Creamy Chicken Scampi with Pasta and Vegetables Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Scampi is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy garlic sauce and whole-wheat angel hair pasta. This recipe balances fresh vegetables, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of white wine for a delicious dinner that’s easy to prepare any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces whole-wheat angel hair pasta
• 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenderloins
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Kosher salt (to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium red onion (sliced)
• 2 small bell peppers (sliced, any color)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/3 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
2. Step 2: Pat the chicken tenderloins dry. In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour until evenly coated.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and cover to keep warm.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the sliced onion and bell peppers, sautéing for about 2 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
5. Step 5: Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until the wine reduces slightly.
6. Step 6: Stir in the heavy cream and a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
7. Step 7: Add the grated Parmesan cheese and red chili flakes, if using. Toss in the cooked pasta and return the chicken to the skillet.
8. Step 8: Mix everything well to coat the pasta and chicken with the sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in garlic and lemon juice before dredging it in flour.
• Swap whole-wheat angel hair pasta for gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.
• Use chicken breasts cut into strips if tenderloins are unavailable.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or extra chili flakes for a tangy or spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving for best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

What can I substitute for dry white wine in the sauce?

If you prefer to skip the wine, use chicken broth or a mixture of lemon juice and chicken broth to maintain the dish’s depth of flavor.

Creamy Chicken Scampi with Pasta and Vegetables Recipe

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5 from 132 reviews

This Chicken Scampi recipe combines tender chicken tenderloins with whole-wheat angel hair pasta in a creamy garlic and white wine sauce. Sautéed onions, bell peppers, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese add vibrant flavor and texture. Finished with a touch of red chili flakes for optional heat and fresh parsley for garnish, this dish is a perfect balance of comforting and elegant flavors ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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Pasta

• 8 ounces whole-wheat angel hair pasta

Chicken

• 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenderloins
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Kosher salt (to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Vegetables and Sauce

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium red onion, sliced
• 2 small bell peppers, sliced (any color)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole-wheat angel hair pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta.
2. Dredge chicken: Pat the chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels. In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Dredge the chicken pieces in the seasoned flour until fully coated.
3. Sear chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the coated chicken tenderloins into the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and cover to keep warm.
4. Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter. Add the sliced red onion and bell peppers and sauté for approximately 2 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Simmer sauce: Pour the dry white wine into the skillet to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let the wine simmer for 3-4 minutes until it reduces slightly. Stir in the heavy cream and add some of the reserved pasta water to achieve desired sauce consistency.
6. Combine ingredients: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and red chili flakes if using. Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, then return the chicken tenderloins to the pan. Mix everything well to combine and evenly coat with the sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

• Use dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for best flavor in the sauce.
• Reserve pasta water is important to help adjust the sauce consistency without thinning the flavor.
• Chicken tenderloins cook quickly, so avoid overcooking to keep them juicy.
• Optional red chili flakes add a nice subtle heat; adjust according to your heat tolerance.
• Whole-wheat pasta adds fiber and a healthier twist to the traditional recipe.

Keywords: Chicken Scampi, Whole Wheat Pasta, Creamy Garlic Sauce, Italian Chicken Recipe, Easy Dinner, Healthy Pasta