Garlicky Goodness Easy Chicken Scampi Pasta
Garlicky Goodness: An Intro to Easy Chicken Scampi Pasta
Fancy a bit of Italian comfort food tonight? Ever wonder if you could make restaurant quality chicken scampi at home? Well, grab your apron because this chicken scampi recipe will blow your socks off! Honestly, it is pure garlicky goodness.
Why This Chicken Scampi Recipe Is A Keeper
Chicken scampi is inspired by the classic shrimp scampi. It is an Italian American dish that brings those warm, Mediterranean flavors to your table.
This chicken scampi recipe easy to prepare and perfect for a quick weeknight meal. It serves four hungry people.
It is packed with flavor, light on effort, and definitely one you'll make again and again. It is loaded with garlicky goodness, and is a quick chicken scampi and relatively healthy.
Serve it for a family dinner or impress your mates - either way, you're onto a winner.
Main Benefits of Our Chicken Scampi Recipe
This garlic butter chicken pasta is absolutely delicious. It's also lighter than you think. Chicken is a great source of protein.
It is the perfect excuse to crack open a bottle of crisp white wine! The best part? The homemade chicken scampi is proper lush.
Right, let's get cracking on the ingredients. I can't wait for you to try this best chicken scampi recipe !
Alright, let's chat about what you need to make this chicken scampi recipe sing. Honestly, it's mostly stuff you probably already have. But hey, double checking never hurt anyone!
Getting Your Ducks in a Row: Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients Breakdown
Ok, so for this garlic butter chicken pasta adventure, you're gonna need:
- 1 pound (450g) of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces. Now, listen up! Get good chicken. The fresher, the better. I mean, seriously. Look for that pink, plump, "I'm gonna taste amazing" look, you know?
- 1 teaspoon of salt, plus more for boiling your pasta.
- ½ teaspoon of black pepper.
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- 8 tablespoons (that's 1 stick or 113g) of unsalted butter. Don’t even think about using margarine! Butter is king (or queen) here.
- 6 cloves of garlic, minced. Yeah, I said 6. We're going for garlicky , remember? Use a garlic press if you've got one. It's a lifesaver.
- ¼ cup (60ml) of dry white wine. Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc work a treat. This is optional, but really adds something. Trust me. I can give your Chicken scampi wine pairing .
- ½ cup (120ml) of chicken broth.
- 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Bottled stuff? Nah, get the real deal.
- ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. This is optional, but I like a little kick!
- 1 pound (450g) of linguine pasta. The classic choice for chicken scampi with linguine .
- ¼ cup of fresh parsley, chopped.
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving. This is a must for me, but you do you.
Seasoning Notes for a Flavor Explosion
This isn't just any easy weeknight chicken dinner ; it's a symphony of flavors!
Garlic and butter are the stars, obviously. But the lemon juice brightens everything up, and those red pepper flakes... chef's kiss .
If you're not a fan of heat, leave them out. No biggie. For a little extra oomph, you could add a pinch of dried oregano or Italian seasoning.
You know, that'll add Homemade chicken scampi taste!
Don't have white wine? Just use more chicken broth. It won't be quite the same, but it'll still be delicious. It is still an Easy weeknight chicken dinner .
Equipment: Keep It Simple
You don't need a fancy kitchen to whip up this quick chicken scampi . Just the basics:
- A large pot for boiling the pasta.
- A big skillet or saute pan for cooking the chicken and sauce.
- A colander for draining the pasta.
- A garlic press. Ok, it's not essential , but it makes mincing garlic SO much easier. I swear by mine. You know the Chicken scampi recipe easy way.
And that's it! See? Nothing scary. Are you ready to cook this Best chicken scampi recipe ?
Cooking Method: Sautéing Our Way to Chicken Scampi Bliss
So, you're craving that garlic butter chicken pasta goodness? Let's talk sautéing, the heart of our chicken scampi recipe . Honestly, it's easier than ordering takeout.
If you want a chicken scampi recipe easy , the way you treat your ingredients makes a big difference.
Prep Steps: The Mise en Place Hustle
First things first, let's get organised. Mise en place is just fancy French for "get your stuff together". Chop your 450g chicken into bite sized bits, mince those 6 cloves of garlic (garlic press is your best friend here!), and measure out your 120ml chicken broth and 60ml lemon juice.
Season your chichen with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Having everything ready saves so much time.
step-by-step Sautéing to Perfection
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
- Add the chicken and sauté until browned and cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 165° F / 74° C . It takes about 5- 7 minutes.
- Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Melt 8 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds , until fragrant. Be super careful not to burn it. Burnt garlic is the worst!
