If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and a luscious garlic lemon sauce all tossed with delicate angel hair pasta, this Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors that dance on your palate, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Each bite bursts with fresh herbs, a hint of spice, and cheesy goodness, showcasing comfort food at its most elegant and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple but essential ingredients is the key to making this Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe come alive. Each element plays a crucial role—olive oil gives that smooth richness, fresh garlic brings intense aroma, and the bright bell peppers add that perfect pop of color and sweetness. The combination results in a lush, inviting pasta dish that’s both easy and impressive.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced: Lean and tender protein that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- 12 ounces angel hair pasta or spaghetti: Delicate strands that perfectly capture the garlicky scampi sauce.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Adds depth and richness while helping to sauté the chicken and vegetables.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates a silky, indulgent base for the sauce.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced: The star flavor for that irresistible garlicky punch.
- 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Provides sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 small green bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds crunch and a fresh, slightly bitter note.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle kick of heat that elevates the flavors.
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth: Enhances the sauce with acidity and depth.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brightens the sauce with a refreshing citrus zing.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Adds herbal freshness and a burst of green to the dish.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving: A savory finishing touch that melts beautifully on top.
How to Make Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta or spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until al dente, which means the pasta is tender but still slightly firm to the bite. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the flavorful chicken and sauce. Cooking the pasta perfectly is key to creating that ideal texture that complements the rich sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the thinly sliced chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper. Place the chicken in the skillet in a single layer and sauté for about 5 to 6 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. This step locks in the juices and creates a beautiful caramelized crust for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce and Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the butter. Once the butter melts, toss in the minced garlic, red and green bell peppers, and crushed red pepper flakes if you want that subtle heat. Sauté everything for 2 to 3 minutes until the peppers soften slightly and the garlic becomes fragrant. This mixture forms the vibrant, savory base of your sauce.
Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in the dry white wine or chicken broth along with the fresh lemon juice. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and thicken. This step intensifies the flavors and creates a glossy, aromatic sauce that perfectly coats the pasta.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together to coat the meat in the flavorful sauce. Then add the drained pasta and gently toss all the ingredients until the pasta is evenly coated and heated through. Be careful not to over-stir, as angel hair pasta is delicate and can break easily. Finish off with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and freshness.
How to Serve Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding the right garnishes can elevate your Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe to restaurant-quality elegance. A shower of freshly grated Parmesan cheese is a must, providing a salty, nutty finish. Freshly chopped parsley brightens the dish visually and adds a subtle herbaceous note that complements the garlic butter sauce beautifully. A lemon wedge on the side lets guests add an extra citrus burst if they desire.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides to balance its richness. A simple mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette mirrors the citrus notes in the pasta sauce. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is perfect for sopping up every last bit of that luscious scampi sauce. For added veggies, roasted asparagus or steamed green beans bring a lovely crunch and color contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, try serving the Chicken Scampi Pasta in individual shallow bowls, garnished with whole sprigs of parsley. You could also layer the pasta on a large platter topped with bright pepper slices arranged artfully for a stunning centerpiece. If you want to impress guests, serve alongside a chilled glass of dry white wine that matches the wine used in cooking. Presentation is all about enhancing the inviting, vibrant feel of this dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Scampi Pasta keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To preserve the best texture, store the pasta separately from garnishes like Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, adding them just before serving again. This way, the pasta won’t get mushy and will still taste fresh the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the chicken and sauce mixture, but it’s best not to freeze the pasta itself as it may become too soft when reheated. Freeze the chicken scampi sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and toss with freshly cooked pasta for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat the Chicken Scampi Pasta gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Stir frequently to heat evenly and prevent sticking. Reheat just until warmed through to keep the chicken tender and pasta at the perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While angel hair pasta is traditional here because it holds the light sauce beautifully, you can swap in spaghetti, linguine, or even fettuccine to suit your preference. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on your chosen pasta.
What if I don’t have white wine on hand?
No worries. Chicken broth is a great substitute that keeps the sauce flavorful without the alcohol. You can also try a splash of dry sherry or extra lemon juice to maintain that bright acidity.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! The recipe already includes crushed red pepper flakes as an option. Feel free to increase that amount or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to give it an extra kick that suits your spice tolerance.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
While the chicken is central to this recipe, you can substitute it with hearty mushrooms, tofu, or even shrimp for a pescatarian twist. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.
How can I make the sauce even richer?
For a creamy touch, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water before adding the pasta. This creates a velvety sauce that clings beautifully to every strand.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe is a true winner in any kitchen, combining fresh ingredients and straightforward techniques for a mouthwatering meal. It’s the kind of dish you’ll find yourself making again and again, whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends. So grab those ingredients, fire up your stove, and get ready to savor a delicious, comforting pasta that’s bursting with flavor and made with love.
Print
Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Chicken Scampi Pasta is a delightful Italian-American dish featuring tender sautéed chicken breast, vibrant bell peppers, and angel hair pasta tossed in a flavorful garlic, lemon, and white wine sauce. The combination of fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese adds a perfect finishing touch, making it a satisfying and easy weeknight main course.
Ingredients
Protein and Pasta
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 12 ounces angel hair pasta or spaghetti
Oils and Fats
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small green bell pepper, thinly sliced
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
To Serve
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside to use later.
- Sauté the chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the thinly sliced chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and has a golden exterior. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Cook the peppers and garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic, sliced red and green bell peppers, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the peppers begin to soften and the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Deglaze and make sauce: Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and fresh lemon juice into the skillet. Scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits. Allow the liquid to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
- Toss chicken and pasta in sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat it well in the garlic-lemon sauce. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and gently toss all ingredients together until everything is thoroughly combined and heated through.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle in the chopped fresh parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Give another gentle toss to evenly distribute the toppings. Serve the Chicken Scampi Pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- For a richer sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or reserve some pasta cooking water to add before tossing the pasta.
- Shrimp or scallops can be substituted for chicken to create a seafood version of this pasta.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting quality.
