Creamy Copycat Chicken Scampi Pasta

This hearty pasta dish combines crispy pan-fried chicken tenders with a rich, garlic-infused cream sauce. It is topped with vibrant bell peppers and red onions for a colorful, restaurant-quality meal at home.

List of ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil (or cooking oil of choice) – for frying the chicken.
• 2 lbs chicken tenders (or thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs) – the main protein.
• 1 cup flour – for dredging the chicken.
• 2 tbsp Italian seasoning – adds dried herbal notes to the coating.
• 1 tbsp salt – for seasoning the flour.
• 1 tsp black pepper – adds a slight spice to the chicken.
• 1 lb angel hair pasta (cooked al dente) – the traditional thin pasta base.
• 1 tbsp olive oil (or cooking oil of choice) – for sautéing vegetables.
• 1 red bell pepper (sliced into thin strips) – provides color and sweetness.
• 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced into thin strips) – adds brightness and flavor.
• 1 green bell pepper (sliced into thin strips) – provides a fresh, peppery taste.
• 1 red onion (sliced into thin strips) – offers a mild, sweet onion flavor.
• 3 tbsp butter – for sautéing garlic and adding richness.
• 5 cloves garlic (minced) – the aromatic base of the sauce.
• 1 ¢ cup chicken broth (store bought or homemade) – the savory liquid base.
• ¡/2 cup chicken broth (as a substitute for white wine) – for deglazing the pan.
• 2/3 cup heavy cream – creates the creamy texture of the sauce.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning – seasons the cream sauce.
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste) – enhances the overall sauce flavor.
• Parmesan cheese (grated) – for a salty, nutty finish.
• Fresh basil (finely chopped) – for a fresh herbal garnish.
• Fresh parsley (finely chopped) – for a bright, clean finish.

step-by-step instructions

1. Prepare the flour mixture: In a large shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper and Italian seasoning. Mix until evenly combined.
2. Coat the chicken: Coat the chicken tenders in the flour mixture, shake off the excess flour.
3. Pan fry the chicken: In a large cast iron skillet or frying pan, add 2 tablespoon of oil and heat over medium high heat. Pan fry the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
4. Boil the pasta: As the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the angel hair pasta according to package direction until al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta water, drain the pasta and set aside.
5. Sauté the vegetables: Wipe the large skillet clean with a paper towel. On medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of oil. Add in the sliced peppers and red onion. Sêuté for 3-4 minutes, stirring often.
6. Cook the garlic: Add the butter and minced garlic to the pan and pan fry for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until all of the vegetables are tender.
7. Deglaze the pan: Pour the chicken broth (substitute for wine) into the pan and scrape the bottom of the pan to remove any browned bits. Pour in the remaining chicken broth. Cook on medium heat for 2 minutes.
8. Simmer the sauce: Add in the cream, salt and Italian seasoning and bring to a light boil, stirring frequently.
9. Combine pasta and sauce: Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked pasta. Mix until evenly coated in the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes. If needed, add in a splash of the reserved pasta water to thicken the sauce.
10. Final Assembly: Once the sauce has thickened add the chicken on top of the pasta. Garnish with grated parmesan cheese, chopped fresh basil and parsley. Serve and enjoy!

Cooking Tips for Perfect Results

Use Chicken Tenders for Uniform Cooking

Chicken tenders are the ideal choice because they are naturally uniform in size and thickness. This ensures that every piece cooks through at the same rate without the edges drying out. If you use chicken breasts, slice them into strips of equal width to mimic this effect.

Create a Thin Flour Coating

When dredging the chicken, make sure to shake off any excess flour before placing the meat in the pan. A coating that is too thick can become doughy or clump up in the oil. A thin, even layer allows for a crispier exterior and a better golden-brown color.

Avoid Overcooking Angel Hair Pasta

Angel hair pasta is very delicate and can turn mushy quickly. Boil it for 1-2 minutes less than the package directions suggest for ‘al dente’. Since the pasta will cook further in the simmering cream sauce, undercooking it slightly in the pot prevents it from breaking apart.

Sauté Vegetables Until Tender-Crisp

When cooking the bell peppers and red onions, aim for a ‘tender-crisp’ texture. You want the vegetables to be softened but still retain a bit of their structural integrity and bright color. Overcooking them into a mushy state will diminish the visual appeal of the final dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Lower Fat Cream Alternatives

If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. Keep in mind that milk is thinner, so you may need to let the sauce simmer slightly longer or add a small cornstarch slurry to achieve the desired thickness. The flavor will be less rich but still satisfying.

