If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’ve got to try this Creamy Chicken Scampi with Garlic and White Wine Recipe. It’s a beautiful blend of tender chicken, rich garlic buttery sauce, and the subtle tang of white wine, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe comes together quickly, turning simple pantry staples into a dish worthy of a special occasion or a comforting weeknight dinner that everyone will love. The creaminess paired with the bright freshness of parsley makes it irresistibly delicious every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Creamy Chicken Scampi with Garlic and White Wine Recipe plays a starring role, from the garlic that infuses the sauce with aroma, to the white wine that adds depth and a touch of acidity, perfectly balancing the richness of butter and chicken broth. These essentials come together in harmony, creating a dish that’s as simple as it is spectacular.
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced: Choose fresh, evenly sliced pieces for quick, even cooking and tender bites.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is key to unlocking that signature scampi flavor and aroma.
- 1/2 cup butter: Butter creates a luscious, silky base that coats every ingredient beautifully.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds savory depth without overpowering the delicate flavors.
- 1/2 cup white wine: This brightens the dish and adds a lovely acidity to balance the creaminess.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: A fresh herb that cuts through richness and gives a pop of color.
- Salt and pepper to taste: The simplest way to enhance every flavor in the dish.
- 1 lb linguine or spaghetti: Choose pasta that will hold up well when tossed in the sauce for perfect texture.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Scampi with Garlic and White Wine Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start with perfectly cooked linguine or spaghetti according to the package instructions. Al dente is ideal here—firm to the bite but tender—because it will continue to soak up the sauce’s flavors later. Once cooked, drain and set the pasta aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Melt the Butter and Sauté Garlic
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s fully melted and bubbling, add the minced garlic. Sauté just until fragrant—about one minute—making sure not to burn it because garlic flavor easily turns bitter if overcooked.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the sliced chicken breasts to the skillet with garlic and butter. Cook them evenly on both sides until browned and cooked through. The chicken should be juicy and tender, serving as the hearty protein foundation of this Creamy Chicken Scampi with Garlic and White Wine Recipe.
Step 4: Simmer with Chicken Broth and White Wine
Pour in the chicken broth and white wine, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This step allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, with the white wine adding brightness and a touch of acidity, while the broth keeps the sauce savory and full-bodied.
Step 5: Add Parsley and Season
Stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Season generously with salt and pepper—it’s amazing how these simple seasonings take the flavors from good to memorable, enhancing every other ingredient.
Step 6: Toss Pasta in the Sauce
Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet, tossing everything together so that every strand is luxuriously coated with the creamy garlic and white wine sauce. This step binds each element perfectly, allowing the pasta to soak up just enough sauce without becoming soggy.
Step 7: Serve Hot with Optional Garnishes
Serve your Creamy Chicken Scampi with Garlic and White Wine Recipe right away while it’s still warm and saucy. Add a sprinkle of extra fresh parsley if you like for that final touch of color and freshness—it’s all about those little details!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Scampi with Garlic and White Wine Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or even a light sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise. A tiny squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can also brighten all the rich, buttery notes.
Side Dishes
Serve this creamy chicken scampi alongside a crisp green salad dressed simply with olive oil and lemon, or perhaps some lightly steamed asparagus or green beans to add a fresh, crisp texture that contrasts the creamy sauce perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special dinner, plate the pasta on warmed dishes and drizzle any extra sauce over the top. You can also twirl small nests of the pasta on each plate with the chicken pieces nestled on the side, creating a beautiful presentation that feels restaurant-quality but is so simple.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Chicken Scampi with Garlic and White Wine Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it cools, but it’s still absolutely delicious when reheated gently.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Be sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the delicate flavors and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the scampi gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid the microwave if you can, as heating too quickly can make the chicken rubbery and the sauce separate.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Absolutely! While linguine or spaghetti works beautifully here, feel free to use fettuccine, penne, or even a gluten-free option to suit your preference.
What kind of white wine is best for this recipe?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or even a dry Chardonnay works great to complement the garlic and chicken without overpowering the flavors.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative to make this creamy chicken scampi more suitable for dairy-free diets without sacrificing flavor.
Is it okay to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Chicken thighs can definitely be used and will add a bit more richness and juiciness; just be sure to cook them thoroughly and adjust cooking time as needed.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms make wonderful additions to bulk up the dish and introduce more color and texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Creamy Chicken Scampi with Garlic and White Wine Recipe that makes it feel like a little celebration at your dinner table. It’s straightforward to prepare, packed with taste, and comforting in all the right ways. I hope you enjoy making it just as much as eating it—once you try it, it might just become your go-to recipe whenever you want something deliciously indulgent yet simple!
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Creamy Chicken Scampi with Garlic and White Wine Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Chicken Scampi is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken breast cooked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce with white wine and chicken broth, served over perfectly cooked linguine or spaghetti. This easy and elegant recipe delivers a rich yet fresh flavor, ideal for a family dinner or a special occasion.
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 the pasta: Cook the linguine or spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Heat the butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, ensuring it doesn’t brown to maintain a clean buttery flavor.
- Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned, releasing its rich aroma.
- Cook the chicken: Add the sliced chicken breast to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken pieces are browned on the outside and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and white wine, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly reduce for about 4-5 minutes.
- Season and add parsley: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and season the sauce with salt and pepper according to taste, enhancing the bright, fresh flavor.
- Toss with pasta: Add the cooked linguine or spaghetti directly to the skillet, tossing well to coat the pasta thoroughly with the flavorful sauce and chicken.
- Serve: Serve the chicken scampi hot, garnished with additional fresh parsley if desired for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute white wine with additional chicken broth or white grape juice.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; garlic powder won’t provide the same aroma.
- Fresh parsley adds color and brightness—do not omit it.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breast for a juicier result but will need slightly longer cooking time.
- Ensure not to overcook the pasta; al dente texture absorbs sauce better.
