EASY CREAMY CHICKEN SCAMPI

Imagine twirling tender pasta coated in a luscious, creamy sauce, studded with juicy chicken and bright pops of garlic and lemon. This Creamy Chicken Scampi is the answer to your weeknight dinner prayers, delivering restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes. Get ready to impress yourself (and anyone else at the table!) because you’re about to master a dish that’s both elegant and incredibly easy.

Gather Your Goodies: The Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Scampi Sauce:

• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb linguine or spaghetti

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente.
3. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This is liquid gold for the sauce!

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

1. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Craft the Creamy Scampi Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This is where all the flavor is!
4. Let the wine reduce slightly, about 2 minutes.
5. Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and parsley. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
7. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the sauce.
2. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat everything evenly.
3. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips & Tricks for Scampi Success

Okay, bestie, let’s talk secrets to make this Creamy Chicken Scampi absolutely *perfect*. First, don’t overcook the garlic! Burnt garlic is bitter and will ruin the whole dish. Low and slow is the way to go. Second, the reserved pasta water is KEY. It’s starchy and helps the sauce cling to the pasta, creating that dreamy, creamy texture we’re after. Don’t skip it!

Variations to Make It Your Own

This recipe is fantastic as is, but feel free to get creative! If you’re not a fan of chicken, shrimp works beautifully. Want to add some veggies? Asparagus, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes would be delicious additions. And if you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream (though the sauce won’t be quite as rich).

Making it a Meal: Side Dish Suggestions

While this Creamy Chicken Scampi is a complete meal on its own, a simple side dish can round things out perfectly. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a good choice. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is also a classic pairing, perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce. For an extra special touch, try some roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Dinner Ideas For Men and Romantic Nights

This Creamy Chicken Scampi is so versatile! It’s easy enough for a weeknight Best Quick Dinner Recipes but impressive enough for a Dinner Recipes Romantic. Trust me, whether you’re cooking for yourself, a date, or the whole family, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s even a great option when you are looking for Dinner Ideas For Men because it is hearty and flavorful.

Other Delicious Chicken Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this Creamy Chicken Scampi, you might also like some of my other favorite chicken recipes. For a cheesy, comforting casserole, check out my Chicken Parmesan Casserole. Or, for a slow-cooker sensation, give my Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken a try. And if you love pasta, you can’t go wrong with my Creamy Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni. Craving that garlic flavor? Be sure to check out Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thighs and Creamy Garlic Pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While linguine or spaghetti are traditional for scampi, you can use any pasta shape you like. Fettuccine, angel hair, or even penne would work well.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and add the cooked chicken and pasta.

Can I freeze this recipe?

I don’t recommend freezing the entire dish, as the sauce may separate upon thawing. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken separately and add it to freshly made sauce and pasta.

What if I don’t have white wine?

No problem! Simply substitute with an equal amount of chicken broth. The wine adds a depth of flavor, but the dish will still be delicious without it.

The Fast And Easy Chicken Dinner Recipes Secret: Garlic and Parmesan

One of the reasons this Fast And Easy Chicken Dinner Recipes is so good is the winning combination of garlic and Parmesan. These two ingredients bring a ton of flavor to the table, making even the simplest dishes taste amazing. Don’t be shy with them!

Time to Scampi and Shine!

So there you have it – my easy and delicious Creamy Chicken Scampi recipe! I hope you love it as much as I do. It’s one of those dishes that’s always a hit, and I know you’ll feel like a rockstar in the kitchen when you whip it up. Happy cooking, friend!

Easy Creamy Chicken Scampi

Alice Yowell

This Easy Creamy Chicken Scampi recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes. Tender pasta is coated in a luscious, creamy sauce with juicy chicken, garlic, and lemon. It’s an elegant and incredibly easy dish perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian-American

Servings 4

Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Colander
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Tongs or pasta server

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Red pepper flakes optional
• 1 lb linguine or spaghetti
• Salt for pasta water

Instructions

 

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
• While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
• In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
• Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
• Let the wine reduce slightly, about 2 minutes.
• Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
• Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and parsley. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
• Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the sauce.
• Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat everything evenly.
• Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

Don’t overcook the garlic, burnt garlic will ruin the dish. The reserved pasta water is key for creating a creamy texture. You can substitute chicken with shrimp or add vegetables like asparagus, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes. Half-and-half can be used instead of heavy cream for a lighter option. The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.