My Ultimate Chicken Scampi Pasta

My favorite Chicken Scampi Pasta brings together tender chicken with bright lemon and garlic flavors. This dish transforms ordinary weeknight cooking into something special.

The buttery sauce clings perfectly to each strand of pasta. You’ll love how the herbs and citrus brighten every single bite.

Why this Chicken Scampi Pasta works no matter the season

I make this recipe when guests are coming because it always impresses. The golden chicken pieces look restaurant-quality on your dinner table.

You get that perfect balance of richness from butter and freshness from lemon. Chicken Scampi Pasta works beautifully for casual family dinners or date nights.

The cooking process fills your kitchen with the most incredible garlic and herb scents. Everyone always asks for the recipe after their first taste.

Everything you need for the perfect Chicken Scampi Pasta

For the Pasta & Chicken

• 14 oz spaghetti or linguine – I like linguine for its thicker bite
• 1¾ lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces – Thighs stay juicier than breasts
• 1¾ tsp fine sea salt, divided
• ¾ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour – For dredging the chicken

For Cooking

• 3 Tbsp olive oil, divided
• 7 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided

For the Sauce

• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth – Adds depth without wine
• 5 garlic cloves, minced (about 1½ Tbsp)
• 1¼ tsp fresh lemon zest – From 1 large lemon
• ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice – From 2–3 lemons
• ½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

For Serving

• Fresh Parmesan cheese – Grated over the finished dish

I always buy chicken thighs when they’re on sale and freeze them. Fresh lemons give so much more brightness than the bottled stuff. Chicken Scampi Pasta deserves that extra touch.

My Method for Chicken Scampi Pasta

1. Prepare everything first (5 minutes): Chop parsley, mince garlic, and zest your lemon. Season chicken pieces with 1 tsp salt and pepper, then toss with flour until evenly coated.
2. Start the pasta (12 minutes): Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until just al dente. Reserve 3/4 cup pasta water before draining.
3. Cook the chicken (6 minutes): Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 1/2 Tbsp oil and 1 Tbsp butter. When butter stops foaming, add half the chicken in a single layer.
4. Get that golden color (4 minutes): Cook chicken without moving it for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook another 2 minutes until cooked through. Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining chicken.
5. Build the sauce base (3 minutes): Add remaining oil to the same pan. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up all those lovely browned bits with a wooden spoon.
6. Reduce and concentrate (5 minutes): Let the broth bubble and reduce by about half. This concentrates all those wonderful flavors you’ve built up.
7. Finish the sauce (2 minutes): Lower heat to medium-low. Whisk in remaining 6 Tbsp butter one piece at a time. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
8. Add brightness (1 minute): Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and remaining 3/4 tsp salt. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
9. Bring it together (2 minutes): Return chicken to pan and toss gently. Add drained pasta and half the parsley, tossing everything together with tongs.
10. Final touches: Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick. Sprinkle with remaining parsley and serve immediately with fresh Parmesan.

The whole process takes about 35 minutes from start to finish. I love hearing that satisfying sizzle when the chicken hits the hot pan.

My Easy methods for Chicken Scampi Pasta success

Don’t skip the flour coating on your chicken pieces. It helps create that golden crust and thickens the sauce slightly.

The Perfect Spaghetti with Tuna and White Beans taught me that pasta water is liquid gold. Save some before you drain – it helps everything come together beautifully.

I always taste the sauce before adding the chicken back. Chicken Scampi Pasta should have a nice balance between rich butter and bright lemon.

Can I make Chicken Scampi Pasta ahead of time?

The sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently and add fresh pasta for best results.

Print

What pasta shape works best for this recipe?

Spaghetti and linguine are my favorites because they hold the sauce well. Angel hair gets too delicate with all that tossing.

How do I store leftover Chicken Scampi Pasta?

Keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Add a splash of broth when reheating to loosen the sauce.

---

Can I freeze this dish?

I don’t recommend freezing because the butter sauce separates when thawed. Make it fresh for the best texture and flavor.

Ultimate Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Bake is another favorite that reheats beautifully, unlike this lighter sauce.

Follow me on Pinterest for more cozy family recipes that bring everyone to the table. I share all my tested favorites there.

Perfect moments for this Chicken Scampi Pasta

I serve this when we want something elegant but not too heavy. It’s perfect for spring evenings when you crave something bright and satisfying.

Chicken Scampi Pasta also works wonderfully for entertaining because most of the prep happens beforehand. Your guests will think you’re a kitchen magician.