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+ servings
image of boneless skinless chicken breasts or tenders pasta olive oil butter garlic dry white wine parmesan bell peppers onion all purpose flour for dredging Italian seasoning salt and black pepper chicken broth or stock heavy cream red pepper flakes fresh lemon juice and zest fresh parsley
C. Motter Cindy

Chicken Scampi

A bright, luscious chicken scampi pasta that's restaurant-quality and ready in under 30 minutes, featuring garlic, lemon, and bell peppers for a family-friendly weeknight reset.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs Chicken boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders, sliced into thin cutlets
  • 1/4 cup Flour all-purpose
  • pinch Salt and Pepper to taste
  • 1 pinch Dried Oregano
For the Sauce and Vegetables
  • 3 tbsp Olive Oil divided
  • 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter divided
  • 1/2 medium Red Onion thinly sliced
  • 1 large Red Bell Pepper thickly sliced
  • 1 large Yellow Bell Pepper thickly sliced
  • 6-8 cloves Garlic fresh, minced
  • 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes optional, for heat
  • 1/2 cup Dry White Wine or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup Heavy Cream or half-and-half, optional
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Lemon Juice from fresh lemons
  • Lemon Zest from 1/2 lemon
For the Pasta and Finishing
  • 12 oz Angel Hair Pasta or linguine/spaghetti
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley chopped
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese plus more for serving

Equipment

  • Large skillet,
  • Large pot
  • Shallow Dish

Method
 

Prepare the Chicken
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer; work in batches if needed. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside on a plate.
  2. While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook until al dente, about 4-5 minutes. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of the pasta water before draining.
  3. In the same skillet over medium heat, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced red onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  4. Push the vegetables to one side. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the center. Cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, avoiding burning.
  5. Pour in the white wine or broth. Scrape up the browned bits from the pan with a spoon. Reduce the liquid by about half.
  6. Lower the heat to low. Stir in the reserved pasta water, lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream if using. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Return the chicken and any juices to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss to coat for 1 minute. Stir in half the parsley and half the Parmesan.
  8. Garnish with remaining parsley and lemon zest if desired. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan.

Nutrition

Calories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 40gFat: 25g

Notes

This recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes. For a non-alcoholic version, use chicken broth with a splash of vinegar. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth or milk to restore moisture. Tips: Use fresh lemon for brightness, and don't wipe the pan after cooking chicken to build flavor from the fond.
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