Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe
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 to serve
Directions
- 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 white wine. 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.
Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe
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About this Recipe
Craving a vibrant, satisfying pasta dish that feels both elegant and easy to make? This Chicken Scampi Pasta recipe delivers a bright, zesty lemon butter sauce that truly sings, transforming your weeknight meal into something special.
The magic of this dish lies in its light yet deeply flavorful lemon butter sauce, which beautifully coats tender chicken and delicate spaghetti. The harmonious blend of fresh lemon juice, aromatic zest, rich unsalted butter, and a touch of dry white wine creates a balanced, refreshing experience that stands out from heavier, cream-based pasta dishes.
Prepare for a delightful interplay of bright, tangy citrus, savory garlic, and the tender texture of perfectly cooked chicken. The spaghetti acts as an ideal canvas for the glossy, golden sauce, while a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a herbaceous lift. You'll find this dish satisfying without feeling heavy, culminating in a flourish of freshly shredded Parmesan cheese for a salty, nutty finish that rounds out every bite.
Customization & Variations
- Swap spaghetti for your favorite long pasta shape, such as linguine or fettuccine, to subtly change the dish's texture.
- If you prefer to omit the alcohol, an equal amount of chicken broth can be used in place of the dry white wine for a rich, flavorful result.
This Chicken Scampi Pasta is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for entertaining friends. It's wonderfully complemented by a side of roasted asparagus, bringing a touch of verdant freshness to the plate. Don't forget to serve each portion with plenty of freshly shredded Parmesan.