The combination of delicate angel hair pasta, succulent chicken, and a rich garlic butter sauce makes this Chicken Scampi a dish to remember. The fresh pop of lemon juice paired with Parmesan and Asiago cheeses brings a delightful tang and creaminess that complements the dish’s buttery base. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, this recipe is a blend of simplicity and sophistication. Pair it with garlic bread and a fresh side salad for a complete meal that’s sure to impress!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Chicken
- 1 lb. chicken breast, diced
- Salt/Pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
For the Pasta & Sauce
- 8 oz. angel hair pasta
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, separated
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup freshly diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup parsley, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- ½ cup pasta water
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Asiago cheese, shredded
Directions:
- Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and lemon pepper seasoning. Sprinkle with flour and toss to coat.
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside, tenting with foil to keep warm.
- Reduce heat to medium, melt 1 tablespoon butter in the same skillet, and sauté garlic for 1–2 minutes.
- Add white wine and simmer until reduced by half. Use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits for extra flavor.
- Add 4 tablespoons butter to the skillet, followed by the cooked chicken, red pepper flakes, and parsley. Toss to combine, then reduce heat to low. Swirl in 1 tablespoon cold butter for a velvety sauce.
- Cook angel hair pasta until al dente, reserving ½ cup pasta water before draining.
- In a container, combine reserved pasta water, lemon juice, Parmesan, and Asiago cheese. Shake to combine.
- Add drained pasta to the skillet with the chicken. Pour the pasta water mixture over the top and toss gently to coat. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish with diced tomatoes, extra parsley, and serve with garlic bread and lemon wedges.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 497 kcal | Servings: 4
A Deep Dive into the Delicious World of Chicken Scampi
Chicken Scampi is a delightful Italian-American dish that combines tender chicken, a luscious garlic butter sauce, and delicate angel hair pasta. It is the perfect marriage of simplicity and elegance, making it a favorite for home cooks and seasoned chefs alike. This dish is not only incredibly flavorful but also versatile, offering variations that cater to diverse tastes and dietary preferences. Let’s explore the history, flavor profile, and tips for perfecting this crowd-pleaser.
The History Behind Scampi Dishes
The term “scampi” originates from Italy, traditionally referring to small crustaceans similar to shrimp or langoustines. Classic Italian scampi recipes typically featured these shellfish sautéed in garlic, butter, olive oil, and white wine. When Italian immigrants brought their cuisine to America, they adapted the dish to local ingredients, swapping shellfish for chicken in many cases, leading to the beloved Chicken Scampi we know today.
This adaptation retains the essence of Italian cooking: simple, high-quality ingredients, carefully prepared to highlight their natural flavors. Over the years, Chicken Scampi has become a staple on restaurant menus and in home kitchens, celebrated for its robust flavor and comforting qualities.
The Flavors That Define Chicken Scampi
At its core, Chicken Scampi is all about balance. The richness of the butter and cheese is offset by the bright acidity of fresh lemon juice, while garlic and herbs add depth and aroma. Red pepper flakes introduce a subtle heat that ties the dish together without overpowering it. The angel hair pasta serves as the perfect vehicle for the sauce, its delicate strands soaking up every bit of the flavorful liquid.
One of the standout features of this dish is its use of Parmesan and Asiago cheeses. These hard cheeses bring a salty, nutty complexity that enhances the overall flavor. Freshly diced tomatoes and parsley add pops of color and freshness, ensuring the dish feels vibrant and light despite its indulgent nature.
Why Chicken Scampi Is Perfect for Any Occasion
Chicken Scampi’s versatility makes it suitable for nearly any occasion, whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or hosting a more formal gathering. Its relatively quick preparation time just 35 minutes from start to finish makes it an excellent choice for busy households. Despite its simplicity, the dish feels luxurious, thanks to its silky sauce and careful layering of flavors.
For entertaining, Chicken Scampi can be dressed up with sides like garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, or even a glass of dry white wine to complement the dish’s citrusy undertones. It’s a meal that effortlessly bridges the gap between casual and refined.
Tips for Perfecting Chicken Scampi
While Chicken Scampi is relatively easy to make, a few key tips can elevate the dish from good to unforgettable:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, lemon juice, and parsley make a significant difference in flavor. Avoid pre-minced garlic or bottled lemon juice, as these can dull the dish’s brightness.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-packaged shredded cheese often contains additives that prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best results, use a block of Parmesan and Asiago cheese and grate them yourself.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Angel hair pasta cooks quickly, often in just 4 minutes. Be sure to set a timer to avoid overcooking it, as mushy pasta can detract from the dish’s texture.
- Use High-Quality Wine or Broth: If you’re including white wine, choose a dry variety like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. For a non-alcoholic option, opt for a flavorful chicken broth. Both provide depth to the sauce.
- Master the Sauce: The garlic butter sauce is the heart of this dish. Be patient when reducing the wine or broth, as this step intensifies the flavors. Finishing the sauce with cold butter adds a velvety texture that’s hard to beat.
Variations to Try
Chicken Scampi is incredibly versatile, allowing for plenty of customization based on dietary preferences and available ingredients:
- Swap the Protein: While chicken is the star here, you can easily substitute it with shrimp, scallops, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Add Vegetables: For a more nutrient-dense meal, consider adding sautéed spinach, zucchini, or asparagus. These vegetables complement the garlic butter sauce beautifully.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the angel hair pasta for a gluten-free alternative or even zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a lighter take.
- Make It Spicier: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Why You Should Add This Dish to Your Rotation
Chicken Scampi isn’t just about great flavor it’s also about the joy of cooking. The process of building a sauce from scratch, layering flavors, and watching the transformation of simple ingredients into something extraordinary is deeply satisfying. For families, it’s a dish that brings everyone to the table, and for food enthusiasts, it offers a chance to refine techniques like deglazing and “monter au beurre” (the French technique of finishing sauces with cold butter).
Beyond the kitchen, the dish is highly photogenic, with its golden chicken, vibrant tomatoes, and sprinkling of fresh parsley. Whether you’re sharing a meal with loved ones or posting your creation on social media, Chicken Scampi is sure to impress.
Conclusion:
Chicken Scampi’s enduring popularity speaks to its universal appeal. It combines the comfort of a home-cooked meal with the sophistication of restaurant-quality flavors, making it a staple in kitchens everywhere. By mastering this recipe, you’re not just creating a dish you’re embracing a culinary tradition that celebrates flavor, simplicity, and the joy of cooking. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, Chicken Scampi is a recipe that deserves a spot in your repertoire.
