Chicken And Scampi
A flavorful chicken and shrimp dish with a rich spaghetti sauce, fresh herbs, and vegetables, perfect for a quick family dinner or casual gathering. The combination of tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and aromatic herbs creates a comforting yet vibrant meal that pairs beautifully with rice.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the chicken breasts quickly until cooked through.
- Separate the chicken into serving pieces or strips.
- Cover the chicken with spaghetti sauce mix.
- Add chopped onion, chopped celery, chopped parsley, basil, and garlic to the sauce.
- Simmer the mixture on the stove or in the oven until flavors meld.
- Just before serving, add prepared shelled shrimp.
- Cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes.
- Serve the chicken and shrimp mixture over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken in Italian herbs before boiling. If you don't have shelled shrimp, you can use cooked, peeled shrimp or even diced chicken for a heartier dish. For added texture, toss in some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms. If you're running low on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be a convenient substitute.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad to balance the richness. You can also serve it over rice, as suggested, or even with pasta to create your own variation. For a complete meal, consider a glass of white wine or sparkling water to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken and shrimp mixture on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Scampi contains roughly 250 calories, with 23g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. At about 250 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely before adding to the dish. This ensures even cooking. Place them in the refrigerator overnight or run them under cold water for a quicker thawing method.
What can I substitute for the spaghetti sauce mix?
If you don't have spaghetti sauce mix, you can create a quick version using crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Simply combine these ingredients to mimic the flavor profile of the sauce mix.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the sauce mixture. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken for a different flavor profile that still aligns with this dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).