If you are on the lookout for a dish that perfectly bridges the comforting charm of pasta with the bright zest of a seaside favorite, then the Chicken Scampi with Pasta Recipe is your new go-to meal. This recipe brings together tender chicken tenders sautéed to a golden crisp, a vibrant garlicky lemon sauce, and perfectly al dente spaghetti that soaks up every bit of flavor. It’s an effortless yet impressive dinner that feels both indulgent and fresh, making it ideal for family nights or when you want to treat friends to something special. Get ready to savor each bite bursting with buttery richness and lively citrus notes that will make this recipe a dinner table classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Scampi with Pasta Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen not only for flavor but for how it complements and balances the dish’s texture and aroma. From the tender chicken to the zesty lemon and rich butter, these staples create a harmonious plate that’s as delightful to cook as it is to eat.
- 12 ounces spaghetti: The base of the dish, providing a satisfying bite that perfectly carries the sauce.
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders: Tender and quick-cooking, they absorb the scampi flavors beautifully.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt: Enhances all the ingredients’ natural tastes without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds the slightest hint of heat and complexity.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: For dredging the chicken, ensuring a light, golden crust.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided: Used for sautéing, it brings out a fruity richness.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided: Adds creaminess and depth to the scampi sauce.
- 3/4 cup dry white wine (chardonnay or sauvignon blanc): Brings acidity and a subtle fruity nuance for sauce complexity.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: The star aromatics, infusing the dish with warm and pungent notes.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Brightens the sauce with fresh citrus oils.
- 1/4 cup lemon juice: Adds a tangy kick that cuts through the richness.
- 1/3 cup parsley, finely chopped: Offers fresh, herbaceous contrast and vibrant color.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving: A nutty, salty finish that elevates every bite.
How to Make Chicken Scampi with Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Start by chopping the parsley finely, mincing the garlic, zesting and juicing the lemon, and patting the chicken tenders dry. Season the chicken well with sea salt and black pepper, then dredge each piece lightly in all-purpose flour. This prep sets the stage for a nicely browned chicken and a flavorful sauce.
Step 2: Cook Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until just al dente, meaning it should still have a slight bite to it. Be sure to reserve about half a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining, as this starchy liquid is vital for loosening the sauce and binding everything together later.
Step 3: Sauté Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the floured chicken tenders and cook for about 2 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve a perfect crust. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside to keep warm.
Step 4: Make Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and 3 tablespoons of butter. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom. Allow this to simmer until the wine reduces by half, about 5 minutes, intensifying the sauce’s depth.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped parsley, tying together the bright and savory elements beautifully. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add the reserved pasta cooking water and the cooked spaghetti, then gently toss again until everything is luxuriously coated with the velvety scampi sauce.
How to Serve Chicken Scampi with Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds a fresh pop of color and herbaceous brightness that complements the richness. Don’t forget a generous grating of Parmesan cheese—it melts slightly over the warm pasta to add a luscious, savory finish.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Scampi with Pasta Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp, green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or a side of roasted seasonal vegetables. Garlic bread also makes an excellent companion, perfect for mopping up that irresistible lemon butter sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a restaurant-style touch, twirl the pasta into neat nests on the plate and arrange the chicken tenders on top or alongside. Garnish with lemon slices for a charming hint to the flavors inside. Serving in shallow bowls rather than plates helps keep all those heavenly juices contained for maximum enjoyment.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Scampi with Pasta Recipe stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce and pasta combined for easier reheating and the best flavor retention.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, it’s best to store the chicken and pasta separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Combine and reheat gently when ready, as this method preserves texture and flavor better.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken and pasta gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to restore moisture. Avoid microwaving directly as this can dry out the dish and toughen the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional and works beautifully here, linguine, fettuccine, or even angel hair pasta would be wonderful alternatives that soak up the sauce just as well.
Is it okay to skip the wine in the sauce?
Yes, you can substitute the wine with chicken broth or extra lemon juice if preferred. The wine adds depth and acidity, but you’ll still get a fantastic flavor without it.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
You can, but chicken tenders are ideal because they cook quickly and stay tender. If you use chicken breasts, slice them thinly or pound them to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
Fresh parsley lends brightness, but if you don’t have it on hand, dried parsley can be used sparingly. Alternatively, fresh basil or chives make nice flavor substitutes.
How do I make the sauce thicker if needed?
If your sauce isn’t thick enough, simmer it a bit longer to reduce, or whisk in a small pat of butter off the heat to give it a silkier body and shine.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Scampi with Pasta Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal full of vibrant flavors and comforting textures. Once you make it, you’ll find yourself coming back for those buttery, lemony bites again and again. It’s a perfect way to impress without stress, so go ahead and dive into this luscious dish soon!
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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-American
Description
This Chicken Scampi with Pasta recipe is a vibrant and delicious dish combining tender chicken tenders sautéed to golden perfection with a flavorful lemon-garlic butter sauce and perfectly cooked spaghetti. Enhanced with white wine, fresh parsley, and a touch of Parmesan, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes.
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
For Serving
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Chop the parsley finely, zest and juice the lemon, mince the garlic cloves, and season the chicken tenders with fine sea salt and black pepper. Dredge the chicken tenders evenly in the flour, coating each piece.
- 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. Return the drained spaghetti to the pot and set aside.
- Sauté chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the floured chicken tenders and cook for about 2 minutes per side until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate, leaving any browned bits in the pan.
- Make sauce: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 3 tablespoons of the unsalted butter to the skillet. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the dry white wine and use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the skillet bottom. Let the mixture simmer for approximately 5 minutes until the wine reduces and the sauce slightly thickens.
- Finish the dish: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and finely chopped parsley into the sauce. Return the cooked chicken tenders to the pan and toss to coat them in the sauce. Pour in the reserved pasta water and add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss everything together well so the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and heated through.
- Serve: Immediately plate the pasta and chicken scampi. Garnish generously with fresh parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving to add flavor and a lovely presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts cut into strips if tenders are unavailable.
- The reserved pasta water helps balance the sauce and keep it silky when mixed with the pasta.
- Use dry white wines such as chardonnay or sauvignon blanc for best flavor and avoid sweet wines.
- If preferred, gluten-free flour can substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious scampi sauce.
- Do not overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
