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Classic Chicken Scampi photo

Chicken Scampi

This Chicken Scampi is a creamy, elegant dish that’s simple enough for weeknight dinners!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing the vegetables
  • 1/2 medium red onion cut into thin strips
  • 1-1/2 cup bell peppers mixed colors (red, green, orange)
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic adds fragrant touch
  • 8 ounces angel-hair pasta the perfect pasta to soak up sauce
  • 1 batch chicken cutlets tender chicken cooked to perfection
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter adds richness to the sauce
  • 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth base of the sauce
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream for luxurious texture
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan essential for flavor; extra for serving
  • 1 large lemon divided for zest and juice
  • pinch red pepper flakes optional, for heat
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Pot
  • Colander
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Wooden spoon
  • Serving dishes

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.