Looking to impress the family or spice up weeknight dinners? This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe will instantly become your new go-to. It’s bright, buttery, and bursting with big flavors thanks to fresh garlic, zesty lemon, and a generous handful of Parmesan cheese. The juicy chicken and twirl-worthy linguine come together in a quick pan sauce that’s restaurant-worthy, yet surprisingly easy to pull off at home. Trust me, this is one of those dishes you’ll crave again and again, whether for a cozy night in or your next dinner party.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe is how a handful of simple, vibrant ingredients join forces to create layers of irresistible flavor and texture. Each component has a starring role, so gather the freshest you can and let the recipe work its gourmet magic!

Chicken breasts: Sliced thin, they cook up juicy and soak up all that garlicky, buttery sauce.
Linguine or spaghetti: These pasta favorites are perfect for catching every drop of sumptuous scampi sauce.
Olive oil: Gives richness to the seared chicken while starting the foundation for the sauce.
Unsalted butter: Adds silkiness and classic Italian flavor; dividing it ensures you get buttery notes throughout every step.
Garlic: The heart of the recipe — fresh, minced garlic infuses a warm, aromatic punch you can smell from a mile away.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Just a hint wakes up your palate and brings gentle, lingering heat.
Dry white wine or chicken broth: Deglazes the pan, lifting savory flavors and creating irresistible depth for the sauce.
Parmesan cheese: The secret to a nutty, creamy finish — always use fresh grated for best results!
Lemon juice: Adds a bright, zingy freshness that balances out the richness beautifully.
Chopped fresh parsley: Sprinkled over the top, parsley adds color and a pop of garden-fresh flavor.
Salt and black pepper: The simplest seasonings, but vital for bringing every flavor to its best.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by bringing a big pot of water to a boil, generously salting it for flavor. Add your linguine or spaghetti and cook until al dente according to the package directions. Once perfectly tender with a slight bite, drain and set aside, ready for its scampi sauce bath.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

While the pasta boils, heat olive oil and half of your butter (that’s 2 tablespoons) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips on both sides with salt and pepper, then add them to the sizzling pan. Sauté for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden-brown and fully cooked. Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm.

Step 3: Build the Scampi Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and add the remaining butter, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic becomes wonderfully fragrant but not browned. This is where the kitchen starts to smell like pure heaven.

Step 4: Deglaze and Add Flavor

Pour in the dry white wine (or chicken broth if you prefer) and use a wooden spoon to scrape any delicious browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, reducing slightly so the flavors concentrate and the sauce turns glossy.

Step 5: Finish and Toss Everything Together

Stir in the fresh lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese, making sure the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce. Return the sautéed chicken and all its juices to the skillet, followed by the drained pasta. Toss repeatedly, ensuring every strand of noodles is cloaked in the garlicky, cheesy sauce. Sprinkle over the chopped parsley for a vibrant finish, and serve hot!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley isn’t just for looks; it lifts the whole dish with its crisp flavor. Consider a final dusting of extra grated Parmesan or a quick grind of cracked black pepper for even more finish and sparkle on your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe.

Side Dishes

This dish loves company on the plate. Try serving alongside garlicky breadsticks for sauce-mopping or a simple green Italian salad for freshness. Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccolini, or cherry tomatoes also add color and nutrition.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party upgrade, twirl mounds of pasta with tongs and nestle the chicken slices artfully on top. If you’re cooking for a crowd, set out a build-your-own pasta bar with various garnishes. Mini portions served in ramekins make perfect appetizers, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe will keep happily in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to let everything cool fully before storing to maintain the best texture and freshness.

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish, keep in mind that the sauce may lose some creaminess after thawing, and the pasta might soften slightly. If freezing, store portions in sealed containers and try to eat within a month for the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water, broth, or even a spoonful of cream to help loosen and refresh the sauce. If using a microwave, cover and heat in short bursts, stirring frequently to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use shrimp instead of chicken in this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe?

Absolutely! Shrimp is actually a classic choice for scampi, and you can simply swap it for chicken, adjusting the cooking time since shrimp cooks much faster. It’s an easy way to add a seafood twist!

What’s the best pasta shape to use?

Linguine and spaghetti are both fantastic because they hold the sauce beautifully, but don’t hesitate to experiment with fettuccine, angel hair, or even gluten-free pasta if needed.

Is it possible to make this dish creamy?

Yes, for extra richness, stir a splash of heavy cream into the sauce just before tossing with the pasta. It makes the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe even more luxurious and crowd-pleasing.

Can I make this recipe without wine?

Definitely. You can substitute the wine for chicken broth, which still gives a great savory depth without any alcohol. It’s totally family-friendly and every bit as tasty.

How spicy is the finished dish?

The heat is gentle and adjustable. Red pepper flakes add just a whisper of spice, so feel free to increase, decrease, or omit them to suit your taste or your guests’ preferences.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making scampi at home, this is the recipe that’ll turn you into a true fan. The Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe is fast, vibrant, and absolutely loaded with flavor — just the sort of dish you’ll want to return to any night of the week. Give it a go, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen, too!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 25 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delicious and easy-to-make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi recipe that combines tender chicken strips with savory pasta in a flavorful garlic Parmesan sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into thin strips)

Pasta:

8 ounces linguine or spaghetti

Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
6 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet, then sauté the seasoned chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add remaining butter, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant, then add wine or broth. Simmer and scrape up browned bits. Stir in lemon juice and Parmesan.
Combine: Return chicken to the pan, add cooked pasta, and toss until coated. Sprinkle with parsley before serving.