Description
This Chicken Scampi recipe features tender cubes of chicken breast tossed with whole wheat angel hair pasta in a vibrant sauce of garlic, white wine, lemon juice, cherry tomatoes, and baby spinach. Perfect for a light, high-protein, family-friendly weeknight dinner, it comes together quickly in under 30 minutes with fresh herbs and a touch of butter for a flavorful Italian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Pasta
- 8 ounces whole wheat angel hair pasta (or your favorite plain or gluten-free pasta)
- 24 ounces chicken breasts (from 3 boneless skinless breasts)
Seasonings and Aromatics
- 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)
Liquids and Vegetables
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare Pasta and Chicken: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. Meanwhile, cut chicken breasts into small ½ inch cubes. Season them on both sides with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper to taste.
- Cook Chicken: Heat a very large skillet over high heat. When hot, spray the skillet with olive oil and add half the chicken. Cook until browned on all sides and no longer pink inside, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining chicken. Set aside and reduce heat to medium-low.
- Sauté Garlic and Create Sauce Base: Add ½ tablespoon of butter to the skillet and melt. Add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant, approximately 1 minute. Pour in the white wine or broth, add crushed red pepper flakes and the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt. Scrape the bottom of the pan while cooking until liquid is reduced by half, about 2 minutes. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 1 minute to soften.
- Finish Sauce: Stir in the remaining 1 ½ tablespoons of butter and let it melt. Add freshly squeezed lemon juice and then remove the skillet from the heat.
- Cook Pasta and Combine: Add pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Toss the drained pasta with the cooked chicken in the skillet. Add baby spinach and cook for 1 minute, gently tossing with the sauce. Add some reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish the dish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve with plenty of grated Parmesan cheese if desired for added flavor.
Notes
- This Chicken Scampi is a light, family-friendly weeknight dinner that’s high in protein and ready in under 30 minutes.
- Using whole wheat pasta boosts fiber content and adds a nutty flavor.
- White wine adds depth to the sauce but can be substituted with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Adding freshly grated Parmesan cheese enhances the richness and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 482.5 kcal
- Sugar: 1.5 g
- Sodium: 373.5 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42.5 g
- Fiber: 7.5 g
- Protein: 47 g
- Cholesterol: 139.4 mg
