If you’re craving something bright, buttery, and incredibly flavorful for dinner tonight, look no further than this Easy Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe. It brings together juicy, seasoned chicken, tender pasta, and a lemon-garlic butter sauce that’s hard to beat. Best of all? It’s ready in under 30 minutes and made with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.

This dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal but elegant enough to serve when you want to impress without stress. I first started making a version of this recipe when I wanted a lighter, chicken-based take on the traditional shrimp scampi. It turned out to be a hit—bright, comforting, and just rich enough without being too heavy.

The fresh lemon juice and zest lift the buttery garlic sauce, while red pepper flakes give it just a touch of heat (totally optional, but highly recommended). Finish it off with chopped parsley and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality dinner that comes together in one skillet.

Let’s dive into the ingredients and get started with the first few steps.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225g) linguine or spaghetti
• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips or bite-size pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Juice of 1 large lemon
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

STEP 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking your pasta according to the package directions. Linguine or spaghetti both work great here—use whatever you have on hand or prefer. Be sure to salt the water well for flavor. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it and set it aside, but don’t forget to reserve about 1/2 cup of that starchy pasta water. You’ll use it to help bring the sauce together later.

STEP 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and let it warm up. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until golden and fully cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes depending on the size of your pieces. You want the chicken to get a nice bit of color without drying out.

Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a plate and set aside. Don’t wipe out the skillet—you’ll be building your sauce in those flavorful pan juices.

STEP 3: Sauté the Garlic in Butter

Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once it’s melted, stir in the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Let it cook for about a minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown—this part is all about infusing the butter with that rich, garlicky flavor.

Easy Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe You’ll Love

With the chicken cooked and the garlic butter sizzling in your skillet, it’s time to build the flavor-packed sauce that ties this entire dish together. This next part is quick and simple but makes all the difference. The key here is balance: rich butter, fresh lemon, and that little bit of pasta water that gives the sauce its silky texture.

Let’s jump back into the steps and bring this delicious pasta together.

STEP 4: Add Lemon Juice, Zest, and Pasta Water

Once the garlic is fragrant (about 1 minute of cooking), pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and sprinkle in the lemon zest. These two ingredients brighten up the dish and cut through the richness of the butter. If you’re using fresh lemon, zest it before juicing to make things easier.

Now add a splash of the reserved pasta water—start with about 1/4 cup. This starchy liquid helps emulsify the sauce and cling to the pasta when it’s all mixed together. You can always add more later if the pasta looks dry.

Stir the sauce gently for another 1–2 minutes, letting all the flavors combine.

STEP 5: Return the Chicken and Add the Pasta

Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir to coat it in the lemon garlic butter sauce. Then, add your cooked pasta and gently toss everything together until it’s all evenly coated. If the mixture seems a little tight or sticky, add a bit more of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you get that perfect glossy finish.

The chicken should be tender and coated in sauce, and the pasta should have absorbed all that flavor.

STEP 6: Finish with Fresh Herbs and Cheese

Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley. This last touch adds freshness and color to the dish. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—maybe a pinch more salt, pepper, or an extra squeeze of lemon.

Serve immediately with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese over the top. If you’re feeling fancy, a light drizzle of olive oil and a few extra flakes of red pepper can add a little more flair.

Tips and Variations

This Chicken Scampi Pasta is super versatile, so here are a few ways you can change it up:

• Add veggies: Toss in sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or steamed broccoli to make it even more hearty.
• Use shrimp: Swap out the chicken for shrimp to make a more traditional scampi.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese for a richer version.
• Go gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta without changing the rest of the recipe.

Easy Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe You’ll Love

By now, your skillet is filled with tender pasta, juicy chicken, and a light, buttery lemon-garlic sauce that smells downright irresistible. This dish is a wonderful example of how a few pantry staples can turn into a weeknight dinner that feels anything but ordinary.

Before we wrap things up, let’s cover a few frequently asked questions that come up when making chicken scampi pasta. Whether you’re cooking it for the first time or looking for ways to adjust it to your preferences, these tips will help ensure it turns out just right every time.

1. Can I use another type of pasta?
Absolutely. Linguine or spaghetti work beautifully, but you can also use fettuccine, angel hair, or even short pasta like penne if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to cook it al dente and reserve some of the pasta water for the sauce.

2. What’s the best way to get juicy chicken?
The key is not to overcook it. Sauté the chicken just until golden and cooked through, then remove it from the skillet before making the sauce. This keeps it from drying out while you finish the other steps.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep the ingredients in advance. Cook the pasta, chop the chicken, and mince the garlic ahead of time. Reheat gently and toss everything together just before serving to avoid drying out the chicken or overcooking the pasta.

4. Is the red pepper flakes addition spicy?
Just a pinch adds a subtle heat that enhances the garlic and lemon. It’s completely optional, so feel free to leave it out or adjust the amount to suit your taste.

5. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. You can substitute the butter with additional olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. Just note that the flavor will be slightly different, and you’ll want to skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based version.

6. What should I serve with chicken scampi pasta?
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini. A light white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio also complements the lemony sauce nicely.

Final Thoughts: A Bright, Flavorful Dinner That’s Always a Hit

This Easy Chicken Scampi Pasta is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be heavy—or complicated. It’s fresh, fast, and full of flavor from the garlic, lemon, and buttery sauce that coats every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining guests, or just treating yourself, this dish is an instant favorite.

The best part? It all comes together in about 30 minutes with one skillet and a pot of pasta. That means less time cooking, more time enjoying, and minimal cleanup afterward.

Try it out, and don’t be afraid to make it your own. Add your favorite vegetables, experiment with herbs, or toss in a handful of cherry tomatoes for a pop of color. However you serve it, one thing’s for sure—this chicken scampi pasta will earn a permanent place in your recipe rotation.

Let me know how it turns out, and if you make any tasty twists—I’d love to hear how you made it yours.

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