Description

Indulge in a restaurant-quality meal at home with this rich and flavorful Italian Scampi Chicken Pasta. Featuring tender, juicy chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and a luscious white wine and Parmesan sauce, this dish is the ultimate comfort food. The balance of creamy textures and fresh ingredients brings a delightful twist to traditional scampi. Whether you're preparing a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this easy-to-follow recipe will leave everyone craving more!

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced (red, yellow, or green)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup white wine (preferably dry)
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 8 oz angel hair pasta (or spaghetti for a heartier option)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra Parmesan for garnish

Preparation Method

Cook the Pasta:Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Prepare the Chicken:Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables:In the same skillet, add the garlic, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Deglaze with Wine:Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.

Create the Sauce:Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Add fresh lemon juice for a bright, zesty touch.

Combine Everything:Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, followed by the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Serve and Garnish:Plate the pasta and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Conclusion

For an extra burst of flavor, substitute shrimp for the chicken to make a classic shrimp scampi variation. If you prefer a richer sauce, add an extra tablespoon of butter at the end before serving.

This Italian Scampi Chicken Pasta is a perfect blend of creamy, zesty, and savory flavors that will transport you to an authentic Italian dining experience. Whether served with a crisp green salad or a side of garlic bread, this dish is sure to impress. Try it today and bring a touch of Italy to your kitchen!