Print

Creamy Chicken Scampi with Pasta and Vegetables Recipe

★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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