Chicken Scampi Pasta is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken tenders, spaghetti, and a rich, buttery sauce with hints of garlic and lemon. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion when you want to impress with minimal effort. The combination of dry white wine, lemon zest, and fresh parsley creates a zesty, savory sauce that perfectly complements the chicken and pasta. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish delivers big flavor in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Scampi Pasta is everything you love about a classic scampi but with the added bonus of juicy, pan-seared chicken. The creamy, tangy sauce, rich in butter, garlic, and white wine, coats the pasta beautifully, making every bite full of flavor. The addition of fresh lemon juice and zest gives the dish a refreshing brightness, while the chopped parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note that ties everything together. The Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top brings an extra layer of richness, making this pasta irresistible. Whether you’re a fan of traditional scampi or looking for something new to try, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!

Ingredients

Spaghetti
Chicken tenders
Fine sea salt
Black pepper
All-purpose flour
Olive oil
Unsalted butter
Dry white wine (Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc)
Garlic cloves, minced
Lemon zest
Lemon juice
Parsley, finely chopped
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Variations

This Chicken Scampi Pasta recipe is easily adaptable, so feel free to get creative with these variations:

Add Vegetables: For extra nutrition and flavor, consider adding vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or zucchini to the dish. You can sauté them along with the chicken or toss them into the pasta at the end.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat that pairs nicely with the garlic and lemon.
Shrimp or Seafood: If you prefer seafood, substitute the chicken with shrimp or scallops for a more traditional scampi flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and flour to make this dish gluten-free while keeping all the delicious flavors.
Creamy Sauce: For a creamier variation, add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce for a richer, velvety finish.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Season and Coat the Chicken

Season the chicken tenders with salt and black pepper. Lightly dredge them in flour, shaking off any excess.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken tenders to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Scampi Sauce

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and 3 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 5: Add Wine and Lemon

Pour in the white wine, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly. Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice, then simmer for another 2 minutes.

Step 6: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan, tossing to coat the pasta in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.

Step 7: Finish the Dish

Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and chopped parsley to the skillet, stirring until the butter melts and the pasta is well coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed.

Step 8: Serve

Divide the pasta and chicken among serving plates. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and additional parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the chicken, be sure to cook the chicken in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures that the chicken gets golden brown and crisp.
Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t forget to save some of the pasta water! It helps to loosen the sauce and makes it cling better to the noodles.
Adjust the Wine Flavor: If you prefer a less pronounced wine flavor, allow the wine to reduce for a little longer before adding the lemon juice and garlic.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and lemon make a huge difference in the flavor of this dish. Fresh parsley adds a vibrant touch that brightens up the entire recipe.

How to Serve

This Chicken Scampi Pasta is delicious on its own, but you can enhance the meal with a side salad, some garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette would be a great accompaniment to balance the richness of the pasta. Pair it with a glass of dry white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the flavors of the dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Chicken Scampi Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to help bring the sauce back to life.

Freezing

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for later. Allow the pasta to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm it in the microwave or on the stove.

Reheating

When reheating, add a small amount of water, broth, or extra butter to keep the pasta moist and help restore the sauce’s creaminess.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but be sure to cut them into smaller pieces for even cooking. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. Can I substitute the white wine with something else?

Yes, you can substitute the white wine with chicken broth or vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version.

3. Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free flour to make this dish gluten-free while maintaining the same delicious flavors.

4. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! You can add spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.

5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and sear the chicken ahead of time. Just reheat everything before adding the pasta.

6. Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes, you can add red pepper flakes to the garlic while sautéing for a spicy kick.

7. What other types of pasta can I use?

You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as fettuccine, penne, or linguine.

8. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

While fresh, seared chicken is best for flavor, you can use pre-cooked chicken if you’re in a pinch. Just add it to the sauce once the wine has reduced.

9. What can I substitute for the butter?

If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute.

10. Can I make this recipe without wine?

Yes, you can replace the wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version. It will still add great flavor to the sauce.

Conclusion

Chicken Scampi Pasta is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that combines the best elements of a classic scampi with the addition of juicy chicken and a rich, buttery sauce. With its vibrant flavors of garlic, lemon, and wine, this dish is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a cozy dinner at home. Simple yet elegant, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection.