Name: Chicken Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ½ lb angel hair pasta; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp olive oil; ½ lb chicken cutlets; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp ground black pepper; 4 cloves garlic; ⅛ tsp red pepper flakes; ½ cup dry white wine; 1 zest and juice of lemon; ¼ cup parsley

This classic and elegant dish, Chicken Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta, is a symphony of fresh ingredients and delightful flavors. Tender chicken cutlets are sautéed in butter and olive oil, then tossed with angel hair pasta in a garlicky, lemony white wine sauce. It's a perfect meal for any day of the week, and it'll transport your tastebuds straight to the heart of Italy.

Photos of Chicken Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta Recipe

Most of the ingredients for this dish are staples you might already have in your kitchen like butter, olive oil, and pasta. However, you might need to pick up a couple of things. Chicken cutlets, for instance, are simply boneless, skinless chicken breasts that have been thinly sliced. You also need dry white wine, which adds depth to the sauce. A good Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works well. Lastly, fresh parsley is essential for the finishing touch.

Ingredients for Chicken Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta

Angel hair pasta: This is a thin, delicate pasta that cooks quickly and is perfect for light sauces.

Unsalted butter: Used to sauté the chicken and add richness to the sauce.

Olive oil: Adds flavor depth and helps to sauté the chicken.

Chicken cutlets: The main protein in this dish. Cutlets are thin and cook quickly.

Salt and ground black pepper: Used to season the chicken.

Garlic: Used to flavor the sauce.

Red pepper flakes: Adds a hint of heat to the dish.

Dry white wine: Used to deglaze the pan and build the sauce.

Lemon: Provides freshness and acidity to the sauce.

Parsley: Adds a fresh finish to the dish.

One reader, Anastassia Wheaton says:

This chicken scampi with angel hair pasta recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are incredible, and the dish is so easy to make. The combination of tender chicken, zesty lemon, and perfectly cooked pasta is simply divine. It's become a family favorite in our household. Highly recommend trying it out!

Anastassia Wheaton

Techniques Required for Chicken Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta

How to cook the pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.

How to cook the chicken: Season the chicken and cook in a skillet until golden brown and cooked through.

How to make the sauce: Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes, then add wine and lemon juice, simmer until reduced, and then add the cooked pasta, lemon zest, parsley, and reserved pasta water to the skillet and toss to combine.

How to finish the pasta: Toss the sliced chicken with the pasta and serve with lemon wedges.

How To Make Chicken Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta

Chicken scampi is a poultry-based alternative to this typically seafood pasta dish. It still has the creamy sauce of garlic, white wine, lemon, and butter.

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Total: 20 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

½lbangel hair pasta
2tbspunsalted butter
2tbspolive oil
½lbchicken cutlets,boneless, skinless
½tspsalt
¼tspground black pepper
4clovesgarlic,minced
⅛tspred pepper flakes,a pinch crushed
½cupdry white wine,(such as sauvignon blanc)
1zest and juice of lemon,(about 1 tbsp of zest 3 tbsp of juice), plus more lemon wedges for serving
¼cupparsley,chopped

Instructions

Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water, according to package instructions or until al dente. Scoop out about a cup of the pasta cooking water and set it aside. Drain the pasta.
Meanwhile, melt the butter with the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with the salt and a few grinds of fresh black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook about 2 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
Transfer the chicken to a cutting board to rest, leaving the fat in the pan.
Add the garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook until fragrant. Add the wine and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, and simmer for 3 to minutes, until reduced by about half.
Add the cooked pasta, lemon zest, parsley, and half a cup of the reserved pasta water to the skillet and toss to combine. If it seems too dry or like the sauce isn’t coating the pasta, stir in some more of the reserved pasta cooking water.
Cut the chicken into slices and toss with the pasta. Serve with extra lemon wedges for squeezing over the scampi.

Nutrition

Calories: 453.02kcal
Fat: 18.70g
Saturated Fat: 6.26g
Trans Fat: 0.29g
Monounsaturated Fat: 8.69g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.38g
Carbohydrates: 45.80g
Fiber: 2.45g
Sugar: 2.24g
Protein: 19.78g
Cholesterol: 51.55mg
Sodium: 335.14mg
Calcium: 37.76mg
Potassium: 329.06mg
Iron: 1.66mg
Vitamin A: 78.46µg
Vitamin C: 13.62mg

Technique Tip for Perfect Chicken Scampi Pasta

When cooking the chicken, ensure that it is thoroughly cooked by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it's safe to eat. Also, when adding the garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet, be careful not to burn them. Burnt garlic can give a bitter taste to the dish. It's best to cook them until they are just fragrant. Lastly, when adding the pasta to the sauce, ensure that the pasta is well coated. This can be achieved by adding the pasta water gradually until the desired consistency is reached. The starchy pasta water helps the sauce adhere to the pasta, giving a better flavor distribution.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Chicken Scampi Pasta

Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and marinate the chicken in advance to streamline the cooking process.

