Introduction
Welcome to this delicious recipe for Easy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Sauce. If you’re looking for a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s also simple to prepare, you’ve come to the right place. This dish combines tender chicken with a rich garlic parmesan sauce, creating a mouthwatering combination that will delight your taste buds.
Chicken scampi is a popular Italian-American dish that typically features shrimp, but this version swaps out the seafood for juicy chicken pieces. The addition of garlic and parmesan cheese adds depth and creaminess to the sauce, making it the perfect accompaniment to the tender chicken.
Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just craving a comforting meal, this Easy Chicken Scampi recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. So, let’s gather our ingredients and get started on creating this delectable dish.
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a look at the key ingredients you’ll need to make Easy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Sauce.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
Chicken:
– Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– Salt and pepper
– Olive oil
Sauce:
– Butter
– Garlic cloves, minced
– Chicken broth
– Heavy cream
– Parmesan cheese, grated
– Lemon juice
– Fresh parsley, chopped
Pasta:
– Linguine or spaghetti
– Salt
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Steps
Follow these simple steps to create Easy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and simmer for a few minutes. Stir in the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and parsley. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Cook the linguine or spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving some of the cooking water.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss to coat, adding a little pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Variations
There are several ways to customize this recipe to suit your preferences:
Vegetables:
Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes to the dish for added color and nutrition.
Spice:
If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the finished dish or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Pasta:
Experiment with different types of pasta, such as fettuccine or penne, to change up the texture of the dish.
Tips
Here are some tips to help you make the most out of this Easy Chicken Scampi recipe:
Cooking Chicken:
Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Sauce Consistency:
If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of chicken broth or pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Fresh Ingredients:
For the best flavor, use freshly grated parmesan cheese and squeeze fresh lemon juice rather than using bottled varieties.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Easy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a delightful dish that brings together the classic flavors of chicken, garlic, and parmesan in a creamy and satisfying sauce. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
So next time you’re looking for a comforting and delicious meal to enjoy with your loved ones, give this Easy Chicken Scampi recipe a try. It’s sure to impress and become a regular in your recipe rotation.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Easy Chicken Scampi:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and cook the chicken and pasta when ready to serve for a quicker meal.
Easy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Sauce
A delightful dish that brings together the classic flavors of tender chicken, garlic, and parmesan in a creamy and satisfying sauce. Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt
- Pepper
- Olive oil
- 1/2 cup butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
- Additional salt for pasta
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
-
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
-
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and simmer for a few minutes. Stir in the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and parsley. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
-
Cook the linguine or spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving some of the cooking water.
-
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss to coat, adding a little pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
