If you’re craving something that tastes like it belongs in a cozy Italian trattoria, you’ve got to try this Chicken Scampi with Garlic, White Wine, and Fresh Parsley Recipe. It perfectly balances tender chicken, vibrant fresh parsley, and the zesty brightness of white wine combined with a luscious garlic butter sauce. This dish turns simple ingredients into an elegant meal that’s bursting with flavor and sure to impress both family and friends without any complicated steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chicken Scampi with Garlic, White Wine, and Fresh Parsley Recipe lies in how straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen the ingredients are. Each item plays a key role in building depth, color, and texture—from the juicy chicken breasts to the aromatic garlic and fresh parsley zinging through. Here’s what you need to gather for this delicious journey:
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced: Choose fresh, tender chicken for the juiciest outcome, sliced thin to cook quickly and evenly.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds that unmistakable aromatic kick essential for scampi dishes.
- 1/2 cup butter: Butter melts into a rich, silky base that coats every bite with indulgence.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: This brings savory depth without overpowering the sauce.
- 1/2 cup white wine: White wine introduces a touch of acidity and complexity, lifting the flavors beautifully.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Fresh parsley adds vibrant color and a refreshing herbaceous note that brightens the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning is key to balancing the flavors just right.
- 1 lb linguine or spaghetti: Pasta is the perfect canvas to soak up all the garlicky, buttery goodness.
How to Make Chicken Scampi with Garlic, White Wine, and Fresh Parsley Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling your linguine or spaghetti in salted water according to the package instructions. Once perfectly al dente, drain the pasta and set it aside. This simple step ensures your pasta will hold just the right bite and be ready to soak up all the luscious sauce you’re about to create.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
In a large skillet, gently melt the butter over medium heat. The butter serves as the rich and silky foundation of your sauce, so take your time to melt it slowly to avoid any burning.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Next, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it just until fragrant—about one minute. The smell will be intoxicating and instantly transport you to a kitchen filled with warmth and promise.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Add the sliced chicken breast right into the garlicky butter and cook it until each piece is browned on the outside and cooked through. This step seals in juicy flavor and creates those delicious caramelized edges that make this dish so appealing.
Step 5: Add Chicken Broth and White Wine
Pour in the chicken broth and white wine, then bring everything to a simmer. This combination melds the flavors, creating a delicate yet vibrant sauce that ties all ingredients together in perfect harmony.
Step 6: Stir in Fresh Parsley and Season
Now for the fresh parsley — stir it in along with a pinch of salt and pepper to season. The parsley adds a lovely burst of green color and freshness that balances the richness of the butter and the acidity of the wine.
Step 7: Combine with Pasta
Finally, add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet. Toss everything together so the noodles are fully coated with that garlicky, buttery sauce. This step ensures every bite is infused with flavor.
Step 8: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Serve your Chicken Scampi with Garlic, White Wine, and Fresh Parsley Recipe immediately, garnished with extra parsley if you like. This dish shines best when it’s fresh and steaming, ready to delight your palate!
How to Serve Chicken Scampi with Garlic, White Wine, and Fresh Parsley Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few lemon wedges on the side can elevate your presentation and add bursts of bright freshness. A light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese also complements the garlic and wine flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, serve this chicken scampi with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or some garlic bread to soak up every last drop of sauce. The balance between the rich dish and fresh, crunchy sides is simply irresistible.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this dish in individual skillet dishes or even spooning the scampi over creamy polenta for a comforting variation. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over the top just before serving also adds a lovely sheen and a hint of fruity richness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Chicken Scampi with Garlic, White Wine, and Fresh Parsley Recipe, be sure to store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This will keep the flavors fresh and the chicken tender for up to three days.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, though the texture of the pasta may change slightly. For best results, freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta and combine them fresh when reheating.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to revive the sauce’s silky texture. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use white wine substitutes in this recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with extra chicken broth and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to keep that lovely acidity and brightness.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, just swap the linguine or spaghetti with your favorite gluten-free pasta, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free Chicken Scampi with Garlic, White Wine, and Fresh Parsley Recipe.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and sauce ahead, but for the best texture, cook and toss the pasta just before serving. This keeps the noodles from becoming mushy.
What kind of white wine works best?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works wonders here, adding a crisp and fruity flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
Can I add other herbs to the recipe?
Definitely! Fresh basil or thyme can be lovely additions to your Chicken Scampi with Garlic, White Wine, and Fresh Parsley Recipe, adding an extra layer of herbal aroma.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Chicken Scampi with Garlic, White Wine, and Fresh Parsley Recipe that makes it a staple in my kitchen. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough to serve guests. Once you try it, I promise you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again for that perfect balance of comfort and sophistication on your plate.
Print
Chicken Scampi with Garlic, White Wine, and Fresh Parsley 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
This Chicken Scampi recipe features tender, juicy chicken breast cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with white wine and chicken broth, tossed with perfectly cooked linguine or spaghetti. A perfect balance of flavors enhanced by fresh parsley, this dish is ideal for a comforting yet elegant dinner experience.
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, then drain and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Melt the Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, ensuring it does not brown to maintain a smooth sauce base.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about one minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Cook Chicken: Add the sliced chicken breast to the skillet, cooking until browned on all sides and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and white wine, bringing the sauce to a gentle simmer to meld flavors and slightly reduce the liquid.
- Season and Add Parsley: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley, and season the sauce with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet, tossing thoroughly to coat the noodles evenly with the flavorful sauce and chicken.
- Serve: Serve the Chicken Scampi hot, garnished with extra chopped parsley if desired for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Use dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc for best flavor.
- Ensure garlic is sautéed only until fragrant to prevent bitterness.
- For a lighter version, substitute butter with olive oil.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breast for juicier results.
- Adjust seasoning as per your preference; add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Reserve a small amount of pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Pair with a crisp white wine and a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
