed to golden perfection and combined with spaghetti in a bright, flavorful lemon-garlic butter sauce with hints of white wine and fresh parsley. Ready in just 30 minutes, it makes for a delightful and elegant meal perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti
Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 3/4 cup dry white wine (chardonnay or sauvignon blanc)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/3 cup parsley, finely chopped
To Serve
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Chop the parsley finely, zest and juice the lemon, and mince the garlic cloves. Season the chicken tenders with salt and black pepper, then dredge them evenly in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess.
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining, then return the pasta to the pot.
- Sauté chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the floured chicken tenders and cook for approximately 2 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Make sauce: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 3 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Deglaze the pan by pouring in the dry white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine simmer and reduce for about 5 minutes.
- Finish: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped parsley into the sauce. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add the reserved pasta water and the drained spaghetti to the pan, tossing everything together to combine and heat evenly.
- Serve immediately: Plate the chicken scampi pasta and garnish with additional fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot for best flavor.
Notes
- To ensure the chicken cooks evenly, try to use tenders of similar size.
- Reserve pasta water is important as it helps to loosen the sauce and allows it to adhere better to the pasta.
- Use a dry white wine like chardonnay or sauvignon blanc for the best flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute with chicken broth, but the flavor will be less bright.
- For a dairy-free version, omit butter and use additional olive oil instead.
- Do not overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
