Chicken Scampi Pasta is a flavorful dish that features tender chicken strips tossed with spaghetti in a light garlic-butter sauce with a hint of lemon. Inspired by the classic shrimp scampi, this chicken version is just as delicious—simple, satisfying, and perfect for any pasta lover.
Chicken Scampi Pasta
Why This Chicken Scampi Pasta Is the Best
Bright Garlic-Lemon Flavor: A buttery garlic sauce with a splash of lemon gives the dish a fresh and zesty lift.
Tender Chicken Strips: Lightly seasoned and sautéed, the chicken adds protein and hearty flavor.
Classic Spaghetti Base: The long strands soak up the sauce beautifully for a satisfying, slurp-worthy bite.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or hosting friends for a casual meal, Chicken Scampi Pasta is always a great choice. It’s light yet filling, flavorful yet simple—perfect for any crowd or craving.
Ingredient Notes
For the Pasta:
- Spaghetti: Classic long pasta that holds onto the buttery lemon-garlic sauce beautifully.
For the Chicken:
- Chicken Tenders: Juicy and quick-cooking, perfect for pan-searing and absorbing the scampi flavors.
- Fine Sea Salt & Black Pepper: Seasoning essentials to enhance the chicken.
- All-Purpose Flour: Lightly coats the chicken for a golden, crisp exterior when sautéed.
For Searing and Sauce:
- Olive Oil (divided): Used for searing the chicken and sautéing the garlic.
- Unsalted Butter (divided): Adds richness and forms the base of the luscious scampi sauce.
- Chicken Broth: Provides depth and umami to the sauce without overpowering the citrus.
- Garlic (minced): Bold and aromatic, it’s the heart of a great scampi.
- Lemon Zest & Juice: Bring brightness and zing, balancing the richness of the butter.
- Parsley (chopped): Fresh and vibrant, perfect for garnish and flavor.
- Parmesan (freshly shredded): Melts into the hot pasta for a savory finish.
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Scampi Pasta
Slice Chicken Thinly: Thin strips cook faster and stay tender.
Use Fresh Garlic and Lemon: These fresh ingredients add bold, authentic flavor.
Cook Pasta Al Dente: Spaghetti should be slightly firm so it holds up well when tossed with the sauce.
Toss with Pasta Water: A little reserved pasta water helps the sauce cling to every strand.
Finish with Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of herbs adds a pop of color and freshness.
Serving Suggestions
With Garlic Bread: Mop up any leftover sauce with warm, crusty garlic bread.
With a Side Salad: A crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the buttery pasta.
With Grated Parmesan: Add a light dusting of cheese for richness.
With Steamed Broccoli or Asparagus: Round out the meal with a simple veggie side.
A Must Try
Picture a bowl of golden spaghetti glistening in garlic butter, topped with juicy chicken and kissed with lemon—it’s light, flavorful, and endlessly comforting. Chicken Scampi Pasta is a quick dinner win that feels like a restaurant meal at home. Grab your skillet and make this easy, elegant pasta tonight!
Be sure to check out these other delicious dinner recipes
Chicken Scampi Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 Tablespoon olive oil divided
- 6 Tablespoon unsalted butter divided
- 4 garlic cloves (1 tabelspoon minced)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest from 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup lemon juice from 2 lemons
- 1/3 cup parsley
- Parmesan
Instructions
- Before you start cooking, take a few minutes to prep everything—chop, zest, juice, and mince all your ingredients so they’re ready to go. Season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper, then lightly coat them in flour for that perfect golden crust.
- Bring a big pot of water to a boil and add 2 tablespoons of salt. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Before draining, scoop out 1/2 cup of the pasta water and set it aside—you’ll need it later. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Partially cover the pot to keep it warm while everything else comes together.
- While the pasta cooks, get started on the chicken. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add 1 tablespoon of oil and swirl in 1 tablespoon of butter. Cook the chicken for about 2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (165˚F on a thermometer is the magic number). Move the cooked chicken to a plate. Add another tablespoon of oil and butter to the pan, and cook the second batch of chicken the same way. Once done, transfer it to the plate and cover it to keep warm.
- Now let’s make that delicious sauce. Carefully pour in 3/4 cup of chicken broth and bring the heat back to medium-high. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release all the flavorful bits (that’s where the magic happens). Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the liquid reduces down to around 1/4 cup. Stir in 4 tablespoons of butter until it melts, then add the garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Take the pan off the heat and stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped parsley. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt, or adjust to your taste.
- Return the chicken to the pan and turn it so it’s nicely coated in that buttery, lemony sauce. Transfer your warm pasta to a big serving bowl, tilt the pan to spoon that flavorful sauce all over the spaghetti, and give it a light toss. Place the chicken on top and drizzle over any remaining sauce.
- Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and some shredded parmesan for extra flavor. Enjoy!
Notes
- Want a saucier pasta? Add a splash of that reserved pasta water to the pan after removing the chicken. Stir to loosen up all the tasty bits and drizzle that over your pasta to boost the flavor even more.
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Chicken Scampi Pasta