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Homemade Chicken Scampi photo

Chicken Scampi

A creamy, lemony chicken scampi tossed with angel hair pasta and sautéed peppers and onions.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 3 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 medium red onion cut into thin strips
  • 1-1/2 bell peppers cut into thin strips (use a mix of red, green, and orange)
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 8 ounces angel-hair pasta reserve 1 cup pasta cooking water
  • 1 batch chicken cutlets prepare according to linked recipe
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan plus extra for serving
  • 1 large lemon divided (juice and wedges for serving)
  • pinch red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley optional

Equipment

  • large nonstick pan
  • Large Pot
  • Wire Rack
  • box grater
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick pan over high heat. Add the sliced red onion and bell peppers, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and sauté 6–8 minutes until bright and crisp-tender.
  2. Add 1 tablespoon minced garlic to the pan with the vegetables and cook 30 seconds, then transfer the vegetables to a plate and set aside.
  3. Prepare and cook the chicken cutlets according to the linked recipe, cooking in batches in the same skillet so they do not overlap. Transfer cooked chicken to a wire rack to keep crispy.
  4. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add 3/4 cup chicken broth, 3/4 cup heavy cream, 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan, 1 tablespoon lemon juice (from the divided lemon), and 1 tablespoon chopped parsley if using. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce is thick and smooth and the Parmesan is fully melted.
  5. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil (about 12 cups). Add 1 tablespoon salt and the 8 ounces angel-hair pasta. Cook 4–5 minutes or until just al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
  6. Add the drained pasta and the sautéed vegetables to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, thin it with reserved pasta water starting with 1/4 cup. Taste and adjust with more lemon juice or salt as needed.
  7. Slice or dice the cooked chicken cutlets and arrange on top of the pasta. Finish with extra grated Parmesan and lemon wedges to serve.

Notes

  • Avoid powdery, sand-like Parmesan as it won’t melt properly.
  • Grate Parmesan from a block with the small holes of a box grater for best texture.
  • Gently pack grated Parmesan into the measuring cup.
  • Reserve 1 cup pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
  • Serve immediately for best texture.