Description
This Best Chicken Scampi Pasta is a flavorful Italian American dish that combines tender chicken breasts sautéed in garlic butter with linguine pasta tossed in a zesty lemon and white wine sauce. Enhanced with parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, this quick and easy stovetop recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special meal.
Ingredients
Scale
pasta
- 12 ounces linguine or spaghetti pasta
chicken and sauce
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup dry white cooking wine or additional chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the linguine or spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
- Sauté the chicken: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes (if using), chicken broth, and white cooking wine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Combine and finish: Add the lemon juice to the skillet and return the cooked chicken pieces to the sauce. Toss in the drained pasta and stir well to coat all components in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the dish with grated parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and lemon zest if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Shrimp can be substituted for chicken to make a traditional shrimp scampi variation.
- For a creamier sauce, stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream at the end of cooking.
- Pair this pasta with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
