Name: Easy Chicken Scampi with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces whole wheat angel hair pasta (or your favorite plain or gluten-free pasta); 24 ounces chicken breasts (from 3 boneless skinless breasts); 1 teaspoon kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper (to taste); Olive oil spray; 2 tablespoons butter (divided); 4 garlic cloves (thinly sliced); ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or more to taste); 3 tablespoons chopped parsley (plus more for garnish); ¾ cup dry white wine (or broth); 1 cup cherry tomatoes (or grape tomatoes, halved); 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; 2 cups baby spinach

If you’re craving a dinner that’s quick, tasty, and just downright satisfying, then let me introduce you to my Easy Chicken Scampi with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe. Trust me, this dish is one of those winners that comes together in under 30 minutes but feels like you’ve spent hours on it — perfect for busy weeknights or impressing friends without breaking a sweat!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: No fancy shopping required—just everyday staples that pack big flavor.
Ready in 30 Minutes: Perfect for nights when you want something fast but comforting.
Bright and Fresh Flavors: The cherry tomatoes and lemon juice bring a lovely fresh pop against the buttery garlic sauce.
Family-Friendly and Healthy: Loaded with protein and veggies, this meal keeps everyone happy and nourished.

This image shows a pan filled with cooked thin spaghetti mixed with white chicken pieces, bright red cherry tomatoes cut in halves, and fresh green spinach leaves scattered throughout. The pasta looks soft and tangled, and there are small sprinkles of grated cheese and finely chopped green herbs on top. The pan sits on a white marbled surface, and near the bottom right corner, there is a small white bowl filled with more grated cheese. The whole dish looks fresh and colorful. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Chicken Scampi with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach, chicken scampi recipe, quick chicken dinner, healthy chicken pasta, lemon garlic chicken

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Easy Chicken Scampi with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe lies in how these simple ingredients work together — juicy chicken, bright tomatoes, fresh spinach, and that garlicky white wine sauce you can’t get enough of. Here are the essentials and a few tips to get the best results!

Flat lay of fresh boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced into cubes with smooth pale pink flesh, vibrant red cherry tomatoes halved to reveal juicy interiors, bright green baby spinach leaves with crisp texture, thinly sliced garlic cloves showing creamy white layers, fresh parsley sprigs with deep green delicate leaves, a halved bright yellow lemon with shiny peel and juicy pulp, and small piles of crushed red pepper flakes with vivid red and orange tones, all arranged naturally with a splash of golden olive oil droplets glistening subtly, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Chicken Scampi with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach, chicken scampi recipe, quick chicken dinner, healthy chicken pasta, lemon garlic chicken

Whole wheat angel hair pasta: I love using Delallo for its texture, but feel free to swap in your favorite pasta, even gluten-free.
Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, cut into small cubes for quick, even cooking.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors perfectly.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of peppery kick.
Olive oil spray: Keeps the chicken from sticking without extra calories.
Butter: Splitting it up helps with layering flavors and creating that silky sauce.
Garlic cloves: Thinly sliced for that mellow yet punchy garlicky warmth.
Dry white wine (or broth): Wine gives that classic scampi tang, but broth works well if you prefer no alcohol.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a pinch adds a subtle heat; adjust to your taste!
Cherry tomatoes: Halved and they soften beautifully, bursting with sweetness.
Fresh lemon juice: Brightens up the whole dish in the best way.
Baby spinach: Wilts down and adds a nutrient-packed pop of green.
Chopped parsley: For that fresh herbal finish and garnish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to keep things flexible with this recipe so you can adapt it to your taste or what’s in your pantry. It’s honestly a bit of a kitchen canvas, so here are a few tweaks I often make, and you might find your favorites too.

Use shrimp instead of chicken: When I first tried shrimp, it cooked way faster and gave the dish a deliciously different vibe.
Swap white wine for vegetable or chicken broth: Great if you want to skip alcohol or make it kid-friendly.
Add mushrooms or zucchini: I toss in sliced veggies when I want extra texture and to bulk up the meal.
Make it spicy: Crank up the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for a fiery kick.

