Chicken Scampi
If you’re on the lookout for a dish that brings together comfort and elegance, look no further than Chicken Scampi. This delightful recipe pairs tender chicken cutlets with a creamy sauce, vibrant bell peppers, and perfectly cooked angel hair pasta. It’s a dish that feels special yet is simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Trust me, once you try this Chicken Scampi, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Why I Love This Recipe
Chicken Scampi is one of those recipes that hits all the right notes. It’s creamy, flavorful, and has a wonderful balance of textures. The sautéed vegetables add a pop of color and crunch, while the chicken cutlets are juicy and tender. Plus, the sauce is rich enough to coat the pasta beautifully without being overly heavy. What I love most is how quickly it comes together—perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Your Shopping Guide
To make this delicious Chicken Scampi, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the vegetables.
- 1/2 medium red onion – Cut into thin strips for flavor and sweetness.
- 1-1/2 bell peppers – Use a mix of colors (red, green, orange) for visual appeal.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic – Adds a fragrant touch to the dish.
- 8 ounces angel-hair pasta – The perfect pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.
- 1 batch chicken cutlets – Tender chicken that’s quickly cooked to perfection.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – Adds richness to the sauce.
- 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth – The base of your sauce.
- 3/4 cup heavy cream – For a luxurious, creamy texture.
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan – Essential for flavor; plus extra for serving.
- 1 large lemon – Divided for zest and juice, adding brightness to the dish.
- Pinch of red pepper flakes – Optional, for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley – Optional, for garnish and freshness.
Kitchen Gear Checklist
Before you start cooking, make sure you have the following kitchen tools:
- Large skillet – For sautéing and making the sauce.
- Pot – To boil the pasta.
- Colander – For draining the pasta.
- Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Knife and cutting board – To prep your ingredients.
- Wooden spoon – For stirring the sauce.
- Serving dishes – For plating your Chicken Scampi.
Directions: Chicken Scampi
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the red onion and sauté for about 2 minutes, until it becomes translucent. Then, add the bell peppers and continue to cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still have a slight crunch. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Cutlets
While the vegetables are cooking, prepare your chicken cutlets according to your chosen recipe. Once cooked, remove the cutlets from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. You can slice them into strips for easier serving later.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet with the sautéed vegetables, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Next, add the heavy cream and stir well. Allow the mixture to simmer for another 3-4 minutes until it thickens.
Step 5: Add the Cheese and Lemon
Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. Squeeze in the juice of half the lemon and add a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Mix well and taste for seasoning, adjusting with salt and pepper as necessary.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Add the cooked chicken cutlets back into the skillet, along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together gently to ensure the pasta and chicken are well coated with the creamy sauce. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Plate the Chicken Scampi and garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan, along with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Year-Round Variations
There are many ways to customize Chicken Scampi to suit your taste or the season:
- Add seasonal vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes for a fresh twist.
- Swap the angel hair pasta for fettuccine or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Incorporate shrimp or scallops for a seafood twist to the classic recipe.
- Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for a unique flavor profile.
Common Errors (and Fixes)
Even the most seasoned cooks can make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
- Overcooking the Pasta: Always follow the package instructions and taste the pasta a minute or two before the suggested cooking time.
- Thick Sauce: If your sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
- Flavorless Dish: Make sure to season at every step—adding salt and pepper to the vegetables, sauce, and pasta is key to a flavorful Chicken Scampi.
- Burnt Garlic: Cook garlic on lower heat to prevent it from burning and becoming bitter.
Cooling, Storing & Rewarming
If you have any leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious!), here’s how to handle them:
- Cooling: Allow the Chicken Scampi to cool completely before storing.
- Storing: Place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Rewarming: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it moist.
Chicken Scampi Q&A
Can I use frozen chicken cutlets for Chicken Scampi?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken cutlets. Just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking to ensure even cooking.
What can I serve with Chicken Scampi?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Is there a vegetarian option for Chicken Scampi?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or a variety of vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I make Chicken Scampi ahead of time?
While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and chicken cutlets in advance and combine them with the pasta right before serving.
In Closing
Chicken Scampi is a fantastic dish that combines the richness of creamy sauce with the freshness of sautéed vegetables and tender chicken. It’s perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in. With its simple ingredients and straightforward directions, this recipe is bound to impress your family and friends.
So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let the cooking magic begin. Once you serve up this Chicken Scampi, you’ll be met with smiles and requests for seconds. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
Chicken Scampi
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the red onion and sauté for about 2 minutes, until it becomes translucent. Then, add the bell peppers and continue to cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still have a slight crunch. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- While the vegetables are cooking, prepare your chicken cutlets according to your chosen recipe. Once cooked, remove the cutlets from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. You can slice them into strips for easier serving later.
- In the same skillet with the sautéed vegetables, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Next, add the heavy cream and stir well. Allow the mixture to simmer for another 3-4 minutes until it thickens.
- Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. Squeeze in the juice of half the lemon and add a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Mix well and taste for seasoning, adjusting with salt and pepper as necessary.
- Add the cooked chicken cutlets back into the skillet, along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together gently to ensure the pasta and chicken are well coated with the creamy sauce. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Plate the Chicken Scampi and garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan, along with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Notes
- Consider adding seasonal vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes for a fresh twist.
- Swap the angel hair pasta for fettuccine or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- For a seafood twist, incorporate shrimp or scallops into the dish.
