There’s nothing quite like a comforting plate of pasta tossed with tender chicken and bathed in a garlicky butter-wine sauce. This Chicken Scampi Recipe brings all the bold flavors of your favorite Italian-American restaurant right to your kitchen—with less sodium, more freshness, and a faster cook time. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just looking to elevate your weeknight dinner game, this scampi will quickly become your go-to.
Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a meal that’s as impressive as it is easy.
🍋 What Is Chicken Scampi?
Traditionally, scampi refers to a dish made with langoustines (small lobster-like shellfish), cooked with garlic, butter, lemon, and white wine. But in American kitchens and restaurants like Olive Garden, the term has evolved—most often made with chicken or shrimp instead.
Chicken Scampi is a rich and flavorful pasta dish where juicy seared chicken is paired with a silky garlic lemon butter sauce and tossed with pasta. It’s savory, zesty, and buttery—every bite is balanced, bold, and crave-worthy.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 1½ pounds chicken tenderloins or breasts, sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (adds subtle depth)
For the Scampi Sauce:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup dry white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)
For Serving:
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
- Extra parsley and lemon wedges for garnish
🔁 Swap Tip: Avoiding wine? Use more broth and an extra teaspoon of lemon juice for acidity.
🍳 Kitchen Tools Needed
- 12-inch nonstick skillet or sauté pan
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Tongs for flipping and tossing
- Microplane for zesting
- Garlic press (optional but handy)
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Knife + cutting board
🔪 Preparation Steps (Mise en Place)
Before you start, get everything ready. Here’s your organized prep list:
- Chicken: Slice and season. Pat dry for better browning.
- Aromatics: Mince garlic, zest and juice lemon, chop parsley.
- Pasta Water: Bring a salted pot of water to a boil.
- Measure Ingredients: Have wine, broth, butter, cheese, and spices ready.
🧑🍳 Pro Tip: This “mise en place” (everything in place) approach makes cooking seamless and stress-free.
🔥 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
- Add pasta to boiling salted water.
- Cook until al dente (about 9–10 minutes).
- Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain (don’t rinse!).
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- In a skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).
- Sear each side for 3–4 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Scampi Sauce
- In the same pan (don’t clean it!), lower heat to medium.
- Add 4 tbsp butter, then garlic and red pepper flakes.
- Sauté 30 seconds, then deglaze with white wine.
- Let it simmer 2–3 minutes until reduced by half.
- Add broth, lemon juice, and remaining butter.
- Stir in lemon zest, Parmesan, and most of the parsley.
- Let it simmer for 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Return chicken to pan. Coat well in sauce.
- Add cooked pasta and gently toss with tongs.
- If the sauce is thick, stir in reserved pasta water (1–2 tbsp at a time).
- Heat together for 1–2 minutes to blend flavors.
🍽️ How to Serve Chicken Scampi
For that restaurant-quality finish, plate like a pro:
- Use tongs to twirl pasta into a tall nest.
- Lay chicken pieces on top.
- Drizzle with extra sauce, a dusting of Parmesan, and a sprinkle of parsley.
- Serve with lemon wedges and garlic bread on the side.
🌟 Recipe Variations & Customizations
🔥 Spicy Chicken Scampi
Double the red pepper flakes, or add chili oil at the end.
🧀 Creamy Chicken Scampi
Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream just before adding pasta.
🥦 Veggie-Boosted Scampi
Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers before simmering the sauce.
🍝 Gluten-Free Version
Use brown rice or chickpea pasta. They hold up well in buttery sauces.
🥒 Low-Carb Alternative
Serve chicken and sauce over spiralized zucchini or roasted spaghetti squash.
🧠 Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Pat chicken dry for the best browning.
- Don’t rush the sauce—allow flavors to reduce and concentrate.
- Emulsify, don’t separate: Add cold butter last and swirl gently.
- Use reserved pasta water to make your sauce silky.
- Don’t skip the zest—it brightens the whole dish.
🥗 What to Serve with Chicken Scampi
| Course | Suggestions |
|---|---|
| Appetizer | Caprese salad, bruschetta |
| Sides | Garlic bread, Caesar salad, roasted green beans |
| Drinks | Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, sparkling water with lemon |
🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of broth to revive the sauce.
Avoid freezing: Pasta and dairy sauce may separate when thawed.
Leftover idea: Turn it into a pasta bake with mozzarella on top. Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.
🥗 Nutrition Info (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~650 |
| Protein | 45g |
| Carbohydrates | 65g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 650mg |
✅ High-Protein | ✅ Easy to Make
❌ Not Gluten-Free | ❌ Contains Dairy
💡 Can be adapted for keto/low-carb diets
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use shrimp instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Shrimp cooks faster—about 2 minutes per side.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for wine?
Yes! Replace wine with more chicken broth + extra lemon juice.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep components ahead, but assemble just before serving for the best texture.
What pasta works best with scampi?
Linguine, spaghetti, or angel hair work beautifully. Use gluten-free if needed.
📌 Final Thoughts
This Chicken Scampi recipe is the perfect blend of simple ingredients and bold flavor. It’s buttery, garlicky, lemony, and satisfying—just like your favorite restaurant version, only better and fresher.
With endless variations and a 30-minute cook time, this is one meal that belongs in your regular rotation. Once you try it, don’t be surprised if your family asks for it weekly!