Gluten-Free Flour and Pasta Options

To make this recipe gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for a high-quality gluten-free 1:1 baking flour. Additionally, use a gluten-free pasta made from brown rice, corn, or chickpeas. Be extra careful not to overcook gluten-free pasta, as it tends to disintegrate faster than wheat pasta.

Vegetable Mix Variations

While the red, yellow, and green pepper mix is classic, you can adapt this based on what is in your garden. Zucchini slices, eggplant cubes, or baby spinach added at the end are excellent additions. These vegetables add different textures and nutritional value without altering the core flavor profile.

Alternative Protein Choices

This cream sauce works beautifully with other proteins if you want to switch from chicken. Large shrimp or sea scallops can be pan-fried using the same flour-dredging method. For a meatless version, use thick slices of Portobello mushrooms or firm tofu strips.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with Garlic Breadsticks

The creamy nature of the scampi pasta pairs perfectly with warm, salted garlic breadsticks. Use the bread to scoop up the extra sauce left on the plate. This adds a contrasting crunch and a buttery flavor that complements the garlic in the sauce.

Serve with a Crisp Garden Salad

Since this is a rich and creamy main course, a side of fresh greens is highly recommended. A simple salad with romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the heavy cream and butter.

Optimal Plating for Presentation

To make the dish look professional, use a pasta fork to twirl the angel hair into a nest in the center of the plate. Carefully place the golden-brown chicken tenders on top of the pasta nest. Sprinkle the fresh basil and parsley at the very end to maintain their bright green color.

Storage and Reheating Guide

Refrigeration and Storage Limits

Store leftover pasta and chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish is best consumed within 3 to 5 days. Ensure the food has cooled slightly before sealing the container to prevent excess condensation from making the chicken soggy.

Best Stovetop Reheating Method

The best way to reheat this dish is in a skillet over medium heat. Add a small splash of chicken broth or cream to the pan to loosen the sauce, as the pasta will absorb moisture while sitting in the fridge. Stir gently for 4-5 minutes until the sauce is creamy again.

Quick Microwave Reheating

For a faster option, place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish and add a tablespoon of water or milk. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each session. This prevents the sauce from separating and ensures the chicken is heated evenly throughout.

Why Freezing is Not Recommended

It is generally not advised to freeze pasta dishes containing heavy cream. The emulsion in the cream sauce often breaks during the freezing and thawing process, resulting in a grainy or separated texture. If you must freeze it, add a bit of extra cream during the reheating process to help emulsify the sauce.

Make-Ahead Advice

Prepping Vegetables in Advance

You can slice the bell peppers and red onions up to 24 hours before you plan to cook. Store them in a sealed container or a zip-top bag in the refrigerator. This significantly reduces the active prep time on the day you serve the meal.

Cooking Chicken Early

The chicken tenders can be pan-fried a few hours in advance. Once cooked, store them in the fridge and reheat them in the oven or a pan just before adding them to the final plated pasta. This keeps the chicken from getting overcooked while you focus on the sauce.

Managing the Sauce and Pasta

While you can make the sauce ahead of time, the pasta should always be cooked fresh. Angel hair pasta absorbs liquid very quickly; if you mix it into the sauce too early, the pasta will become bloated and the sauce will disappear. Always combine them just before serving.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Fixing a Sauce That Is Too Thick

If the sauce becomes too thick after adding the pasta, use the reserved pasta water. Add it one tablespoon at a time and stir over low heat. The starch in the pasta water helps the sauce bond to the noodles while adjusting the consistency to your liking.

Preventing Garlic from Burning

Garlic burns quickly and can become bitter if exposed to high heat for too long. Always add the butter and minced garlic after the peppers and onions have already begun to soften. Keep the heat at medium and cook the garlic for no more than 2 minutes.

Ensuring Chicken is Safely Cooked

To avoid undercooking or drying out the chicken, use an instant-read meat thermometer. The chicken is safe to eat and most juicy when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the tenders from the pan immediately once they hit this temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use spaghetti instead of angel hair?

Yes, you can use spaghetti or linguine as an alternative. However, because these pastas are thicker, you may need to increase the simmering time for the sauce slightly to ensure the noodles are well-coated and flavorful.

How do I make the sauce even richer?

To increase the richness, add an extra tablespoon of butter at the end of the sauce-making process. You can also fold in additional grated Parmesan cheese directly into the sauce before adding the pasta to create a thicker, cheesier consistency.

What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

You can create your own blend by mixing dried oregano, dried basil, and a pinch of dried thyme. Use an equal amount of this homemade blend to replace the store-bought Italian seasoning in both the chicken coating and the sauce.

Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely. Spinach, mushrooms, and diced zucchini are all great additions. Sauté them along with the bell peppers and onions, adjusting the cooking time based on how quickly each vegetable softens.

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