hicken Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta is a restaurant-quality Italian-American dish that combines tender, pan-seared chicken with a buttery, garlicky, lemon-wine sauce served over delicate angel hair pasta. The sauce is rich yet light, perfectly coating each strand with its silky texture and zesty flavor.

This dish is a luxurious comfort meal that’s easy to make at home in under an hour. The balance of garlic, lemon, butter, and white wine creates a harmony that’s both indulgent and refreshing — making it a perfect choice for family dinners, date nights, or special occasions.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it feels fancy but is incredibly easy to make. The golden-brown chicken, cooked in olive oil and butter, adds a satisfying depth to the delicate scampi sauce.

The angel hair pasta absorbs every drop of that garlicky, lemony goodness — it’s pure magic! Plus, it’s versatile: you can adjust the flavors to your liking, make it creamy, or even add vegetables or shrimp. The aroma of garlic and lemon sizzling in butter fills the kitchen with an irresistible, cozy warmth that feels like home.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This Chicken Scampi is a must-try because it’s a show-stopping meal that’s ready in less than an hour yet tastes like something from a fine Italian restaurant. The combination of tender chicken, light pasta, and a tangy sauce makes it a universally loved dish.

It’s also customizable — perfect for weeknights or romantic dinners alike. The balance of flavors — buttery, garlicky, and citrusy — will make this one of your go-to pasta recipes for any occasion.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~520 kcal per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian / Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 ½ lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into thin cutlets or strips)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter

For the Scampi Sauce

• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 5–6 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth as a substitute)
• Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tbsp)
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for mild heat)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup chopped parsley
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for garnish)

For the Pasta

• 8 oz (225g) angel hair pasta
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for tossing)
• Salt (for pasta water)

Cooking Directions (Overview)

1. Season and lightly flour the chicken, then pan-sear until golden.
2. Prepare the garlic-lemon-wine scampi sauce in the same pan.
3. Cook the angel hair pasta until al dente.
4. Combine pasta, chicken, and sauce. Toss well and serve hot with fresh parsley and Parmesan.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken

• Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
• Lightly dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
• In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp butter over medium-high heat.
• Add chicken pieces and cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside on a plate.

Step 2: Make the Scampi Sauce

• In the same skillet, melt 3 tbsp butter and add 3 tbsp olive oil.
• Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds–1 minute until fragrant (do not brown).
• Deglaze the pan with white wine (or broth), scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
• Add lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth.
• Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly reduced.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook angel hair pasta according to package directions (usually 3–4 minutes).
• Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Combine Everything

• Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce.
• Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet.
• Toss everything together, letting the sauce coat the pasta evenly.
• Sprinkle with chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Final Touches

Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon to preference. For extra richness, stir in 1 tbsp butter just before serving.

How to Serve

Serve Chicken Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta hot, garnished with chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, and an extra squeeze of lemon. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. For drinks, a glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the citrus and garlic notes perfectly.

Recipe Tips

• Thinly slice the chicken for faster cooking and even flavor distribution.
• Don’t overcook the garlic — it should be fragrant, not browned or bitter.
• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
• If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of pasta water or broth.
• For creamier sauce, stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone at the end.

Variations

• Shrimp Scampi: Replace chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist.
• Creamy Chicken Scampi: Add ½ cup heavy cream to the sauce for a richer version.
• Vegetable Scampi: Add sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms.
• Spicy Scampi: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne.
• Herb Butter Twist: Use basil butter or garlic herb butter for extra flavor.
• Whole Wheat Pasta: Substitute with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a lighter option.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not ideal (angel hair pasta can get mushy), but you can freeze the chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Tongs or pasta fork
• Mixing bowls
• Lemon zester and juicer

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this without wine?
Yes! Substitute the wine with equal parts chicken broth and add a teaspoon of white wine vinegar or lemon juice for acidity.

Q2: What’s the best pasta substitute for angel hair?
Thin spaghetti or linguine works beautifully if you don’t have angel hair.

Q3: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, but add it at the end to heat through without overcooking.

Q4: How can I make this dairy-free?
Use olive oil instead of butter and skip the Parmesan cheese.

Q5: What vegetables pair well with this dish?
Broccoli, asparagus, or roasted bell peppers add great color and flavor.

Conclusion

Chicken Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta is the perfect marriage of elegance and simplicity — tender chicken, a silky garlic-lemon sauce, and delicate pasta that soaks up every bit of flavor. This dish shines whether you’re cooking for guests or treating yourself to a special dinner at home. Its bright, buttery flavors and beautiful presentation make it an instant favorite. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll see why this timeless Italian classic deserves a spot in your regular dinner rotation — comforting, satisfying, and absolutely delicious.