How to Make Easy Chicken Scampi with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Sear the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breasts into small half-inch cubes — this ensures they cook quickly and evenly. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat a large skillet over high heat until nice and hot, then spray with olive oil. Add half of your chicken, and cook without moving it for about 2 minutes until browned on all sides and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining chicken. This searing step locks in juices and builds flavor, so don’t rush it.

Step 2: Build the Scampi Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and add half a tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Once melted, toss in the thinly sliced garlic and sauté just until fragrant—about a minute—being careful not to burn it. Pour in the dry white wine (or broth), sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes, and season with a pinch of salt. Scrape the bottom of the pan to lift all those caramelized bits—that’s flavor gold! Let it simmer until the liquid halves, roughly 2 minutes. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another minute to soften.

Step 3: Finish the Sauce and Toss Everything Together

Stir in the remaining 1 ½ tablespoons of butter and melt it down. Then add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and remove the pan from heat to keep everything bright and fresh. Meanwhile, cook your pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions for al dente, reserving half a cup of the pasta water before draining. Back in the skillet, combine the cooked chicken, spinach, and pasta. Toss everything together with the sauce, adding a splash of that reserved pasta water if you want a bit more sauciness. Finish with chopped parsley and get ready to serve.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Chicken Scampi with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe

Cut Chicken Uniformly: I learned early on that evenly sized chicken pieces cook more consistently and stay juicy.
Don’t Skip Reserving Pasta Water: That starchy liquid is the secret to a silky sauce that clings to your pasta instead of being watery.
Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly sliced garlic adds a fragrant depth you just can’t get from powders or pre-minced versions.
Avoid Overcooking Chicken: Pull it off the heat as soon as it’s no longer pink inside to keep it tender and juicy.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Scampi with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe

A light plate of spaghetti pasta forms the base with thin, yellowish strands twisted into small nests. Scattered on top are bright red halved cherry tomatoes and chunks of white cooked chicken. Dark green spinach leaves add color contrast, mixed evenly throughout the spaghetti. A sprinkle of grated cheese and bits of chopped green herbs cover the dish lightly. A silver fork rests on the left side, slightly buried in the pasta, with its handle stretching outwards. A lemon wedge sits on the right edge of the white plate, which is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Chicken Scampi with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach, chicken scampi recipe, quick chicken dinner, healthy chicken pasta, lemon garlic chicken

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley—it adds color and a little herbaceous brightness. A generous grating of Parmesan cheese on top brings that salty, nutty richness that makes the dish irresistible. Sometimes, I add a lemon wedge on the side for anyone wanting an extra zesty squeeze.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are light and fresh: a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus. Garlic bread also pairs beautifully here, especially if you’re in the mood for some carb indulgence beyond the pasta. The bright elements cut through the richness of the scampi sauce perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve plated this in large, shallow bowls with extra parsley and edible flowers on top for a fancy touch. Serving it family-style on a big platter with lemon halves and fresh herbs creates a festive vibe that always wins compliments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and find they stay tasty for up to 3 days. The spinach wilts more after reheating, but it still blends well with the sauce and pasta.

Freezing

This is one recipe I usually avoid freezing because the texture of spinach and pasta can get a bit mushy. If you must freeze, I recommend freezing the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta and spinach, then combining fresh when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too, but watch the chicken closely so it doesn’t dry out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use thawed frozen chicken breasts, but make sure they are fully defrosted before cutting and cooking. This helps ensure the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy.
What can I substitute for white wine?

If you prefer not to use wine, chicken or vegetable broth works perfectly in this recipe and still creates a lovely sauce with great flavor.
Is whole wheat pasta necessary?

Nope! You can use any pasta you like—regular, gluten-free, or whole wheat—based on your preferences and dietary needs.
How do I make this recipe spicier?

Simply increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce when making the sauce. Adjust to taste so it doesn’t overpower the dish.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative and skip the cheese garnish or use a dairy-free cheese substitute.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Easy Chicken Scampi with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites for those busy nights when I want dinner to feel special but still come together quickly. It’s bright, comforting, and hits just the right notes of garlic, lemon, and buttery goodness. If you give it a try, I’d bet you’ll have your family asking for it again and again — just like mine does. So go ahead, treat yourself to a delicious dinner that’s not just easy but genuinely tasty and satisfying. You’ve got this!