This Chicken Scampi Pasta is a flavorful, restaurant-style dish made right at home. Tender strips of chicken are tossed with angel hair pasta in a buttery garlic and white wine sauce, finished with fresh lemon, Parmesan, and parsley for a bright, savory finish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy—ready in under 30 minutes
Perfect balance of buttery, garlicky richness and fresh lemon brightness
Uses simple, everyday ingredients for a gourmet taste
Great for both weeknight dinners and special occasions
Pairs beautifully with salad and crusty bread

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Kosher salt
1 pound thinly-sliced chicken cutlets, cut into 1/2-inch-thick strips
3 tablespoons olive oil
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
6 cloves garlic, sliced
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 cup dry white wine
12 ounces angel hair pasta
1 teaspoon lemon zest plus the juice of 1 large lemon
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1/2 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. Season the chicken with salt.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add olive oil, then brown the chicken in 2 batches until golden but not fully cooked, about 2–3 minutes per batch. Transfer to a plate.
Melt 4 tablespoons butter in the skillet. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until garlic begins to turn golden at the edges, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Add wine, bring to a simmer, and cook until reduced by half, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Cook the pasta until very al dente, reserving 1 cup pasta water.
Add pasta and 3/4 cup pasta water to the skillet, along with chicken, lemon zest, lemon juice, and remaining 4 tablespoons butter.
Return skillet to medium-low heat, stirring gently until butter melts and pasta is coated. If needed, add remaining pasta water to loosen.
Remove from heat, sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley, toss, and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Shrimp scampi pasta: Replace chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist.
Creamy version: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream before adding pasta for extra richness.
Extra veggies: Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus tips for added color and nutrients.
Whole grain: Use whole wheat angel hair pasta for a healthier option.
No wine: Substitute chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or chicken stock to prevent drying.
Not ideal for freezing as the pasta can become mushy.

FAQs

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prep ingredients in advance and cook just before serving.

2. Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine work well.

3. What type of wine is best?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works perfectly.

4. Can I skip the wine?

Yes, use chicken broth with a splash of lemon juice instead.

5. How can I make it spicier?

Increase the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon or add a pinch of cayenne.

6. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, just add it when tossing the pasta to heat through.

7. What cheese works if I don’t have Parmesan?

Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are good substitutes.

8. Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, sauté bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini along with the garlic.

9. How do I keep the pasta from drying out?

Reserve enough pasta water and add as needed to maintain a silky sauce.

10. Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free pasta and confirm all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Conclusion

Chicken Scampi Pasta is a quick yet elegant dish that’s bursting with flavor from its buttery garlic sauce, fresh lemon, and Parmesan. It’s a versatile recipe you can adapt to your taste, making it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. Serve it hot with a fresh salad and bread, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality meal in minutes.

Ezabella