Multitask: While the pasta is cooking, start preparing the chicken and sauce to save time and ensure everything is ready at the same time.

Use kitchen tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like a garlic press, lemon zester, and pasta pot to expedite the cooking process and minimize prep time.

Organize ingredients: Arrange all the ingredients and utensils needed for the recipe before starting to cook to avoid last-minute searches and confusion.

Quick cleanup: Clean as you go to minimize the post-cooking cleanup, making the entire process more efficient and enjoyable.

Substitute Ingredients For Chicken Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta Recipe

angel hair pasta - Substitute with spaghetti squash: Spaghetti squash can be used as a low-carb alternative to angel hair pasta, providing a similar texture and mild flavor.
unsalted butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative to butter, adding a rich flavor to the dish.
chicken cutlets - Substitute with firm tofu: Firm tofu can be used as a vegetarian alternative to chicken, providing a similar texture and absorbing the flavors of the dish.
dry white wine - Substitute with chicken or vegetable broth: Broth can be used as a non-alcoholic substitute for white wine, adding depth of flavor to the dish.
zest and juice of lemon - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can be used to add acidity and brightness to the dish, similar to the zest and juice of lemon.
parsley - Substitute with fresh basil: Fresh basil can be used to add a fresh, aromatic element to the dish, similar to parsley.

Presentation Tips for Chicken Scampi Pasta

Elevate the plating: Arrange the angel hair pasta in a nest-like shape on the plate, creating a visually appealing base for the dish.
Garnish with microgreens: Sprinkle delicate microgreens over the chicken scampi to add a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce vibrant edible flowers to the plate for a touch of elegance and a subtle floral aroma.
Utilize citrus zest: Grate fresh lemon zest over the dish to infuse it with bright, citrusy notes and enhance the overall presentation.
Create height and dimension: Stack the sliced chicken cutlets on top of the pasta, adding dimension and visual interest to the plate.
Drizzle with infused oil: Finish the dish with a drizzle of infused oil to impart a rich, aromatic essence and a glossy sheen to the final presentation.
Emphasize symmetry: Arrange the components of the dish with precision, focusing on symmetry and balance to create an aesthetically pleasing arrangement.
Use contrasting colors: Incorporate vibrant ingredients such as cherry tomatoes or bell peppers to introduce a visually striking contrast to the dish.

Essential Tools for Making Chicken Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta

Cutting board: A flat, sturdy surface used for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients.
Chef's knife: A versatile, all-purpose knife used for chopping, slicing, and dicing a variety of ingredients.
Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan with sloping sides used for frying, searing, and sautéing ingredients.
Pasta pot: A large, deep pot with a strainer insert, specifically designed for cooking pasta.
Tongs: A kitchen utensil with two arms and a pivot near the handle, used for gripping and lifting items.
Grater: A kitchen tool with sharp-edged perforations used to shred or grate ingredients such as cheese or citrus zest.
Garlic press: A handheld kitchen tool used to crush and mince garlic cloves.
Lemon zester: A tool designed to remove the zest from citrus fruits, adding flavor to dishes.
Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used to accurately measure ingredients for recipes.
Spatula: A flat, flexible kitchen tool used for lifting, flipping, and spreading ingredients.
Lemon squeezer: A tool designed to extract juice from citrus fruits, such as lemons, efficiently.

Storing and Freezing Chicken Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta

To store leftover chicken scampi with angel hair pasta, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to help loosen the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
To freeze, portion the cooled chicken scampi into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Squeeze out any excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label and date the containers before placing them in the freezer.
Frozen chicken scampi with angel hair pasta can be stored for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, transfer the container to the refrigerator overnight or place it in a bowl of cold water for faster thawing.
When reheating frozen chicken scampi, it's best to thaw it first in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little chicken broth or water to help revive the sauce and prevent the pasta from becoming too dry.
Keep in mind that the texture of the angel hair pasta may change slightly after freezing and thawing, as it can become softer and less al dente. However, the flavors of the dish will still be delicious.

How To Reheat Chicken Scampi Leftovers

To reheat leftover chicken scampi with angel hair pasta, start by placing the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to prevent the pasta from drying out during the reheating process.
Microwave the chicken scampi on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until it reaches your desired temperature. Stir the pasta halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating and to redistribute the sauce.
Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken scampi on the stovetop. Place the desired portion in a non-stick skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth, water, or white wine to the pan to help loosen the sauce and prevent the pasta from sticking.
Stir the chicken scampi frequently while reheating on the stovetop, until it reaches your desired temperature. This method may take a bit longer than the microwave, but it allows you to adjust the consistency of the sauce and ensures a more even reheating.
If you find that the angel hair pasta has absorbed too much of the sauce during storage, you can add a small amount of butter, olive oil, or reserved pasta water to the dish while reheating to help revive the sauce and keep the pasta moist.
To add a fresh touch to your reheated chicken scampi, consider garnishing it with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to consume the reheated chicken scampi immediately for the best texture and flavor. Avoid reheating the dish multiple times, as this can lead to overcooked pasta and dry, tough chicken.

Interesting Fact About Chicken Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta

The dish Chicken Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta is a popular Italian-American dish that combines tender chicken with a flavorful garlic and lemon sauce, served over delicate angel hair pasta. This dish is a delicious and satisfying meal that can be easily prepared at home, making it a great option for a quick and impressive dinner. It's a versatile recipe that can be customized with additional ingredients such as vegetables or herbs to suit individual tastes. Enjoying this dish can be a delightful experience for anyone who appreciates the flavors of Italian cuisine.

Is This Chicken Scampi Recipe Budget-Friendly?

This chicken scampi with angel hair pasta recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The use of simple, readily available ingredients like pasta, chicken, garlic, lemon, and parsley makes it budget-friendly. The dish offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it a satisfying meal. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe a solid 8 for its affordability and delicious outcome. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20, depending on the quality of ingredients used.

Is Chicken Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta Healthy?

The chicken scampi with angel hair pasta recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes:

Lean protein from the chicken cutlets
Garlic, which has potential health benefits like boosting the immune system
Lemon juice and zest, providing vitamin C and bright, fresh flavor
Parsley, which is rich in vitamins and minerals

However, there are some less healthy components:

White pasta, which is a refined carbohydrate
Butter and olive oil, contributing saturated and unsaturated fats
White wine, adding alcohol and sugar to the dish
Potentially high sodium content, depending on the amount of salt used

To make this recipe healthier, consider these suggestions:

Swap the angel hair pasta for a whole grain or legume-based pasta to increase fiber and nutrient content
Reduce the amount of butter and oil used, or replace some of the butter with additional olive oil
Use a low-sodium chicken broth instead of white wine to lower the alcohol and sugar content
Increase the amount of vegetables in the dish, such as adding sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers
Be mindful of the salt content and use just enough to enhance the flavors without overdoing it
Serve the pasta with a side salad to boost the overall nutrient profile of the meal

Editor's Opinion on This Chicken Scampi Recipe

The chicken scampi with angel hair pasta recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The tender chicken, infused with garlic and lemon, pairs perfectly with the light and delicate angel hair pasta. The sauce, with its hint of red pepper flakes and white wine, adds a delightful depth of flavor. The dish is simple to prepare yet elegant, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The balance of citrus, herbs, and savory elements creates a harmonious and satisfying dish that is sure to impress.

Enhance Your Chicken Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted to perfection with a crispy garlic parmesan topping.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized Brussels sprouts drizzled with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze.

Honey Sriracha Roasted Carrots: Roasted carrots coated in a sticky honey sriracha glaze for a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors.

Similar Recipes to Chicken Scampi Pasta

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Grilled Vegetable Skewers: These colorful and delicious grilled vegetable skewers are the perfect addition to any BBQ or summer gathering. The combination of fresh vegetables and a flavorful marinade will have everyone coming back for seconds.

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Perfect Appetizers and Desserts for Chicken Scampi Pasta

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a flavorful mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. Bake until golden and bubbly for a delicious start to any meal.

Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil: Serve up a classic Italian appetizer by topping crispy slices of baguette with a fresh mixture of diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a burst of sweet and tangy flavor.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth and decadent texture will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Delight in a creamy and luscious strawberry cheesecake, adorned with fresh strawberry slices and a drizzle of strawberry sauce. The combination of tangy cream cheese and sweet strawberries creates a delightful dessert experience.

Why trust this Chicken Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, ensuring a satisfying meal. The chicken cutlets are cooked to perfection, while the addition of garlic and red pepper flakes infuses the dish with a delightful kick. The use of dry white wine and lemon juice adds a refreshing and tangy element, perfectly complementing the savory chicken. The incorporation of angel hair pasta provides a light and delicate base for the dish, absorbing the delicious sauce and enhancing every bite. With the guidance provided, users can trust that this recipe will deliver a memorable and enjoyable dining experience.

If you're a fan of this Chicken Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta Recipe, head over to the Recipe Sharing section to share your experience, tips, and any tweaks you've made to the dish.

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use a different type of pasta if you prefer. Linguine, fettuccine, or even spaghetti would work well with this chicken scampi recipe.

Can I substitute the white wine with something else?

If you prefer not to use white wine, you can substitute it with chicken or vegetable broth. The flavor profile will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.

How can I tell if the chicken is cooked through?

The best way to ensure the chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Alternatively, you can cut into the thickest part of the chicken to check for any pinkness or translucent areas.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Cook the pasta and store it separately from the chicken and sauce. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and sauce while cooking the pasta fresh.

Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with sliced mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian version of this dish. The cooking time may vary, but the flavors will still be delicious.