Description
Chicken Scampi Pasta is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines tender chicken breast, al dente pasta, and a zesty, garlicky scampi sauce. This beloved meal is perfect for those who appreciate a rich blend of flavors and a satisfying, comfort food experience.
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 chicken or vegetable broth
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 to serve
Instructions
1. Prep:
Chop, zest, juice, and mince all of your ingredients before you start cooking.
Season chicken tenders with salt and pepper then dredge in flour.
2. Cook pasta:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 2 Tbsp salt.
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water then drain the pasta and return pasta to the pot. Partially cover to keep warm.
3. Sautee chicken:
While pasta is cooking, cook the chicken.
Heat a large skillet over medium/high heat. Add 1 Tbsp oil and swirl in 1 Tbsp butter.
Sauté chicken 2 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through to 165˚F on a thermometer. Remove to a plate.
Add another Tbsp of oil and 1 Tbsp butter and sauté the second batch of chicken then transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
4. Make sauce:
Carefully add 3/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth. Return to medium/high heat and scrape the bottom of the pan to deglaze.
Cook about 5 minutes or until reduced to about 1/4 cup liquid.
Add 4 Tbsp butter and stir to melt.
Add garlic and simmer 30 seconds until fragrant.
Remove from heat and add 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1/4 cup parsley. Stir to combine and season with 1/2 tsp salt or to taste.
5. Combine:
Return chicken to the pan and turn to coat in sauce.
Transfer drained pasta to a large serving bowl then tilt the pan and spoon extra sauce over cooked spaghetti.
Toss spaghetti lightly with sauce then top with chicken and drizzle remaining sauce over the pasta*.
Serve garnished with more parsley and freshly shredded parmesan.
Enjoy your delicious Chicken Scampi Pasta!
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute white wine with additional chicken broth.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and garlic to taste.
- Red pepper flakes can be added for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg