When I first made chicken scampi at home, I couldn’t believe how easy it was to recreate this restaurant-quality dish. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. The combination of tender chicken, garlic, and perfectly cooked pasta makes this one of my all-time favorite chicken recipes.
Credit: wellplated.com
Ingredients for Chicken Scampi
Every great recipe starts with quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound of chicken breast, sliced thinly into bite-sized pieces. Freshly sliced chicken ensures tenderness and even cooking.
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil. This forms the base flavor and helps perfectly brown the chicken.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced. Fresh garlic adds depth to the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Adds a hint of heat; adjust to taste.
- 1 cup of chicken broth. Opt for low-sodium broth to control salt levels.
- ½ cup of heavy cream. This creates the luxurious, creamy texture of the dish.
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Brightens up the creaminess for perfect balance.
- ½ cup of Parmesan cheese, freshly grated. Avoid pre-grated cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti. Pick your favorite pasta, but linguine holds the sauce beautifully.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste.
Note: Serves about 4 depending on portion sizes.
Variations for Chicken Scampi
Making a recipe your own is all about creativity. Here’s how you can put a spin on this classic:
- Dairy-Free: Swap the heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk.
- Low-Carb: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
- Extra Veggies: Toss in chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
- Spice it Up: Increase the red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
Cooking Time
Here’s a quick breakdown of the total time needed for this recipe:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Equipment You’ll Need
Having the right tools makes cooking a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Large skillet: For browning chicken and cooking the sauce.
- Medium pot: To cook your pasta.
- Sharp knife: Ensures precise slices of chicken for even cooking.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for mixing the sauce without scraping your pan.
- Tongs: Helpful for tossing pasta into the sauce evenly.
How to Make Chicken Scampi?
Making chicken scampi at home is simpler than you’d think. Follow these steps for a foolproof meal.
Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta of choice in salted water until al dente. While your pasta cooks, you can focus on the chicken and sauce. Remember, timing is key to have both pasta and sauce perfectly ready at the same time!
Sauté the Chicken
Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear until golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
Make the Garlic Lemon Sauce
Using the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed, and toss in the minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, then stir in red pepper flakes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Allow it to simmer gently for a few minutes. Squeeze in the lemon juice and stir well to combine.
Combine and Finish
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything until the cheese melts and coats the chicken. Finally, toss in your cooked pasta, stirring until it’s coated with the creamy sauce.
Serve and Enjoy!
Plate your chicken scampi with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a garnish of fresh parsley for a professional touch.
Credit: wellplated.com
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
After making this recipe a few times, I’ve picked up some helpful tips to perfect it:
- Use freshly minced garlic for the best taste—I never opt for pre-minced.
- Zest the lemon before juicing for an added citrusy aroma in the sauce.
- Don’t overcook the pasta; slightly al dente pasta absorbs sauce better.
- Cook the chicken in batches if your pan is small to avoid steaming instead of browning.
- Sprinkle some red chili flakes on top for that final boost of heat.
How to Serve Chicken Scampi?
Presentation is everything when serving this dish. Plate it in a shallow pasta bowl to hold the sauce. Sprinkle fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for garnish. A slice of crusty garlic bread on the side makes this meal irresistible. Pair it with a fresh garden salad for a balanced and colorful dinner. If you’re a fan of flavor-packed dishes, you can also enjoy a General Tso’s Chicken Recipe for another delightful homemade meal.
Nutritional Information
Eating well is all about balance. Here’s a quick overview of what you get with this recipe:
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 15g
Make Ahead and Storage
Planning ahead or dealing with leftovers? Don’t worry; this recipe stays fresh and reheats beautifully.
Storing
Store your chicken scampi in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Want to keep it for longer? Freeze small portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to thin out the sauce as needed.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Here’s why this chicken scampi recipe is bound to become a go-to in your kitchen:
- Quick and Easy: You can whip this up in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight meals.
- Restaurant-Quality Flavors: It tastes like something you’d find at a fancy Italian restaurant.
- Customizable: Adjust ingredients to suit your dietary needs and personal taste.
- Family-Friendly: It’s packed with flavors that both kids and adults will adore.
- Makes Great Leftovers: The dish tastes just as good the next day, if not better!
Now that you’ve got the recipe, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and make this incredible chicken scampi tonight. It’s fast, flavorful, and sure to impress anyone lucky enough to join you at the table!