Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

I love a meal that makes me look like a multitasking genius even when the kitchen evidence suggests otherwise. This one-pan-ish Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is buttery, garlicky, and comforting enough to make people forget you almost burned the garlic (again). It tastes like you actually planned dinner, when really you were five minutes away from ordering pizza. Serves: 4 (or 2, if you’re hungry and admit it).

My husband once decided to “help” by flambéing the pan to impress the kids. He didn’t consult me, the pan, or gravity. The only thing that caught fire was his ego. The kids clapped. I put the fire out with a dish towel, because obviously that’s how grown-ups handle emergencies in my house. We still ate the scampi, and he now has a strict “no flames” policy—which I enforce with a level of enthusiasm previously reserved for bedtime.

Time-Saving Hacks

– Use pre-minced garlic from a jar when you’re hangry. It’s slightly inferior but undefeated by hangriness.
– Buy rotisserie chicken and shred it if you hate raw poultry. Nobody will judge; they’ll only notice the flavor.
– Pre-grated Parmesan saves you ten seconds and three naps—win-win.
– Cook rice in a rice cooker while you do everything else. The rice cooker is my unpaid sous-chef.
– Use one large pan and toss ingredients at the end to avoid extra pots. Yes, the pan will be crowded; so are my thoughts.

Serving Ideas

– Serve with a crisp green salad to pretend you’re balanced.
– Toasty garlic bread = emotional support. Bring it.
– Serve with wine if the kids drove you nuts today. A big red, or whatever gets the job done.
– Keep it simple with lemon wedges and extra Parmesan for the people who want to upgrade their lives at the table.

What to Serve It With

Roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a pile of wilted spinach. Or nothing and a look of smug satisfaction while you eat straight from the pan. I recommend at least a vegetable for dramatic effect.

✔Tips & Mistakes

Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken unless you enjoy boiled sadness. Let the chicken brown—this is where flavor lives. If your garlic gets brown, throw it away and start over; burnt garlic = bitter regret. Also: yes, this pan is too small. No, I won’t wash fewer dishes.

✔Storage Tips

Store it in the fridge… if there’s any left. Cold midnight leftovers? Sometimes better than fresh.

✔Variations and Substitutions

Swap proteins: shrimp, tofu, or that mystery meat in your freezer. Use brown rice if you like chewing longer. Swap butter for olive oil if you’re pretending to be healthy. Swap lemon for lime and call it a mood. Swap whatever you want—sugar ↔ honey, soy sauce ↔ tamari, or skip steps and call it “deconstructed.” It still counts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

A delightful chicken scampi served with creamy garlic parmesan rice.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 1.5 lb chicken breast, boneless and skinless Cut into bite-sized pieces
• ▢ 8 oz spaghetti Or any pasta of your choice
• ▢ 4 cloves garlic Minced
• ▢ 1 cup heavy cream
• ▢ 0.75 cup grated Parmesan cheese Plus extra for serving
• ▢ 4 tbsp butter Divided
• ▢ 1 tbsp olive oil
• ▢ 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ▢ 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes Optional for heat
• ▢ 0.5 cup fresh parsley Chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Cook spaghetti according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
• Add chicken pieces; season with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Cook until golden, about 5-7 minutes.
• Stir in minced garlic; cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
• Pour in the heavy cream and stir; reduce heat to low, add remaining butter and Parmesan. Mix until combined.
• Add spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
• Serve immediately, garnished with parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

For an extra kick, add lemon zest before serving.