Ingredients

8 ounces whole-wheat angel hair pasta

1 1/2 pounds chicken tenderloins

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Kosher salt (to taste)

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 medium red onion (sliced)

2 small bell peppers (sliced, any color)

4 cloves garlic (minced)

1/3 cup dry white wine

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)

1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)

Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole-wheat angel hair pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Step 2: Pat the chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels. In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour until coated evenly.

Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and cover to keep warm.

Step 4: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the sliced red onion and bell peppers, sautéing for about 2 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 5: Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the wine reduces slightly.

Step 6: Stir in the heavy cream and a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and red chili flakes if using.

Step 7: Return the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together gently to combine and heat through. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a little lemon juice and garlic before dredging.

Swap the white wine for chicken broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.

Add spinach or cherry tomatoes when sautéing the vegetables for a colorful twist.

Use gluten-free flour and pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for Chicken Scampi?

Yes, you can use linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti as alternatives to whole-wheat angel hair pasta. Adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.

Is it necessary to use white wine in the sauce?

White wine adds depth and acidity to the sauce, but you can substitute it with chicken broth or vegetable broth if you prefer to avoid alcohol.