Chicken Scampi 'N' Linguine
A flavorful chicken and vegetable linguine dish with garlic, lemon, and Parmesan, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that combines tender chicken with vibrant veggies.
Ingredients
- 1 package (1 lb.) linguine ⓘ
- 2 whole chicken breasts (about 10 oz. each) ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 large red pepper, halved, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 bunch broccoli, sliced ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- Ground black pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Put on a kettle of water to boil for the linguine.
- Bone the chicken breasts and cut the meat into 1-inch pieces.
- Heat butter or margarine and vegetable oil in a large skillet.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 2 minutes.
- Add chicken pieces and cook, stirring constantly until golden.
- Push the chicken to one side of the skillet.
- Add broccoli slices and red pepper pieces to the skillet.
- Cook for 2 minutes.
- Season with salt and ground black pepper.
- Sprinkle with lemon juice and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider using whole wheat linguine instead of regular. If you don't have broccoli, green beans or snap peas work well as substitutes. For added flavor, try marinating the chicken in lemon juice and garlic before cooking. Remember to cook the chicken thoroughly until it's no longer pink inside, ensuring it's safe to eat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken Scampi 'N' Linguine with a side salad or garlic bread for a delightful meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil can add a pop of color and flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Easy Chicken Piccata, creating a lovely Italian-inspired dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. You can also reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Scampi 'N' Linguine contains roughly 331 calories, with 19g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (37% of the Daily Value), iron (26% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 708mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).
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 chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to fully thaw and cook it to the appropriate temperature. It's best to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cutting it into pieces for even cooking. This prevents the chicken from being rubbery.
What can I serve with Chicken Scampi 'N' Linguine?
This dish pairs well with a light arugula salad or roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, consider adding garlic bread or a side of steamed asparagus. A glass of white wine, like Pinot Grigio, complements the flavors beautifully.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if you want to enhance the flavor. The rest of the ingredients, like garlic and lemon, will add plenty of taste to the 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).