This recipe was inspired by my Shrimp Scampi and Garlic Butter Chicken Bites, two other must try recipes!
Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe
Bite size chicken pieces are tossed with herbs and pan seared in a hot skill until gorgeously golden brown. Then they’re tossed in a glorious white wine reduction, garlic and butter sauce. And to make it a hearty main dish it’s finished by tossing it all together with tender pasta. Talk about dinner done right! It will leave you craving it again soon. And I’m sure it’s easily better than the infamous Olive Garden’s. Homemade can always beat a chain restaurant. Another option here is to ditch the pasta and serve it with another hearty carb (to pair with that abundance of savory sauce) like crusty bread, potatoes or rice.
Chicken Scampi Ingredients and Substitutes
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Boneless skinless chicken thighs will work great too. Just cook a little longer as needed. All-purpose flour: I like to use unbleached all-purpose flour. 1 Tbsp cornstarch could be substituted. Italian seasoning: You can make your own blend using 3/4 tsp dried oregano 3/4 tsp basil and 1/2 tsp marjoram or thyme. Salt and pepper: Salt is used to season the chicken and also use to season your pasta when boiling. Unsalted butter: Salted butter could be used if needed just cut back on the amount of salt added to the dish. Olive oil: You’ll only need a little here. In a pinch another type of neutral flavored oil could be used. Garlic: I only recommend using fresh garlic here. Dry white wine: I like to use Sauvignon Blanc. Low sodium chicken broth could be used but it won’t have quite as much flavor. Red pepper flakes: These add a nice kick of heat, it can be omitted if preferred. If needed a little cayenne pepper can be substituted. Fresh lemon juice: If you had to lime juice could replace it. Thin spaghetti: Other good options are standard spaghetti, angel hair, linguine or fettuccine. Parsley: Dried could be substituted (I’d use 1 – 2 Tbsp), it just won’t be quite as fresh and flavorful. Parmesan cheese: Romano cheese will work great too.
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How to Make Chicken Scampi
How to Make Chicken Scampi Sauce and Finish Dish
What to Serve with It
This is best served with some fresh vegetables that are steamed or roasted. Here’s some ideas:
steamed or roasted broccoli or asparagus oven roasted vegetables medley roasted zucchini squash and tomatoes or go with just baked zucchini
Tips:
Don’t skip drying chicken. This removes some of the excess moisture on the exterior so it browns better. Use a hot skillet to brown the chicken. Preheat it. More browning will equal far more flavor. Select a decent wine. A really cheap wine will just ruin the flavor. Careful not to over-cook the chicken or it will be dry. Keep it warm in foil (don’t cover completely you don’t want to continue to steam and cook it). Keep wine away from flames (its flammable from the alcohol). Allow enough time for sauce to simmer. Otherwise alcohol flavor will overwhelm the dish, let the majority of it cook off. Cook pasta to al dente for the perfect texture.
More Delicious Pasta Dishes to Try
Baked Ziti Pasta Carbonara Pasta Primavera Penne alla Vodka Tortellini with Pesto and Roasted Veggies
Tuscan Chicken Pasta (Instant Pot)
