Chicken Scarparella
Chicken Scarparella is a flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken, savory sausage, and earthy mushrooms, complemented by a vibrant garlic and red pepper sauce. Tossed with linguine and fresh arugula, it offers a hearty yet fresh meal perfect for comforting dinners with bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 small bunch arugula ⓘ
- 1/4 cup oil ⓘ
- 1 red pepper, julienned ⓘ
- 2 medium cloves garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 2 1/2 lb chicken, cut in serving pieces ⓘ
- 1 lb sausage, cut in pieces ⓘ
- 3/4 lb sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, sliced ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon rosemary ⓘ
- 1 cup chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 8 oz. linguine ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Rinse the arugula well and pat dry.
- Reserve half of the arugula for garnish.
- Discard tough stems from the remaining arugula, then slice thin.
- In a large skillet, heat 1/4 cup of oil over medium heat.
- Add the crushed garlic and julienned red pepper, sauté until fragrant.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides.
- Add the sausage pieces and cook until browned.
- Stir in the sliced mushrooms and sliced onion; cook until vegetables are tender.
- Sprinkle with rosemary and season with salt and pepper.
- Pour in chicken broth and white wine; bring to a simmer.
- Cover and cook until chicken is cooked through, about 25 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook linguine according to package instructions; drain.
- In a small bowl, stir flour into a little water to make a slurry.
- Add the slurry to the skillet to thicken the sauce; cook for a few minutes.
- Toss cooked linguine with the sauce in the skillet.
- Garnish with reserved arugula and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. You can substitute the linguine with any pasta of your choice, such as fusilli, for a different texture. Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrition. If you like heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Scarparella over a bed of linguine, allowing the sauce to soak into the pasta. This dish pairs well with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. For a complete meal, consider offering garlic bread on the side. It also complements Italian recipes beautifully, making it a great option for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring frequently for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Scarparella contains roughly 1558 calories, with 28g protein, 171g carbohydrates, and 85g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (97% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (97% of the Daily Value), and iron (89% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1571mg per serving (68% 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 boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but adjust the cooking time accordingly, as it may cook faster than bone-in pieces. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety. Boneless chicken can also absorb the flavors of the sauce well, making it a delicious alternative.
What can I substitute for the white wine?
If you prefer not to use white wine, you can substitute it with additional chicken broth or a splash of apple cider vinegar mixed with water. This will maintain the moisture and add a slight acidity, enhancing the dish's overall flavor without the alcohol content.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Chicken Scarparella ahead of time. Cook it fully, allow it to cool, then store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it an excellent make-ahead option for busy weeknights or gatherings.
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).