- If using add 1/4 cup of white wine for a real Chicken scampi Italian recipe , then add the chicken broth, lemon juice and red pepper flakes (if you're feeling spicy). Simmer for 2- 3 minutes.
- Add pasta to the skillet and toss it all together.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Chicken Scampi
Don't overcrowd the pan when sautéing the chicken! This lowers the pan temperature and you end up steaming it instead of browning it.
Browned chicken equals flavour. Speaking of flavour, fresh lemon juice is always better. And, if you're making this chicken scampi with linguine ahead of time, slightly undercook your pasta.
You know? That way it doesn't get mushy when you reheat it with the sauce.
Recipe Notes for Your Best Chicken Scampi Yet
Okay, so you're ready to make this garlic butter chicken pasta . Amazing! But before you dive in, let's chat about a few little things that will seriously elevate your chicken scampi recipe game.
Honestly, these tips are like the secret handshake to deliciousness.
Serving Suggestions: Plating & Perfect Partners
How you plate this easy weeknight chicken dinner can make all the difference. I like to twirl the chicken scampi with linguine into a nest on the plate.
Then, I top it with the chicken and a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley. For a real restaurant vibe, a drizzle of olive oil always looks fancy.
On the side, think garlic bread to mop up that dreamy sauce. Oh my gosh! A simple salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly.
A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio? Chef's kiss . Talking about Chicken scampi wine pairing , you can try also a Sauvignon Blanc.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Got leftovers? No worries! This homemade chicken scampi keeps well. Just pop it in an airtight container and into the fridge.
It'll be good for up to 3 days. For reheating, I prefer a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist.
Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain that garlic butter chicken pasta texture.
Freezing this quick chicken scampi isn't ideal because the pasta can get a bit mushy. But if you must , undercook the pasta slightly.
Freeze the sauce and chicken separately from the noodles. Reheat the sauce and chicken, then toss with freshly cooked pasta.
Variations: Your Scampi, Your Way
Want to mix things up? You know? For a lighter take, try swapping the butter for olive oil. Add some veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrients and flavour.
Looking for Chicken scampi variations ?
For a gluten-free version, just use your favourite gluten-free pasta! Easy peasy. Honestly, the possibilities are endless. Consider to add lemon zest! This Chicken scampi Italian recipe is very versatile and also the best chicken scampi recipe
Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside
While I'm no nutritionist, I can tell you this chicken scampi recipe easy delivers a good dose of protein from the chicken.
It also got some carbs from the pasta for energy. Remember, everything in moderation, yeah? This easy weeknight chicken dinner will fill you right up!
So there you have it! All the insider info to make your Chicken scampi pasta a total triumph. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.
Now go forth and cook!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chicken scampi recipe ahead of time?
While chicken scampi pasta is best served fresh, you can prep some of the components in advance. You can chop the garlic, parsley, and even cut the chicken ahead of time. However, it's best to cook the chicken and pasta just before serving to ensure the best texture and flavour. Nobody wants soggy pasta, right?
What's the best way to store leftover chicken scampi?
Store leftover chicken scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the pasta from drying out.
A little tip from my grandma: reheating it gently in a pan on the stovetop often yields better results than microwaving, keeping the pasta from becoming rubbery.
Can I use a different type of pasta for this chicken scampi recipe?
Absolutely! While linguine is traditional for scampi, feel free to use your favourite pasta shape. Spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne would work well. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente, like a proper Italian would, so it holds its shape and texture in the sauce.
Is there a substitute for white wine in this chicken scampi recipe?
Yes, if you don't have white wine or prefer not to use it, you can easily substitute it with additional chicken broth. A splash of lemon juice can also add a similar brightness to the sauce. Just remember to scrape up those browned bits from the pan that's where all the flavour is!
How can I make this chicken scampi recipe healthier?
To make this chicken scampi a bit lighter, you can use whole wheat pasta, reduce the amount of butter (or use a lighter butter alternative), and increase the amount of vegetables. Adding veggies like spinach, broccoli, or zucchini not only boosts the nutritional value but also adds flavour and texture.
You could even use chicken broth instead of butter.
I'm allergic to garlic, can I still make chicken scampi?
Garlic is a critical element in scampi. But there are things that you can use as replacements. Substitute it with herbs like asafoetida or shallots for a similar flavor profile. Experiment with different herbs and spices to find a combination that suits your taste buds!
Garlicky Goodness Easy Chicken Scampi Pasta
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 650-750 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30-40g |
| Fiber | 2-3g |
