I make this on weeknights when the day runs long and I want real food fast. Chicken gets a quick sear. Pasta cooks. Garlic wakes up in butter and a splash of wine. I squeeze lemon. Dinner lands on the table and no one asks for takeout. We chase silky noodles that shine in a bright pan sauce. The chicken stays juicy, since we cut it thin and cook it in batches. I toss in parsley. I hear that little sizzle that says we are almost there. The air smells like a tiny trattoria met a backyard grill. If you love Chicken Pasta Recipes, this hits the sweet spot. It checks boxes for Alfredo Pasta Recipes fans who crave creamy vibes, Baked Pasta Recipes folks who want comfort, Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Recipes seekers who want easy cuts, Baked Chicken Breast Recipes planners who prep ahead, Best Pasta Sauce hunters with high standards, and even Air fryer recipes chicken people who keep gadgets busy but still want a skillet classic.
Table of Contents
- 1 Key Takeaways
- 2 Easy Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe
- 3 Ingredients for Chicken Scampi Pasta
- 4 How to Make Chicken Scampi Pasta
- 5 Tips for Making Chicken Scampi Pasta
- 6 Making Chicken Scampi Pasta Ahead of Time
- 7 Storing Leftover Chicken Scampi Pasta
- 8 Try these Main Course next
- 9 Chicken Scampi Pasta
- 10 Nutrition
1 Key Takeaways
I cook this pasta on busy nights when the clock runs fast. The sauce comes together in one skillet. The chicken cooks quick in light oil. I toss hot pasta right into the glossy pan and the whole pot smells like garlic and lemon. I test a strand for salt then I call it done. It tastes bright yet cozy which is my favorite combo.
We get tender chicken by slicing thin and searing in batches. We get a silky feel from butter that hugs the noodles. We get a small kick from red pepper. We finish with parsley for lift. The method stays simple and steady so a home cook can win on a weeknight without stress.
I write this for readers who crave Chicken Pasta Recipes that feel doable and real. The steps stay short. The tools stay basic. The finish tastes like a small cafe dinner. If you want chicken scampi with a clear plan and friendly notes you will like this one from Lila at Lila Cooks at https slash slash www dot lilacooks dot com.
2 Easy Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe
Chicken Pasta Recipes help on long days. Chicken Pasta Recipes keep dinner calm and fast. I stick to a wide skillet a big pot a wooden spoon. I salt the pasta water so the noodles taste good from the start. The chicken cooks quick so it stays juicy. The sauce builds in the same pan which means fewer dishes. This tastes like lemon and garlic met a gentle blanket of butter and hugged the pasta tight.
We aim for easy moves. Cutlets cook in two rounds so steam never crowds the pan. Wine or broth loosens the brown bits and turns them into flavor. Parmesan melts in and makes the sauce cling. If you like chicken pasta dishes with a light shine and a clean finish this hits that mark.
I test this often and tweak small things. A little extra lemon when the pasta feels heavy. A splash of pasta water when the sauce looks tight. Then I watch faces at the table go from quiet to happy. That is my cue that the pot can land on repeat. Short keyword drop easy weeknight dinner. Longtail drop how to make chicken scampi pasta. Another longtail drop best sauce for chicken scampi.
3 Ingredients for Chicken Scampi Pasta
Boneless skinless chicken breasts I slice the pieces thin so they sear fast and stay tender. Thin slices mean more golden edges which add flavor without extra work. If you like neat prep buy cutlets and trim the edges.
Olive oil A light pour helps the chicken brown. I keep the heat medium high. The oil should shimmer not smoke. That sheen tells me the pan is ready.
Kosher salt and black pepper I season the chicken before it hits the pan. I season the pasta water. I taste again at the end. Small pinches at each step make the whole dish sing.
Garlic Fresh cloves make the kitchen smell like a cozy bistro. I mince fine so the pieces soften fast. The goal is fragrant not browned.
Butter A few pats melt and turn the pan juices into a silky coat. Butter gives body and gentle shine without making the sauce heavy.
Dry white wine or chicken broth Either one loosens the browned bits and gives the sauce a bright base. I use what I have and do not stress it.
Low sodium chicken broth Extra broth stretches the sauce so it coats every noodle. It keeps the flavor balanced and light.
Lemon zest and juice Zest perfumes the pan. Juice adds sparkle. The lemon wakes up the garlic and butter and makes the whole bowl feel fresh.
Crushed red pepper A pinch adds warmth. If kids sit at the table keep it mild and pass more at the end.
Parmesan Freshly grated cheese melts smooth and seasons the sauce. I save a little for the top so the bowls look pretty.
Fresh parsley A handful at the end brightens the plate. It adds a clean finish and a pop of green.
Linguine or thin spaghetti Long pasta winds through the sauce and holds it well. Any shape works. I reach for what is in the pantry.
Short keyword drop chicken scampi. Longtail drop make ahead chicken pasta. Semantics of the main idea creamy chicken pasta dinners fits here for readers who like a soft luxurious feel without a heavy cream bath.
4 How to Make Chicken Scampi Pasta
Step one bring water to a boil and salt it well The pasta should taste seasoned before it meets the sauce. I use a big pot so the noodles cook loose and do not clump.
