Italian Scampi Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
6 oz angel hair pasta
1 lb. boneless chicken, chopped into chunks
¾ cup white wine
2 tbsp lemon juice, separated
¼ cup chicken broth
⅓ cup butter
¼ teaspoon salt
1 tbsp garlic, minced
1 tsp all-purpose flour
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Chives, for garnish
Instructions for Italian Scampi Chicken Pasta
Follow package instructions to cook the pasta to al dente.
When finished set pasta aside after draining.
Sprinkle 1 tbsp of lemon juice and some salt and pepper over the chicken.
Add chicken to a pan coated in cooking spray.
Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes. Stir and flip the chicken often for even cooking. Once the chicken is finished, remove it and place it on a plate. Set aside.
Clean your pan and spray it again before adding butter. Once the butter has melted, add the garlic, salt, and pepper.
Cook the garlic in the butter for at least one minute. Then, add in the wine, lemon juice, and broth.
Cook the mixture to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer until the liquid is around ¾ of a cup.
Add your flour to the mixture and stir well to incorporate. Let the flour cook on medium for about 60 seconds.
Add in the prepared chicken and let sauté for a few minutes.
Plating:
Use around ¾ cup of pasta per plate. Spoon around one cup of the scampi chicken and its sauce onto the plated noodles. Garnish with chives if desired.
Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
YIELD: 12 SERVING SIZE: 1
Per serving:
Calories: 540 Total Fat: 20g (Saturated Fat: 10g, Trans Fat: 0g) | Cholesterol: 105mg | Sodium: 390mg | Total Carbohydrate: 45g (Dietary Fiber: 2g, Sugars: 2g) | Protein: 38g | Vitamin A: 10% | Vitamin C: 4% | Calcium: 2% | Iron: 15%
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of pasta for this dish?
Yes, you can substitute angel hair pasta with other types of pasta, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine.
Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose, and cook it to al dente for the best texture.
What type of white wine should I use in the sauce?
Choose a dry white wine that you enjoy drinking, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay.
Avoid using overly sweet or dessert wines, as they can make the sauce too sweet and unbalanced.
If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with additional chicken broth and a splash of white wine vinegar for acidity.
Can I add other ingredients or vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! You can customize Italian Scampi Chicken Pasta by adding your favorite ingredients, such as sautéed mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, capers, or olives.
You can also add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or asparagus.
Be sure to adjust the cooking time for any added ingredients to ensure they are cooked properly.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
Chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked but still juicy.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare some components in advance.
Cook the chicken and sauce separately, then combine them and reheat before serving.
Cooked pasta can also be stored separately and added just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Answer: While you can use margarine as a substitute for butter, it may alter the flavor and texture of the dish.
Butter contributes richness and flavor, so it’s preferable, but margarine can be used if necessary.
How can I reduce the calorie content of this dish?
To reduce the calorie content, you can use less butter or substitute it with olive oil.
You can also use whole wheat pasta for added fiber and fewer calories.
Additionally, reducing the amount of cheese or omitting it altogether can help lower the calorie count.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version?
Yes, you can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make a vegetarian version of this dish.
It will still provide flavor and moisture to the sauce without using animal products.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta such as rice or corn pasta.
Also, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
Can I freeze leftovers of this dish?
While you can freeze leftovers, the texture of the pasta may change upon thawing and reheating.
It’s best to consume the dish fresh, but if you do freeze leftovers, store them in an airtight container and consume within 1-2 months for best quality.