If you’re craving a meal that’s equally comforting and impressive, you’re going to fall in love with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi. Imagine golden strips of tender chicken tossed with silky pasta, bathed in a garlicky, buttery sauce, all finished with a shimmer of Parmesan and fresh parsley. This dish is timeless Italian-American comfort, but it comes together in just 30 minutes, making it as perfect for a busy weeknight as it is for an impromptu dinner party. Every bite is a delicious blend of savory flavors, subtle heat, and zesty brightness—sure to become an instant favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi is all about careful choices with simple, good-quality ingredients. These basics build layers of flavor, lend a luxurious texture to the sauce, and create that iconic color and aroma that will have everyone gathering around the table.
- Chicken breast strips: Tender and lean, these soak up all the garlicky flavors while offering satisfying protein.
- Linguine or spaghetti: The pasta acts as the perfect canvas, hugging the rich sauce in every twirl.
- Olive oil: Adds depth and a fruity undertone, creating just the right sear on the chicken.
- Unsalted butter: Brings that irresistible silkiness and helps brown both the chicken and the garlic beautifully.
- Garlic cloves: The undisputed star! Don’t skimp, since garlic is the heart of this dish’s personality.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): A little heat keeps the flavors lively—add more or less to taste.
- Dry white wine or chicken broth: Use wine for a subtle, sophisticated tang, or broth for a richer, family-friendly flavor.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, delivering salty, nutty complexity—always grate fresh for maximum flavor.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple, but critical for bringing out the best in every ingredient.
- Fresh parsley: A sprinkle just before serving gives a burst of color and fresh flavor.
- Lemon wedges: A squeeze brightens up the entire dish, cutting through richness with a citrusy pop.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil, and cook your linguine or spaghetti until just al dente. This is key! You want the pasta to have a little bite, since it’ll finish cooking in the sauce and soak up all those gorgeous flavors. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you whip up the rest of your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of your butter over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot skillet. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the chicken is golden on the outside and thoroughly cooked. Remove the chicken to a plate, keeping as much of those browned bits (aka flavor gold!) in the pan as possible.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. When it melts, stir in the minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Sauté for about a minute, just until fragrant—don’t let the garlic brown. Pour in the white wine or chicken broth to deglaze, scraping up any flavorful brown bits sticking to the pan. Let this simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, reducing slightly and concentrating all those aromas.
Step 4: Finish and Toss Everything Together
Slide the chicken back into the skillet. Add your drained pasta right on top, then shower everything with the grated Parmesan. Toss and stir well, letting the cheese melt into the buttery sauce and the pasta soak up every drop of flavor. Once everything is heated through, sprinkle with chopped parsley to add a final note of freshness.
Step 5: Serve with Lemon Wedges
Plate up generous portions, and serve each with a fresh lemon wedge. That final squeeze of juice takes Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi from tasty to truly unforgettable, highlighting all the rich, savory notes.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi
Garnishes
A little garnish can turn Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi into a showstopper. I love a flurry of chopped fresh parsley and a fine dusting of extra Parmesan just before serving—these add brightness and depth. Try a grind of black pepper, ruby-red chili flakes, or even paper-thin lemon zest for extra color and pizzazz.
Side Dishes
This dish is a star on its own, but if you’d like to round out your table, reach for a crisp green salad tossed with tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables for sweetness and crunch. Warm, crusty bread is perfect for mopping up every drop of the garlicky, buttery sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, try serving Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi in individual pasta bowls, nestling the lemon wedge on the side. Pile it family-style on a big platter, scattered with more parsley and shaved Parmesan, for easy serving at festive gatherings. Or swirl the pasta into little nests and arrange chicken strips neatly on top for a dinner party-worthy presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), transfer your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen a bit, making each bite extra tasty.
Freezing
While the sauce is at its best fresh, you can freeze Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi in a tightly sealed container for up to one month. For the best texture upon reheating, consider freezing the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to keep everything creamy and loose. Toss in a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon for a quick flavor boost.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While linguine or spaghetti are classic for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi, it’s delicious with angel hair, fettuccine, or even short pasta shapes. Just make sure to cook your pasta al dente so it stands up to the sauce.
What can I use instead of wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth is a fantastic substitute that still gives you that “deglazed” flavor and richness. No one will miss the wine—promise!
How spicy is this recipe?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth, so Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi won’t burn your taste buds. Skip them entirely for mild palates, or double up if you love a little extra heat.
Can I make this with shrimp instead of chicken?
Definitely! Just swap in peeled and deveined shrimp, and sauté them until pink and opaque. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi gets a fabulous seafood update with this simple twist.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten free?
Yes—use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check any broths you add to be certain they’re gluten free. The sauce and the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten free, making this a great adaptable option.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi is one of those magical recipes that feels fancy yet fits even your busiest nights. If you make it once, I bet it’ll quickly earn a permanent place in your dinner rotation. Try it soon, and get ready for a chorus of “more, please!” around your table.
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy and flavorful Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi, a delicious Italian-American pasta dish that is quick and easy to make. Tender chicken strips, al dente pasta, and a luscious Parmesan sauce come together for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
Pasta:
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet. Cook seasoned chicken until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- Make Sauce: Melt remaining butter in the skillet. Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes. Deglaze with wine or broth, simmer, then add chicken back to the skillet.
- Combine: Toss in cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese. Stir until heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.
- Shrimp can be substituted for chicken for a seafood twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
