Chicken Scampi is a quick and easy dish made with tender chicken, soft pasta, and a creamy garlic sauce. It’s full of flavor, with colorful peppers and a smooth texture that makes every bite satisfying. You don’t need any fancy ingredients or special tools—just simple items from your kitchen. It’s the kind of meal you can cook fast but still enjoy like something from a restaurant.
Why We Love This Chicken Scampi Recipe
There’s something special about a meal that looks beautiful on the plate and tastes even better. Chicken Scampi gives you that perfect combination. The golden chicken tenders bring protein-packed satisfaction, while the trio of bell peppers adds color and a bit of crunch. It’s rich without being too heavy and creamy without overwhelming the dish. The garlic stands out, but it doesn’t overpower, and the subtle heat from the red chili flakes can be adjusted to your taste.
Another reason you’ll keep coming back to this recipe? It’s fast. You can go from prep to plate in under 30 minutes. That means on busy weeknights when time is short, you still get to eat something homemade, nourishing, and incredibly flavorful. And best of all, this recipe doesn’t demand fancy techniques or cooking skills. It’s straightforward and forgiving, making it perfect whether you’re just starting in the kitchen or you’ve been cooking for years.
Ingredients about Chicken Scampi
The ingredients in this Chicken Scampi recipe are a balance of comfort and freshness. Nothing complicated here—just common items you might already have in your fridge and pantry.
- 8 ounces (225 g) angel hair pasta
- 1 ½ pounds (650 g) chicken tenderloins (mini chicken fillets)
- ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons salt, divided
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (28 g) butter
- 1 medium red onion, sliced into half-moons
- ½ medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- ½ medium yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- ½ medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- ½ cup (120 ml) unsweetened white grape juice (substitute for wine)
- ½ cup (120 ml) whipping cream
- ½ cup (43 g) grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make Chicken Scampi Directions
Let’s walk through how to make this Chicken Scampi from start to finish. This recipe is easy to follow and doesn’t require much time. All you need is one good skillet and a pot for the pasta.
Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Add your angel hair pasta and cook it according to the package instructions. Angel hair cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it. Once it’s done, reserve about a cup of the pasta water and then drain the rest. Set the pasta aside for later.
Prepare the Chicken
In a shallow dish, mix the flour, Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper. Dredge your chicken tenderloins in this seasoned flour until they’re fully coated. This step gives the chicken a nice light crust once cooked and helps it soak up flavor from the sauce.
Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Sear them for about 3 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet, cover it to keep warm, and set it aside.
Cook the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Toss in the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for a couple of minutes until the peppers start to soften but still have a bit of crunch. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant.
Make the Sauce
Pour in your white grape juice to deglaze the pan. Use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom—those are full of flavor. Let the liquid simmer for about 4 minutes so it reduces slightly. Then add the reserved pasta water and the whipping cream. Stir well to combine everything.
Finish the Dish
Once the sauce starts to simmer, stir in the parmesan cheese, the remaining teaspoon of salt, and chili flakes if you’re using them. Now add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss it in the sauce until everything is well coated.
Bring it All Together
Finally, return the chicken to the skillet. Let it warm through in the sauce for a minute or two. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while it’s hot and creamy.
How to Serve Chicken Scampi
You can serve Chicken Scampi in a few different ways depending on your mood or dietary preferences. The classic option is over angel hair pasta, just like this recipe suggests. It’s light enough to let the sauce and chicken shine while still offering that satisfying pasta texture.
If you’re aiming for a low-carb option, try swapping the pasta for zucchini noodles or steamed cauliflower rice. The sauce pairs well with both and still gives you a full-flavored meal. Another option is to serve it over mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for an extra comforting take.
Add a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables on the side to balance out the richness of the sauce. You can also serve garlic bread or a crusty baguette to help soak up any leftover sauce—trust us, you won’t want to waste a drop.
Expert Tips: Chicken Scampi
- Use Thin Chicken Fillets: Thin pieces cook faster and more evenly. If you’re using thicker cuts, consider pounding them out a bit before dredging.
- Don’t Skip the Flour Dredge: It may seem like a small step, but coating the chicken in seasoned flour adds a light crust that holds flavor and texture.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water helps the sauce stick to the noodles and gives the final dish a smooth finish.
- Taste as You Go: Since you’re building flavor in layers, taste the sauce before adding pasta or chicken back in. You might want a pinch more salt or cheese.
- Adjust the Heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, skip the red chili flakes. On the other hand, if you love heat, feel free to double the amount or even add a touch of cayenne.
How to Store Chicken Scampi
If you have leftovers, they’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to store them in an airtight container. When reheating, use the stovetop if possible—just add a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too, but be sure to heat it slowly and stir often to avoid separating the sauce.
Freezing is not ideal for this dish. The cream-based sauce can change texture after thawing and become grainy. If you plan to freeze it, consider storing just the chicken and peppers, then making fresh sauce and pasta when you reheat.
Variations of Chicken Scampi
- Make it Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini. You can even toss in some cooked chickpeas for extra protein.
- Switch the Protein: Not in the mood for chicken? Try shrimp or turkey cutlets. Both work well with the garlic-cream sauce.
- Go Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and swap the flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend when dredging the chicken.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Besides parsley, you can try fresh basil or oregano for a different herbal note.
- Lemon Zest Boost: Add a little fresh lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for a bright, tangy finish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Chicken Scampi made of?
Chicken Scampi is made with tender chicken pieces lightly coated in flour, cooked with bell peppers, onion, and garlic, and finished in a creamy, savory sauce served over pasta.
Can I use other types of pasta for this dish?
Absolutely! While angel hair pasta is traditional, you can use spaghetti, linguine, or even fettuccine. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Is Chicken Scampi spicy?
It has a mild kick from the red chili flakes, but you can leave those out if you prefer it milder. Or add more if you like extra heat.
Can I make Chicken Scampi without cream?
You can skip the cream and add a bit more pasta water or a splash of milk for a lighter version. It won’t be as rich but will still be flavorful.
What’s the best substitute for white wine in Chicken Scampi?
If you want to avoid alcohol, you can use a combination of white grape juice and chicken stock. It provides a similar sweetness and depth without the alcohol.
Chicken Scampi
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips)
- 8 ounces pasta (e.g., linguine or fettuccine)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup bell peppers (sliced; any color)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and sliced bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until peppers are tender.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir in Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer and let it thicken for a few minutes.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
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