Introduction:
Indulge in the delightful simplicity of our Chicken Scampi Pasta – a dish that marries succulent chicken with perfectly cooked pasta, all coated in a light garlic butter sauce. This recipe is a celebration of fresh ingredients and the aromatic allure of garlic, creating a pasta experience that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Get ready to bring the essence of Italian dining to your own table!
Why We Love This Recipe:
✔️ Tender Chicken: Juicy chicken pieces that complement the pasta beautifully. ✔️ Al Dente Perfection: Master the art of cooking pasta to achieve the ideal texture. ✔️ Light Garlic Butter Sauce: A flavorful yet delicate sauce that doesn’t overpower.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces linguine or your favorite pasta
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
- Season the sliced chicken with salt and black pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.
Stir in chopped parsley and season with additional salt and black pepper if needed, and serve the Chicken Scampi Pasta hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes:
- Adjust the level of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.
- Feel free to add a handful of baby spinach or arugula for extra freshness.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! Choose your favorite pasta shape for this versatile dish.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: While best served fresh, you can prepare components in advance and assemble before serving.