If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you cannot miss trying the Creamy Chicken Scampi with Garlic, White Wine, and Parsley Recipe. This dish beautifully balances the richness of butter and creaminess with the brightness of white wine and fresh parsley, bringing a fresh yet indulgent flavor to every bite. Tender chicken breast slices become infused with garlicky, buttery goodness and meet perfectly cooked pasta, making this recipe a timeless classic that’s just as impressive for a weeknight dinner as it is for a special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect balance in this recipe comes down to a handful of simple but impactful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building up the flavor, texture, and vibrant color that make this dish so irresistible.
- Chicken breast, 1 lb: Sliced for quick and even cooking, chicken adds the hearty protein base that soaks up every bit of sauce.
- Garlic, 4 cloves minced: This delivers the unmistakable aromatic punch that defines scampi dishes.
- Butter, 1/2 cup: Creates that luxurious creamy texture and helps meld the flavors together.
- Chicken broth, 1/2 cup: Adds savory depth without overpowering the wine or garlic.
- White wine, 1/2 cup: Brings a subtle acidity and brightens the sauce, cutting through the richness.
- Fresh parsley, 1/4 cup chopped: Provides a refreshing herbaceous note along with beautiful green flecks.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the elements.
- Linguine or spaghetti, 1 lb: The perfect pasta shape for soaking up that creamy sauce with every forkful.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Scampi with Garlic, White Wine, and Parsley Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by cooking your linguine or spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Properly cooked pasta is key because it should have a bit of bite to hold up under the luscious sauce. Once done, drain it well and set it aside while you make the flavorful sauce.
Step 2: Melt the Butter and Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter slowly to avoid browning it too quickly. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until it becomes fragrant and golden but not burnt. This step unleashes the garlic’s full aroma, which forms the foundation of the sauce’s rich taste.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add your sliced chicken breast pieces to the skillet, making sure they’re spread out evenly. Let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes to develop a nice golden-brown sear, then flip to cook through. Browning the chicken not only locks in juices but also adds a beautiful depth of flavor.
Step 4: Add the Broth and White Wine
Pour in the chicken broth and white wine, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. This part is magical as the alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a subtle tang that perfectly complements the butter-rich base. Simmering allows the flavors to marry beautifully.
Step 5: Stir in Parsley and Season
Next, toss in the fresh chopped parsley for an instant burst of color and freshness. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. This little herbaceous pop makes the whole dish feel lighter and more vibrant, balancing the creamy sauce perfectly.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Finally, add the cooked pasta right into the skillet. Toss everything together gently to coat each strand of pasta with that irresistible creamy, garlicky sauce. This last step ensures the dish is melded together and ready to serve piping hot.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Scampi with Garlic, White Wine, and Parsley Recipe
Garnishes
For that picture-perfect finish, sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley on top. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of lemon can also brighten each mouthful, enhancing the flavors without overwhelming the dish.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted asparagus, or buttery garlic bread. These sides add contrasting textures and flavors that create a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try plating the dish in shallow bowls with a spiral of pasta nestled under tender chicken slices slathered in sauce. Or, serve it family-style on a large platter for a shared, convivial dining experience. Adding a sprinkle of parmesan or a few red pepper flakes can also bring some creative flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Creamy Chicken Scampi with Garlic, White Wine, and Parsley Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days, maintaining its delicious flavor and creamy texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes best without the pasta. Freeze the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to preserve the sauce’s creaminess.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from separating. Adding a splash of broth or cream can refresh the sauce and keep it silky smooth. Microwaving works too but proceed carefully to avoid drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While linguine or spaghetti works beautifully, you can swap in fettuccine, penne, or even gluten-free pasta depending on what you prefer or have on hand. The sauce clings nicely to various shapes.
What if I don’t have white wine?
If you prefer to skip the alcohol, you can substitute the white wine with extra chicken broth mixed with a splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice. This keeps the acidity and brightness without the alcohol content.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can make a dairy-free version by replacing butter with olive oil or a dairy-free margarine. While the texture becomes slightly different, the flavor remains deliciously rich and satisfying.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should turn from pink to opaque white and register an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Cooking sliced chicken evenly at medium heat ensures juicy, tender pieces.
Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Yes! Adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes works wonderfully and boosts both nutrition and flavor. Just add vegetables in step 3 or 4 depending on their cooking time.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly comforting and impressive about mastering the Creamy Chicken Scampi with Garlic, White Wine, and Parsley Recipe. It’s a dish that feels fancy yet comes together quickly, making it a perfect go-to for any night you want to wow yourself and your loved ones. Trust me, once you try this, it will become a cherished favorite in your recipe rotation! So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a fabulous dinner.
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Creamy Chicken Scampi with Garlic, White Wine, and Parsley Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Chicken Scampi is a delicious and flavorful dish featuring tender sliced chicken breast cooked in a garlic butter sauce with white wine and chicken broth, tossed with linguine or spaghetti, and garnished with fresh parsley. This easy-to-make recipe delivers a perfect balance of rich and savory flavors in just under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta
- 1 lb linguine or spaghetti
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the linguine or spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Melt Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, preparing the base for the flavorful sauce.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook Chicken: Add the sliced chicken breast to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on both sides and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and white wine, increasing the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to blend the flavors and slightly reduce the sauce.
- Season and Add Parsley: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley, and season with salt and pepper to your taste preference.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce and chicken, tossing well to coat evenly and absorb the savory flavors of the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the chicken scampi hot, optionally garnished with additional fresh parsley for a bright, herby finish.
Notes
- Use dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for the best flavor.
- Make sure to not overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- For a lighter dish, substitute half the butter with olive oil.
- Gluten-free pasta can be used as a substitute if needed.
- Fresh parsley adds brightness—don’t skip it!
