Description
This Chicken Scampi recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked in a flavorful sauce of garlic, butter, white wine, and fresh lemon juice, then tossed with angel hair or linguine pasta for a restaurant-quality Italian-American dish ready in just 30 minutes. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s both comforting and elegant.
Ingredients
Chicken & Pasta
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 8 ounces angel hair or linguine pasta
Sauce & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Season the chicken: Pat the sliced chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken slices and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add butter and garlic: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet and let it melt. Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly and develop flavor.
- Toss pasta and cheese: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time as needed to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish, and serve immediately while hot and flavorful.
Notes
- Substitute shrimp for chicken if you prefer a seafood version of scampi.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides the best bright and tangy flavor for the sauce.
- Serve with garlic bread and a green salad for a complete, satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
