Linguine With Chicken Scampi
Linguine with tender chicken pieces coated in bread crumbs, topped with garlic, lemon, and parsley for a flavorful, satisfying meal perfect for any pasta lover.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the linguine noodles according to package instructions.
- Cut the boneless chicken breasts into 1/2-inch pieces.
- Dip each chicken piece into the beaten egg, then coat with bread crumbs mixed with salt and pepper.
- Spread the coated chicken pieces on a platter. These can be refrigerated several hours ahead if desired.
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil and cook the breaded chicken until golden and cooked through.
- In a separate pan, melt the margarine and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add cooked chicken to the garlic butter, then stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley.
- Combine the chicken mixture with cooked linguine and serve garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lemon juice and garlic for 30 minutes before breading. If you're short on time, use store-bought breaded chicken strips as a substitute. For a twist, add red pepper flakes for heat or substitute linguine with fettuccine for a different noodle experience. This dish is a great way to incorporate Italian recipes into your rotation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the linguine with chicken scampi garnished with additional parsley and lemon wedges for a fresh touch. Pair with a crisp green salad or Italian Crispy Broccoli With Fettucine for a balanced meal. A light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, complements the dish beautifully, enhancing the lemon and garlic flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chicken scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken rubbery and the pasta sticky.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Linguine With Chicken Scampi contains roughly 830 calories, with 15g protein, 111g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (58% of the Daily Value), protein (29% of the Daily Value), and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2452mg per serving (107% 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 other types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other pasta shapes like fettuccine or penne if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose. Each type will offer a slightly different texture while still pairing well with the chicken and garlic sauce.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute traditional linguine with gluten-free pasta. Additionally, use gluten-free breadcrumbs for coating the chicken. Ensure that all other ingredients, like margarine and vegetable oil, are also gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the meal.
What can I use instead of margarine?
If you're looking for a substitute for margarine, you can use unsalted butter or olive oil for a richer flavor. Coconut oil is also a good option for a dairy-free choice. Just keep in mind that each substitute may slightly alter the final taste.
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).