Description
A cozy, flavor-packed pasta dish featuring tender chicken, garlicky butter sauce, and bright lemon tossed with linguine for the perfect weeknight comfort meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz linguine
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine until just under al dente.
- Meanwhile, season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in lemon juice and return chicken to the pan. Toss to coat evenly.
- Transfer the drained pasta to the skillet using tongs, and add reserved pasta water.
- Toss everything together over low heat until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the pasta.
- Stir in chopped parsley and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley and lemon wedges.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic and lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the garlic, or it may become bitter.
- Reserve extra pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning.
- Add a sprinkle of parmesan for extra richness if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: chicken scampi, linguine, garlic pasta, quick chicken dinner, weeknight pasta recipe