Creamy Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe for a Flavor-Packed Italian Dinner
If you love bold flavors and creamy pasta dishes, this chicken scampi pasta is going to be your new favorite! Juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a rich garlic-butter sauce with a hint of lemon come together for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for a cozy family dinner or date night.
I first tried this recipe when I was craving something restaurant-worthy but didn’t want to leave the house. It was so easy and delicious that it quickly became a go-to for busy weeknights and special occasions alike. Trust me, your family will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Scampi Pasta
This recipe combines the best of both worlds: it’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests. The garlic-butter sauce is silky and decadent, and the fresh lemon juice brightens the dish beautifully. Plus, you only need one skillet and a pot for the pasta, so cleanup is a breeze!
Your Grocery List
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Tips for Perfect Chicken Scampi Pasta
Here’s how to make this dish taste like it came straight from an Italian restaurant:
- Thinly Slice the Chicken: Thin strips of chicken cook quickly and evenly, keeping them juicy and tender.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook your pasta al dente so it holds up well when tossed with the sauce.
- Balance the Sauce: The combination of butter, garlic, and lemon creates a rich but balanced sauce. Taste and adjust with more lemon or Parmesan as needed.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to enjoy this dish again:
- Storage: Transfer the pasta and chicken to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the chicken.
- Creative Leftovers: Toss in some fresh spinach or roasted veggies when reheating to give the dish a fresh twist.
Make It Even Better
Take your chicken scampi pasta to the next level with these ideas:
- Swap the Protein: Try shrimp or scallops for a seafood twist on this classic dish.
- Add Veggies: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or steamed asparagus for extra color and flavor.
- Make It Spicier: Increase the red pepper flakes for a bold, spicy kick.
Fun Facts
Did you know the term “scampi” actually refers to a type of crustacean? The dish originally used shrimp, but the creamy, garlicky sauce works just as well with chicken!
Pairings
Serve this dish with a crisp green salad and some warm garlic bread. For dessert, finish the meal with a classic tiramisu or a light lemon panna cotta.

Creamy Chicken Scampi Pasta
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Large pot
- Tongs
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts sliced into thin strips
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the linguine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Season the sliced chicken with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken strips for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and butter. Sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together to coat in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed to adjust consistency.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.