When comfort meets elegance in one skillet, you get the incredible Lemon Garlic Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe. This dish perfectly balances tender, juicy chicken bathed in a luscious lemon-garlic butter sauce, all tossed with al dente spaghetti. Bursting with fresh herbs and a hint of white wine, every bite feels indulgent yet effortlessly satisfying. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a collection of cooking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There are two tan bowls with handles: one filled with pale yellow cooked spaghetti noodles, and the other holding small chunks of raw light pink chicken. Surrounding these are several small white bowls with different textures and colors—one with a white powder, another with finely chopped green herbs, one with light yellow minced garlic, one with small dried green spices, and one with bright yellow lemon zest. There is also a small bowl with a pale yellow liquid, two halves of a fresh lemon, and a clear glass with a light liquid, all spread out evenly around the main bowls. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the long list intimidate you—these ingredients are straightforward, fresh, and each plays a vital role in building the rich flavor and irresistible texture of the dish.

16 ounces spaghetti: Cooked al dente for that perfect bite and the ideal base to soak up the sauce.
1/2 cup pasta water: Reserved to loosen and blend the sauce for a silky finish.
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast: Cut into 1-inch pieces to cook quickly and evenly.
1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Used to dredge the chicken, creating a light crust that locks in juiciness.
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: Adds aromatic herbs that enhance the savory notes of the dish.
2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning: Gives a zesty, peppery kick that pairs beautifully with lemon.
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided: For searing chicken to golden perfection while keeping it tender.
8 tablespoons salted butter, divided: Builds the rich, velvety sauce essential to any scampi.
8 cloves minced garlic: Provides that punch of garlicky warmth that’s truly unforgettable.
1 cup dry white wine: Used to deglaze the pan and add depth and brightness.
Zest of 1 lemon (about 1 tablespoon): Infuses vibrant citrus flavor right into the sauce.
Juice of 2 lemons (about 4 tablespoons): Brings refreshing acidity to balance richness.
1/2 cup parsley, finely chopped: For fresh, vibrant color and herbaceous notes.
Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate every component.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking your spaghetti according to the package directions until it’s just al dente. Don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining—this starchy water works wonders to bring your sauce together seamlessly.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, mix all-purpose flour, Italian seasoning, lemon pepper seasoning, and generous pinches of kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper in a shallow dish. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture to evenly coat each piece, which helps create a delicate crust when cooked.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat one tablespoon of olive oil and one tablespoon of butter in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add half of the chicken pieces and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, turning often until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside. Repeat with the remaining olive oil, butter, and chicken. This two-batch method ensures even browning without overcrowding the pan.

Step 4: Deglaze with White Wine

Pour the white wine into the hot sauté pan to deglaze it, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the delicious, browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, reducing it by at least half. This step infuses the dish with complex flavor and a subtle tangy note.

Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium-low and melt the remaining six tablespoons of butter in the pan. Add the minced garlic along with salt and pepper, cooking for about 30 seconds while stirring constantly to release the garlic’s fragrance without burning it.

Step 6: Add Lemon and Parsley

Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and finely chopped parsley into the buttery garlic mixture. These fresh ingredients brighten the sauce, balancing the richness beautifully with their lively notes.

Step 7: Toss Together Pasta and Chicken

Add your cooked spaghetti back to the pan along with a splash or two of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the velvety sauce. Finally, fold in the golden chicken pieces and toss again gently, so every bite delivers that delicious combination of flavors.

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe

In a white round pan with two handles, there are about 17 small pieces of cooked chicken scattered in the center. The chicken pieces are golden brown with some darker specks, showing a crispy texture from frying. The surface of the pan has some brown bits and light grease marks around the chicken, giving a sense of freshly cooked food. The pan is placed on a white marbled countertop with soft natural light illuminating from above. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Elevate the presentation with a sprinkle of extra chopped parsley for a pop of fresh green color, and if you love a little heat, a light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes adds a wonderful contrast. A few fresh lemon wedges on the side also invite guests to add a touch more brightness if desired.

Side Dishes

This Lemon Garlic Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette, a basket of crunchy garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables. These sides complement the richness and add appealing textures and contrasts to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve the pasta family-style in a large rustic bowl or platter, letting the vibrant herbs and glistening sauce shine. Alternatively, plate individual servings with a twist—nest the spaghetti into neat swirls using tongs, top with chicken, and finish with a drizzle of extra lemon butter sauce and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for an upscale touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Lemon Garlic Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the sauce slightly separate from the pasta if possible to keep the textures fresh and prevent the noodles from becoming soggy.

Freezing

This dish freezes well if you want to save some for later. Separate the chicken and pasta with sauce into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. Note that the pasta may become a bit softer after freezing, so it’s best enjoyed within that timeframe.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce as needed. This method helps preserve the tenderness of the chicken and keeps the pasta from drying out. Avoid high heat which can cause the garlic butter sauce to separate.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta besides spaghetti?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, this Lemon Garlic Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe works great with linguine, fettuccine, or even penne. Just make sure to cook your pasta al dente to hold up well in the sauce.

Is it necessary to use dry white wine?

Dry white wine adds brightness and depth to the sauce, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, substituting with chicken broth and a splash of fresh lemon juice can still provide excellent flavor.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pasta. The flavors will still be delicious and just as satisfying.

How do I make sure the chicken stays juicy?

Dredging the chicken in the seasoned flour and searing it over medium-high heat quickly locks in moisture. Avoid overcrowding the pan and cook the chicken in batches for the best results.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken by cutting and dredging it a few hours in advance, keeping it covered in the fridge. The sauce is best made fresh, but the lemon zest and garlic can be pre-minced to save time.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Lemon Garlic Chicken Scampi Pasta Recipe enough—it’s one of those dishes that feels special but comes together with surprising ease. The balance of buttery garlic, tangy lemon, and tender chicken tossed with perfectly cooked pasta is absolutely irresistible. Whether cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress and comfort in equal measure. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll keep coming back for more!