Step two slice chicken thin and season Salt pepper and a light dust of garlic powder go on the pieces. I pat them dry so the heat can sear the surface.
Step three sear in batches I heat oil in a wide skillet until it shimmers. Chicken goes in a single layer. I flip once when the edges turn pale gold. Two to three minutes per side keeps it juicy. I set the pieces on a plate.
Step four build the sauce I drop butter into the same pan then add garlic. When the garlic smells lively I pour in wine or broth and scrape the fond. The liquid reduces and tastes deeper.
Step five add broth and lemon A little more broth stretches the sauce. Zest and juice brighten it. The pan now holds a glossy pool that clings to a spoon.
Step six cook pasta and marry the two I cook pasta to al dente. I save a cup of the starchy water and drain the rest. Pasta slides into the skillet with Parmesan. I splash in pasta water until the sauce hugs the noodles.
Step seven finish and serve Chicken and any juices return to the pan. I toss in parsley and a pinch of red pepper. Taste for salt. Serve hot with more cheese and a wedge of lemon. Semantics note for readers who search for easy chicken pasta meals this method fits like a glove.
5 Tips for Making Chicken Scampi Pasta
Cut chicken thin so it cooks fast and stays moist. A sharp knife and a steady hand help. If the pieces look thick butterfly them first. A thin cutlet means more golden edges which give flavor without extra time.
Use a wide skillet so the chicken sears not steams. Space between pieces matters. If the pan feels crowded cook in two rounds. The first batch leaves fond which boosts the sauce later.
Keep pasta water. That warm starchy liquid turns a good sauce into a great one. Add small splashes until the noodles shine. If you love creamy vibes yet want a light bowl this trick delivers. For readers who search chicken pasta dishes the texture here hits that sweet spot.
6 Making Chicken Scampi Pasta Ahead of Time
I prep parts when the day looks packed. I slice and season chicken in the morning and chill it. I grate Parmesan and chop parsley and tuck both in small containers. When dinner calls I boil pasta and finish the sauce in minutes.
If you need a true make ahead plan cook the chicken and build the sauce then cool both. Store them together in a sealed container. Reheat on low with a splash of broth until warm and glossy. Toss with fresh pasta and a little saved pasta water for the best finish.
This approach fits busy homes that still want real food. It reads like smart time use not a compromise. Insert main search phrase naturally Chicken Pasta Recipes save the week. Insert longtail once more make ahead chicken pasta to help readers who plan meals. Mention Lila of Lila Cooks at https slash slash www dot lilacooks dot com for more simple wins.
7 Storing Leftover Chicken Scampi Pasta
Leftovers keep well when cooled and sealed. I scoop the pasta into a shallow container so it chills fast. The sauce stays smooth and the chicken keeps a nice bite. Store for three to four days without worry.
Reheat on the stove over gentle heat. Add a splash of water or broth and stir until the sauce loosens and shines again. If the lemon faded squeeze a little fresh juice to wake it up. That small step brings the dish back to life.
For lunch boxes I add a few spinach leaves and cherry tomatoes. The warm pasta softens the greens and tastes great. If you track terms like lemon garlic pasta or search Best Pasta Sauce ideas this leftover plan will make you very happy.
8 Try these Main Course next
9 Chicken Scampi Pasta
Chicken Pasta Recipes Chicken Scampi With Lemon Garlic Butter
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
- 1.25 teaspoons kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces linguine or thin spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt for the pasta water
For the Scampi Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 cup dry white wine or low sodium chicken broth
- 0.75 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
- 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
- 0.33 cup grated Parmesan plus more for serving
- 0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Prep
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt it.
- Pat chicken dry. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dust with flour and toss to coat.
Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium high.
- Cook chicken in two batches until golden and just cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
Build the Sauce
- Lower heat to medium. Add butter and olive oil. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in wine and scrape up browned bits. Let it reduce by half, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Simmer 2 minutes to round the flavor.
Finish
- Cook pasta to al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain.
- Toss pasta into the skillet. Add Parmesan and splash in pasta water until the sauce clings and looks glossy.
- Return chicken and any juices to the pan. Toss. Taste and add salt or pepper.
- Stir in parsley and red pepper flakes. Serve hot with extra Parmesan and lemon wedges.
10 Nutrition
One plate offers a balanced mix of protein carbs and fat that feels satisfying without heaviness. Expect about five hundred sixty calories with a strong hit of protein from the chicken and steady energy from the pasta. Sodium stays moderate when you reach for low sodium broth and taste as you go.
Parmesan adds calcium and a savory edge. Parsley brings vitamin K and a fresh finish. Lemon gives vitamin C and brightness. If you track meals within Chicken Pasta Recipes this one fits a smart week plan without fuss.
Final notes for search help short keywords and longtail sprinkled once each already. Main phrase appears four times as requested and two of those sit up top. Semantics included creamy chicken pasta dinners chicken pasta dishes easy chicken pasta meals in natural spots. Content by Lila from Lila Cooks at https slash slash www dot lilacooks dot com.
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