Chicken Scampi
User Reviews
4.9
-
Prep Time
10 mins
-
Cook Time
10 mins
-
Total Time
20 mins
-
Servings
6
-
Calories
645 kcal
-
Course
Main Course, Lunch, Dinner
Chicken Scampi
Description
The recipe starts by cooking pasta separately according to package instructions. Chicken cubes are tossed in cornstarch, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper before being seared in a combination of olive oil and melted butter for a golden exterior. Garlic and red pepper flakes are briefly cooked in the skillet to release their aroma, followed by adding white wine to reduce slightly and concentrate flavor, with alcohol cooking off.
Lemon juice is stirred in off heat to preserve its brightness, and freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese are added to complete the dish. The resulting flavor profile is a mix of buttery richness, garlic pungency, subtle heat from pepper flakes, and a refreshing lemon acidity. The texture is tender chicken with coated pasta, all bound by the silky sauce.
This meal suits weeknight dinners and can be adapted with different pasta shapes. Adjusting red pepper flakes allows control over spiciness. Freshly grated Parmesan is recommended for best melting and flavor.
Recipe notes advise cooking pasta al dente since it will further soften when added to sauce, and suggest ways to substitute wine and modify heat level. Careful attention to cooking chicken just until done prevents toughness.
Ingredients
- 1 pound linguini or spaghetti or angel hair pasta
- 1½ pounds chicken boneless and skinless, cut into 1 inch cubes
- 2 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup butter unsalted
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup white wine dry
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ cup parsley chopped, fresh
- ¾ cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Cook the the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water.
- Prep the chicken: Pat dry the chicken pieces then place them in a bowl. Add the cornstarch, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper and toss everything together.
- Fry the chicken: In a large skillet, add 2 tbsp of the olive oil and 2 tbsp of the butter and heat over medium high heat until the butter is melted. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, in a single layer, and sear until browned all around, about 5 minutes. Transfer the chicken, along with remaining butter to a plate.
- Make the sauce: Add the remaining butter and olive oil to the skillet and cook until the butter has melted. Add the garlic, and red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until the garlic is aromatic. Pour the wine into the garlic butter mixture and cook for 2 minutes until the wine reduces a bit and the alcohol cooks off.
- Finish the dish: Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss it well with the sauce. Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish and serve: You can serve this over the cooked pasta or toss it with the pasta and parsley. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and serve warm.
Notes
- Choose your preferred pasta such as linguini, spaghetti, angel hair, or penne and cook it al dente.
- For an alcohol-free version, substitute white wine with chicken broth; flavor will differ.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better melting and flavor quality.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control spiciness or omit for a milder dish.
- Do not overcook the chicken; it should be just cooked through to avoid dryness as it continues cooking in the sauce.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 645 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 645kcal | 32% |
| Carbohydrates | 62g | 21% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Fat | 29g | 45% |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4g | 24% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
| Trans Fat | 0.4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 70mg | 23% |
| Sodium | 251mg | 10% |
| Potassium | 352mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 676IU | 14% |
| Vitamin C | 7mg | 8% |
| Calcium | 191mg | 19% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
You'll Also Love
