Name: Chicken Scampi Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces (225 g) angel hair pasta; 1 ½ pound (650 g) chicken tenderloins; ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour; ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 teaspoon salt, divided; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil; 2 tablespoons (28 g) butter; 1 medium red onion, sliced into half-moons; ½ medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced; ½ medium yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced; ½ medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced; 4 cloves garlic, crushed; ½ cup (120 ml) dry white wine; ½ cup (120 ml) whipping cream; ½ cup (43 g) parmesan cheese, grated; ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional); 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley

Jump to Recipe·5.3 from 20 reviews

If you love a pasta dish that’s bursting with color, brimming with flavor, and ready in just about 25 minutes, Chicken Scampi needs to jump straight to the top of your dinner list. This vibrant meal features juicy chicken tenders nestled in a silky, garlic-butter sauce, highlighted with the sweet tang of bell peppers, a splash of white wine, and a final cloud of parmesan. It’s a restaurant-style experience you can create effortlessly at home, packing every twirl of pasta with creamy, garlicky goodness that’s bound to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Chicken Scampi is how it’s built from just a handful of everyday ingredients—each one bringing a unique note, whether that’s luscious texture, punchy aroma, or a pop of color. Gather these essentials, and you’re already halfway to a dish that tastes every bit as special as it looks.

Angel hair pasta: Its delicate strands soak up the sauce beautifully, making each bite a little creamy masterpiece.
Chicken tenderloins: These mini fillets are juicy and quick to cook, perfect for soaking up all the scampi flavors.
All-purpose flour: A light dredge helps the chicken brown and stay wonderfully tender.
Italian seasoning: Lends subtle herbal notes that make the chicken savory and fragrant.
Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together; you’ll use it in stages for best results.
Ground black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and rounds out the seasoning on the chicken.
Olive oil: For sautéing and adding Mediterranean richness to the chicken.
Butter: Gives that classic, velvety scampi sauce its irresistible richness.
Red onion: Sliced thinly, it adds a touch of sweetness and gorgeous color.
Red, yellow, and green bell peppers: Each color brings its own gentle sweetness and makes the dish visually stunning.
Garlic: Crushed garlic infuses the sauce with its unmistakable bold flavor—don’t hold back!
Dry white wine: A splash brightens the sauce and adds a touch of acidity; choose Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or your favorite dry white.
Whipping cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and smooth.
Parmesan cheese: Grated parmesan melts right into the sauce for a salty, nutty finish.
Red chili flakes (optional): For those who like a little spark of heat with their scampi.
Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of this herb delivers freshness and the finishing touch of color.

How to Make Chicken Scampi

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil and add a generous amount of salt. Drop in your angel hair pasta and cook it just until al dente, following the package instructions. Don’t forget to reserve about a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining—it’ll help your sauce come together perfectly later.

Step 2: Dredge the Chicken

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, Italian seasoning, one teaspoon of salt, and the black pepper. Coat each chicken tenderloin in this seasoned flour, shaking off the excess. This thin coating will help the chicken brown beautifully and stay moist as it cooks.

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Lay in each breaded chicken tender, cooking for about three minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep them juicy and warm while you finish the sauce.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

Reduce the heat slightly, then melt the butter in the same skillet. Drop in the sliced red onion and all your colorful bell peppers. Sauté for a couple of minutes until they start to soften up without losing their vibrant crunch. Add the crushed garlic right at the end, giving it a minute to become aromatic (but not brown).

Step 5: Make the Wine Sauce

Pour in the dry white wine and use a wooden spoon to gently scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine simmer and reduce for about four minutes so its flavor concentrates while the alcohol cooks off.

Step 6: Finish the Sauce and Combine

Add the reserved cup of pasta water and pour in the whipping cream. As the sauce comes to a simmer, stir in the grated parmesan cheese, remaining salt, and red chili flakes (if using). The sauce should thicken slightly and turn beautifully creamy and glossy. Finally, add the drained pasta and toss to coat every strand, then nestle the chicken tenders on top to reheat for a minute or two.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Sprinkle your Chicken Scampi with fresh, chopped parsley, and serve immediately while everything is piping hot and irresistible.

How to Serve Chicken Scampi

Garnishes

A flurry of freshly chopped parsley brings color and an herby zing, while extra shavings of parmesan add that finishing touch of salty luxury. If you want to dial up the heat, a pinch of red chili flakes over each plate looks striking and wakes up your taste buds.

Side Dishes

Chicken Scampi is already a complete meal, but it’s never wrong to pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or some lightly steamed asparagus. A hunk of crusty bread is perfect for mopping up every drop of the creamy garlic sauce, and a glass of chilled white wine echoes the dish perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Chicken Scampi over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carb plate. You can also nest it in individual ramekins for a dinner party starter, or serve family-style on a huge platter, allowing everyone to help themselves to seconds (and maybe even thirds).

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Scampi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen as they mingle, so it can be just as delicious when enjoyed as a next-day treat—just make sure to store the pasta and sauce together to keep everything moist.

Freezing

Though cream-based sauces don’t always freeze perfectly, you can freeze portions of Chicken Scampi for up to two months. Let it cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers. For best texture, try to keep the pasta and chicken together, as the peppers can get a bit soft upon thawing.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat Chicken Scampi on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water, broth, or even a touch more cream to loosen up the sauce as it warms. Microwaving works in a pinch, but be cautious not to overcook the chicken so it stays tender.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for Chicken Scampi?

Absolutely! While angel hair grabs onto the creamy sauce beautifully, spaghetti, linguine, or even fettuccine all work well. Just cook your chosen noodle to al dente so it holds up in the sauce.

Is it possible to make this dish without wine?

Yes, if you’d prefer to skip the wine, substitute with a mix of 1/4 cup chicken stock and 1/4 cup white grape juice or apple juice. You’ll still get a lovely balance of acidity and sweetness for your Chicken Scampi sauce.

Can I make Chicken Scampi gluten-free?

Definitely! Swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety, and use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for dredging the chicken. The results are just as delicious and crowd-pleasing.

How spicy is this recipe?

By default, Chicken Scampi is mild and creamy, but the optional red chili flakes add a gentle heat. If you love things spicy, feel free to add more to taste—or leave them out entirely if you prefer it mellow.

Can I substitute the chicken with shrimp?

You sure can! Shrimp Scampi is a classic for a reason. Use peeled, deveined shrimp instead of chicken, and reduce the cooking time—shrimp cook even faster and pair wonderfully with the garlicky, buttery sauce.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Scampi is one of those dishes that you’ll find yourself craving again and again, thanks to its perfect harmony of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant veggies. Whether you serve it for a quick weeknight meal or a special gathering, it never fails to delight. Give it a try, and get ready for some serious dinner table applause!