Are you ready to take your taste buds on an unforgettable culinary adventure? This Chicken Scampi recipe is the answer to your craving for a savory yet simple meal that the whole family will love. With its tender linguine pasta, succulent chicken breast strips, and a harmonious medley of garlic, butter, and herbs, this dish showcases flavors that are both comforting and impressive. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or hosting friends, Chicken Scampi is a delightful way to elevate your dining experience while staying true to classic Italian traditions.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces linguine pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
Start by boiling water in a large pot and add a pinch of salt. Once the water is at a rolling boil, carefully place the linguine pasta into the pot. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches the perfect al dente texture, then drain and set it aside, reserving a little pasta water.
As the pasta cooks, take the chicken breast strips and season them generously with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the chicken strips to the skillet in a single layer. Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate, covering it to keep warm.
In the same skillet, which now has all those delicious brown bits from the chicken, reduce the heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter and allow it to melt, swirling it around the pan. As the butter sizzles, add in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. If you’re a fan of a little heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes for added flavor.
Next, pour in the chicken broth and white wine, if using, stirring everything together. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 2 minutes, letting the flavors meld beautifully. Then, squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and add the chopped parsley, stirring well to combine.
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and gently toss to coat it in the flavorful sauce. Finally, add the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is well coated in the buttery garlic mixture. If the sauce seems a bit dry, you can splash in some reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
Serve the Chicken Scampi hot, garnished with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired. This dish is perfect for sharing, enticing everyone at the table with its rich aromas and vibrant presentation.
Variations
While this Chicken Scampi recipe is already delectable as is, feel free to explore these variations to suit your taste preferences:
- Seafood Scampi: Replace the chicken with shrimp or scallops for a delightful seafood twist where you can reap those oceanic flavors.
- Vegetable Scampi: Add in your favorite veggies such as zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for a colorful and nutritious dish.
- Pasta Alternatives: Try using whole wheat linguine or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs while keeping the essence of the dish intact.
- Herb Enhancements: Experiment with different herbs, such as basil or thyme, to give your Chicken Scampi a unique flair.
Cooking Notes
Here are some helpful tips to consider when preparing this Chicken Scampi recipe to ensure the best results:
- Cooking Time: Keep a close eye on the chicken as it cooks. Overcooking can make it tough, so aim for a golden-brown exterior while ensuring it’s cooked through.
- Skillet Choice: Use a skillet with a wide surface area to help everything cook evenly. A non-stick skillet works great for retaining the sauce.
- Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh garlic and herbs as they enhance the dish’s flavor significantly compared to dried versions.
- Servings: This recipe yields 4 servings but can easily be scaled up or down depending on your needs.
Serving Suggestions
For a charming presentation, serve the Chicken Scampi in shallow bowls. Consider pairing it with a light side salad or crusty garlic bread to round out the meal. A chilled glass of dry white wine complements this dish wonderfully, adding a sophisticated touch to your dining experience. Make sure to garnish with additional parsley and Parmesan cheese for that restaurant-quality finish!
Tips
- Always taste for seasoning before serving; a little extra salt or pepper can elevate the dish.
- If you prefer a creamier sauce, whisk in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half into the sauce before combining with the chicken and pasta.
- Leftovers are great for lunch the next day, just reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.
- Engage your guests by setting up a parmesan cheese station, allowing everyone to add their desired amount.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information
Calories: 550 per serving
Protein: 30g
Sodium: 500mg
FAQs
Can I make Chicken Scampi ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta in advance. Just reheat everything together when you’re ready to serve.
What can I substitute for white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can replace it with additional chicken broth or even lemon juice for acidity.
Is Chicken Scampi freezer-friendly?
To maintain quality, it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh. However, you can freeze extra sauce separately and reheat when needed.
How do I avoid soggy pasta?
Make sure to cook the pasta al dente and rinse just lightly if needed to prevent further cooking when combined with the sauce.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Certainly! While linguine is traditional, feel free to use spaghetti, fettuccine, or any pasta shape you enjoy.
Conclusion
Chicken Scampi is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that you can bring to your table in just 35 minutes. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy dinner at home or entertaining friends, this dish offers a delightful balance of simplicity and elegance. With its vibrant garlic butter sauce and tender chicken combined with perfectly cooked linguine, it’s an experience that merits a repeat performance. I encourage you to give this recipe a shot and share your outcomes or variations in the comments below. Did your family love it as much as mine? Don’t forget to share this recipe with fellow food enthusiasts who will appreciate a fantastic Chicken Scampi!
Print
Chicken Scampi
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A savory and simple Chicken Scampi dish that the whole family will love, featuring tender linguine, chicken, and a harmonious medley of flavors.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces linguine pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Boil water in a large pot and add a pinch of salt. Place the linguine pasta into the pot. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken breast strips with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and sauté the chicken until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken and in the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter, add minced garlic, and cook until fragrant.
- Add the chicken broth and white wine. Simmer for about 2 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice and parsley.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, toss to coat in the sauce. Add the cooked linguine and toss until well coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
This dish is perfect for sharing and garnishing with Parmesan cheese enhances the flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Protein: 30 g