Description
This Easy Chicken Scampi Pasta recipe combines tender chicken pieces with garlic-infused butter sauce and linguine, delivering a flavorful and quick Italian-American main course perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or additional chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the linguine or spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain well and set aside to be added later.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Spices: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Deglaze and Simmer Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, dry white wine (or additional broth if preferred), and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook gently for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add Butter and Combine Chicken: Stir in the unsalted butter until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet, tossing gently to coat them in the flavorful sauce.
- Add Pasta and Cheese: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together thoroughly until evenly combined and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top for a bright, fresh finish. Serve immediately while warm for best taste.
Notes
- For a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or extra butter to the sauce before tossing with the pasta.
- Substitute shrimp for chicken to create a classic shrimp scampi variation.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
