When I first made this Chicken Scampi, I was amazed at how something so seemingly fancy came together in under 30 minutes! The garlicky, buttery sauce draped over tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta was a total delight. It felt like a restaurant-quality meal right at home without all the fuss. If you love flavorful dishes that look like they took hours to make but are secretly quick and simple, you’re in for a treat with this recipe. Let’s get cooking!

Credit: wellplated.com

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this flavorful dish. Freshness makes all the difference, so I’ll share a few tips along the way!

8 ounces whole wheat angel hair pasta or spaghetti noodles. Whole wheat adds a bit of extra nutrition, but regular pasta works just as well.
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces. For juicy, tender chicken, try to use fresh, quality cuts.
½ teaspoon kosher salt. Helps bring out the natural flavors in the chicken.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour. Gives the chicken a beautiful golden crust.
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil. You don’t need anything fancy, just a reliable olive oil for cooking.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided, cut into 1-tablespoon pieces. Unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness in the dish.
1 shallot, finely chopped. Offers a sweet, subtle onion flavor.
6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons). Freshly minced garlic is key for that robust, garlicky taste.
½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth. Stick to a dry wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for depth, and use broth if skipping alcohol.
Zest of ½ lemon. Adds brightness and zing to the dish.
¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice. Balances the butteriness with a slight tang.
¼ to ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes. Adjust based on your spice tolerance.
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving. Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully and elevates the flavors.
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley leaves. A fresh, herbaceous pop for the finishing touch.

Note: This recipe serves 4. Adjust ingredient quantities for additional servings.

Variations

Want to put your own spin on this dish? Here are some ways you can tweak the recipe:

Gluten-Free: Substitute the pasta with your favorite gluten-free variety and use a gluten-free flour blend.
Dairy-Free Option: Use a vegan butter substitute and skip the Parmesan, or try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Protein Variations: Boneless chicken thighs work beautifully in place of breasts, or try shrimp for a classic scampi twist.
Boost the Vegetables: Add sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra texture and color.

Cooking Time

Here’s how long this recipe will take from start to finish:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Equipment You Need

These are the tools you’ll need to prepare your chicken scampi:

Large Pot: For cooking the pasta.
Deep Skillet: To cook the chicken and make the sauce.
Tongs: Perfect for tossing the pasta in the sauce.
Chef’s Knife: For chopping and dicing ingredients.
Cutting Board: A sturdy surface for prepping your ingredients.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure precision with liquids and spices.

How to Make Chicken Scampi?

This dish is simple and straightforward to prepare. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a stunning meal ready in no time.

Prepare the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just al dente, about 3 minutes shy of the package instructions. Reserve a cup of the pasta water before draining. Set aside the pasta while you move on to the chicken.

Prep and Cook the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Toss it in a bowl with kosher salt and all-purpose flour to coat evenly. Heat olive oil with one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until it’s golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Sauté the Aromatics

Lower the heat slightly and add one tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Toss in the chopped shallots and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant but not browned.

Deglaze the Pan

Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) to deglaze the pan. Scrape the bottom with a wooden spoon to release all the flavorful brown bits. Simmer the mixture until reduced by half, which will take about 3 minutes.

Combine the Ingredients

Reduce the heat to low and add ½ cup of reserved pasta water, lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir well before returning the chicken to the pan. Add the cooked pasta and the remaining butter, tossing everything to coat evenly in the sauce.

Finish and Serve

Add the grated Parmesan and fresh parsley to the skillet, tossing gently until combined. Turn off the heat and serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired. If you’re in the mood for something different, you can also try this Chicken Lo Mein Recipe for a flavorful twist.

Credit: wellplated.com

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

When I made this recipe, I picked up a few tricks to take it to the next level. Here’s what worked for me:

Dry your chicken thoroughly before tossing it with flour. This ensures a crisp, even crust.
Don’t rush the deglazing process. The browned bits stuck to the skillet are packed with flavor.
Keep an eye on the pasta water. You’ll need it to create that silky, restaurant-style sauce.
If your sauce seems too thin, allow it to simmer for a few extra minutes before adding the chicken and pasta.

How to Serve Chicken Scampi?

Chicken Scampi is best served fresh and hot. Here are some serving ideas to elevate the experience:

Serve it in shallow bowls to showcase the glossy sauce and make it easier to eat.
Garnish generously with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.
Pair it with a simple arugula salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Add crusty bread on the side to soak up every last bit of the garlicky butter sauce.

For more inspiration, check out these Chicken Recipes to explore other creative ways to enjoy chicken.

Nutritional Information

This recipe is both flavorful and satisfying! Here’s what you get in one serving:

Calories: 548
Protein: 36g
Carbohydrates: 51g
Fat: 21g

Make Ahead and Storage

Chicken Scampi is excellent for leftovers or meal prep! Here’s how to store it:

To Store: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To Freeze: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
To Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth to revive the sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This Chicken Scampi recipe has so much going for it. Here are a few reasons why I think you’ll love it as much as I do:

Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, it comes together in under 30 minutes.
Customizable: You can tweak the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Full of Flavor: The garlicky, buttery sauce with a hint of lemon is irresistible.
Restaurant-Quality: Impress family or guests with a meal that feels special without the price tag.
Minimal Cleanup: One skillet for the sauce means fewer dishes to wash.

Chicken Scampi has a way of making even an ordinary Tuesday feel a bit more luxurious. It’s simple to make yet delivers bold, complex flavors that everyone at the table will rave about. Whether it’s for a quick family meal or a dinner party, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I can’t wait for you to try it!

If you love flavorful dishes like this, you might also enjoy this Chicken Quesadilla Recipe for another quick and delicious option.

Ash Tyrrell