Chicken Scampi Pasta: A Delightful Twist on a Classic
Chicken Scampi Pasta features tender chicken tenders coated in a light garlic butter sauce infused with lemon and white wine, creating an elegant yet comforting dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1½ lbs chicken tenders
- 1½ tsp fine sea salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- ¾ cup dry white wine (e.g., chardonnay or sauvignon blanc)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 Tbsp)
- 1 tsp lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
- ¼ cup lemon juice (from 2 lemons)
- ⅓ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Freshly shredded parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the parsley, zest and juice the lemons, and mince the garlic. Season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper, then dredge them in flour, shaking off any excess.
Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and return it to the pot to keep warm.
Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 Tbsp olive oil and 1 Tbsp butter. Add half of the chicken tenders and cook for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining chicken, adding an additional 1 Tbsp each of olive oil and butter as needed.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the wine to simmer for about 5 minutes until it reduces by half. Stir in the remaining 4 Tbsp of butter until melted. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Season the sauce with additional salt to taste.
Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, turning to coat each piece in the sauce. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing gently to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency. Transfer the pasta and chicken to serving plates and garnish with freshly shredded parmesan cheese and additional chopped parsley if desired.
Tips for Success
Pasta Alternatives: While spaghetti is traditional, feel free to substitute with linguine or angel hair pasta based on your preference.
Wine Substitution: If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with an equal amount of chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh lemon juice and zest enhances the brightness of the dish, complementing the richness of the butter sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Chicken Scampi Pasta with a crisp Caesar salad or roasted asparagus to complete the meal. A glass of chilled white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, complements the flavors beautifully.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if necessary.
Enjoy this elegant and flavorful Chicken Scampi Pasta, a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire.
For a visual guide on preparing Chicken Scampi, you might find this video helpful: