Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe

This Chicken Scampi Pasta recipe brings together tender chicken, garlic butter sauce, and lemon-infused pasta for a restaurant-quality meal at home. Made with simple ingredients like spaghetti, white wine, fresh parsley, and Parmesan, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of zesty citrus, rich butter, and flavorful seasonings creates a balanced and delicious pasta dish. Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Whether you’re looking for a comforting classic or an easy recipe with bold flavors, this chicken pasta dish is a must-try.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1 1/2 lbs chicken tenders
• 1 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
• 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
• 3/4 cup dry white wine (Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc)
• 4 garlic cloves (1 Tbsp minced)
• 1 tsp lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
• 1/4 cup lemon juice (from 2 lemons)
• 1/3 cup parsley, finely chopped
• Parmesan, freshly shredded (for serving)

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Instructions:

Preparation:

1. Chop parsley, zest and juice the lemons, and mince garlic before starting.
2. Season chicken tenders with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour to coat lightly.

Cooking the Pasta:

3. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 2 Tbsp salt.
4. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
5. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and return pasta to the pot. Cover partially to keep warm.

Sautéing the Chicken:

6. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 Tbsp olive oil and 1 Tbsp butter.
7. Cook the chicken for 2 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked (165°F internal temperature). Transfer to a plate.
8. Add another 1 Tbsp olive oil and 1 Tbsp butter, then sauté the remaining chicken. Transfer to the plate and cover to keep warm.

Making the Sauce:

9. Carefully pour in the white wine and return heat to medium-high.
10. Scrape the bottom of the pan to deglaze and let the wine reduce for about 5 minutes until only 1/4 cup liquid remains.
11. Stir in 4 Tbsp butter until melted. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
12. Remove from heat and mix in lemon juice, lemon zest, and parsley. Season with 1/2 tsp salt or to taste.

Combining Everything:

13. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, coating it with the sauce.
14. Transfer drained pasta to a large serving bowl. Spoon extra sauce over the spaghetti and toss lightly to coat.
15. Arrange the chicken on top and drizzle with the remaining sauce.
16. Serve garnished with extra parsley and freshly shredded Parmesan.

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Tips

• Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
• Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
• Let the wine reduce properly to concentrate its flavor.
• Slice the chicken before serving for easier eating.

Variations and Substitutions

• Substitute shrimp for chicken to make shrimp scampi pasta.
• Use vegetable broth instead of wine for an alcohol-free version.
• Swap spaghetti for linguine or fettuccine.
• Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, but for the best texture, store pasta and sauce separately and combine when reheating.

Q: What can I use instead of wine?
A: You can substitute white grape juice or chicken broth.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of reserved pasta water or broth.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad.
• Serve with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Drizzle with extra lemon juice for added brightness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple yet packed with fresh flavors.
• Perfectly cooked chicken with a light, tangy garlic butter sauce.
• Great for an easy weeknight dinner or a special meal.
• Customizable with different proteins and pasta types.