This Chicken Scampi Pasta is a perfect combination of tender, juicy chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and a creamy garlic sauce, all tossed together with spaghetti. It’s a lighter take on a classic favorite, making it a guilt-free indulgence without sacrificing flavor. The balance of garlic, parmesan, and a hint of spice makes every bite rich and satisfying. What makes this dish special is that it’s all made in one pot! That means minimal cleanup, maximum flavor, and a stress-free cooking experience. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting pasta dish to impress your guests, this Chicken Scampi Pasta delivers every time.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 large green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 2/3 cup chicken stock
- 2/3 cup dry white wine (or additional chicken stock)
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or skim milk)
- 1/3 cup half and half
- 1 1/2 tsp salt, divided
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4-1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Directions:
- Season the chicken with 3/4 tsp salt and black pepper. Lightly spray a large pan with cooking spray.
- Over medium-high heat, sear chicken on both sides until golden brown (about 2 minutes per side). Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Spray the pan again and sauté the bell peppers and onions for 4-5 minutes, until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for another minute. Pour in white wine and reduce by half (about 2-3 minutes).
- Return the chicken to the pan. Stir in chicken stock, almond milk, half and half, and the remaining seasonings. Bring to a boil.
- Lay the spaghetti on top of the liquid and press down to submerge. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Remove the lid, increase heat to medium-high, and cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring often, until the pasta is fully cooked and some liquid remains.
- Remove from heat and stir in parmesan cheese. Let sit for a minute before serving.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 352 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
What Makes This Recipe Special?
- A Healthier Take on a Classic Dish
Traditional Chicken Scampi, like the one found at Olive Garden, is indulgent but loaded with calories, often exceeding 1,200 calories per serving. This lighter version provides all the flavor without the guilt, with just around 350 calories per serving. Using lean chicken breast, a controlled amount of cheese, and a reduced-fat creamy sauce, this dish makes it easier to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal while staying on track with health goals. - One-Pot Simplicity
This dish is made entirely in one pot, which means easy cleanup and fewer dishes to wash. By cooking the pasta directly in the sauce, you allow the starches from the pasta to thicken the sauce naturally, giving it a creamy consistency without the need for excessive butter or heavy cream. This technique not only enhances the texture but also allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully. - Perfectly Balanced Flavors
The magic of this dish lies in its balance of flavors. The garlic and parmesan provide a savory umami depth, the white wine (or chicken stock alternative) adds a bright acidity, and the red pepper flakes introduce a mild kick. The addition of sautéed bell peppers and onions brings a natural sweetness, complementing the other savory elements of the dish. - Customizable to Your Preferences
One of the best things about this Chicken Scampi Pasta is how easily it can be adapted to different dietary preferences. If you’re dairy-free, you can swap the parmesan and half and half for dairy-free alternatives. Prefer a richer dish? A small pat of butter stirred in at the end will enhance the creaminess. For those who love a bit more spice, an extra pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the heat.
Tips for the Best Chicken Scampi Pasta
- Use Quality Ingredients: Since this dish relies on simple ingredients, using high-quality chicken, fresh garlic, and good parmesan cheese makes a difference. Freshly grated parmesan melts better and enhances the sauce’s richness.
- Cook Pasta in the Sauce: Cooking the spaghetti directly in the sauce helps infuse it with flavor and creates a thick, cohesive texture. Avoid draining cooked pasta separately, as this removes the beneficial starch that helps bind the sauce.
- Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce thickens too much while resting, add a splash of chicken stock or reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Since the chicken will continue to cook when added back to the pan, sear it just until golden brown and remove it before fully cooking through. This prevents it from becoming dry and tough.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Scampi Pasta is a hearty and filling dish on its own, but you can elevate your meal with a few complementary sides:
- Garlic Bread: A slice of crispy, buttery garlic bread is the perfect way to soak up any leftover sauce.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the pasta.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini can add extra fiber and nutrition to the meal.
- A Glass of White Wine: If you used white wine in the sauce, serving a glass alongside your meal enhances the flavors beautifully.
How to Store and Reheat
This dish reheats exceptionally well, unlike some traditional cream-based pastas that tend to separate. The key to maintaining its creamy texture is reheating it gently.
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or milk to restore the sauce’s consistency. Avoid overheating, as it can cause the sauce to break.
- Freezing: While possible, freezing is not recommended as the sauce may change in texture when thawed.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you love comforting pasta dishes but want something a bit lighter, this Chicken Scampi Pasta is a must-try. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and requires minimal cleanup thanks to its one-pot cooking method. Whether you’re making dinner for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving a creamy, garlicky pasta dish, this recipe is a fantastic choice.
Conclusion:
Quick and Easy Chicken Scampi Pasta is the perfect blend of indulgence and nutrition. It delivers a satisfying, restaurant-quality taste while being significantly lower in calories and fat. The combination of creamy garlic sauce, tender chicken, and sautéed peppers creates a well-balanced dish that appeals to a variety of palates.
By following a few simple cooking techniques, such as cooking the pasta directly in the sauce and using a mix of broth and milk instead of heavy cream, you can create a meal that is both delicious and nutritious. Whether you’re a pasta lover looking for a new recipe or someone who enjoys healthier versions of classic comfort foods, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
