Name: Creamy Chicken Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 8 ounces whole wheat angel hair pasta (or your favorite plain or gluten-free pasta); 24 ounces chicken breasts (from 3 boneless skinless breasts), cut into ½ inch cubes; 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste (approx. ¼ teaspoon); Olive oil spray; 2 tablespoons butter, divided; 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced; ¾ cup dry white wine (or broth); ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or more to taste); 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; 2 cups baby spinach; 3 tablespoons chopped parsley (plus more for garnish)

If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s quick, packed with flavor, and just downright satisfying, you’re going to adore this Creamy Chicken Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe. It’s one of those dishes I turn to when I want comfort food without the fuss, and seriously, my family goes crazy for it. Fresh cherry tomatoes and spinach give it a pop of color and nutrition, while the luscious buttery sauce clings perfectly to delicate angel hair pasta. Stick around—I’ll share all my tips so you nail this recipe every time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Speedy and Simple: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor Packed: Garlic, lemon, and white wine deliver layers of bright, savory notes.
Light Yet Creamy: Butter and pasta water create decadence without heaviness.
Family Favorite: Easy to adapt, and it gets gobbled up every time.

This image shows a pan filled with cooked thin spaghetti mixed with white chicken pieces, bright red cherry tomatoes cut in halves, and fresh green spinach leaves scattered throughout. The pasta looks soft and tangled, and there are small sprinkles of grated cheese and finely chopped green herbs on top. The pan sits on a white marbled surface, and near the bottom right corner, there is a small white bowl filled with more grated cheese. The whole dish looks fresh and colorful. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Chicken Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta and Cherry Tomatoes, chicken scampi with angel hair pasta, easy chicken pasta dinner, flavorful chicken pasta recipe, quick creamy chicken pasta

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Creamy Chicken Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe lies in the simple, fresh ingredients that come together effortlessly. When shopping, fresh cherry tomatoes and good-quality chicken breasts really elevate the dish. Also, choosing angel hair pasta helps the sauce cling just right for that silky finish.

Flat lay of fresh boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced into cubes with smooth pale pink flesh, vibrant red cherry tomatoes halved to reveal juicy interiors, bright green baby spinach leaves with crisp texture, thinly sliced garlic cloves showing creamy white layers, fresh parsley sprigs with deep green delicate leaves, a halved bright yellow lemon with shiny peel and juicy pulp, and small piles of crushed red pepper flakes with vivid red and orange tones, all arranged naturally with a splash of golden olive oil droplets glistening subtly, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Chicken Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta and Cherry Tomatoes, chicken scampi with angel hair pasta, easy chicken pasta dinner, flavorful chicken pasta recipe, quick creamy chicken pasta

Angel hair pasta: I love using whole wheat for extra fiber and a subtle nuttiness, but plain or gluten-free pasta works beautifully too.
Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless are easiest to work with and cook quickly when cubed small.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors—don’t skip it!
Black pepper: Freshly ground brings the best aroma and mild heat.
Olive oil spray: Helps you sauté without going heavy-handed on oil.
Butter: Divided use enriches the sauce and sautés garlic perfectly.
Garlic cloves: Thinly sliced garlic adds that signature fragrance and gentle bite.
Dry white wine (or broth): Adds acidity and depth—if you’re skipping wine, chicken broth works as a great substitute.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a pinch gives a subtle, warming kick that balances the creamy sauce.
Cherry tomatoes: Halved, they soften and burst with sweetness when cooked.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed brightens the rich buttery sauce perfectly.
Baby spinach: Adds freshness and lovely color, wilting tenderly into the sauce.
Chopped parsley: Fresh herbaceous finish and garnish act as a flavor layer and pretty touch.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I’ve started to play with this recipe quite a bit. The beauty of Creamy Chicken Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe is that it’s so adaptable; you can easily switch things up depending on what you have on hand or your mood.

Vegetarian version: I swapped out chicken for sautéed mushrooms and just added an extra handful of spinach—still hits that creamy, garlicky spot.
Spicy kick: Sometimes I add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne—my family loves it a bit more fiery!
Seafood twist: Shrimp works wonderfully here; just reduce cooking time so it doesn’t overcook.
Gluten-free: Using a gluten-free angel hair pasta keeps it friendly for anyone avoiding gluten without losing texture.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients with Care

First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to boil for your pasta. While that’s heating, cut the chicken breasts into small, even ½-inch cubes. This size helps them cook quickly and evenly without drying out. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides—it really boosts the flavor.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken for Flavor

Heat a large skillet over high heat until it’s hot—you want a good sear. Spray with a little olive oil, then add half the chicken cubes. Cook until they’re golden brown and cooked through, about 2 minutes, turning gently to brown all sides. Don’t crowd the pan; cook in batches to avoid steaming. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and repeat with the rest.

Step 3: Build the Scampi Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and add half a tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Once melted, toss in your thinly sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about one minute—watch closely so it doesn’t burn. Pour in the white wine or broth, add crushed red pepper flakes and a pinch of salt, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let that reduce by half, roughly 2 minutes, then stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for another minute to get them slightly softened.

Step 4: Finish with Butter, Lemon, and Pasta

Add the remaining 1 ½ tablespoons of butter and let it melt into the sauce. Pour in the fresh lemon juice and remove your pan from the heat to preserve brightness. At this point, cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente. I always save ½ cup of pasta water before draining—this helps loosen the sauce later if needed.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Now toss the hot pasta into the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Add the baby spinach and cook for about a minute, tossing gently so the spinach wilts. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve your perfect creamy consistency. Sprinkle in chopped parsley, and it’s ready to dish out!

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking chicken in batches helps you get a nice golden sear instead of steaming, giving you more flavor and better texture.
Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is a secret weapon to loosen up the sauce without watering it down.
Use Fresh Lemon Juice: It truly brightens the sauce – bottled lemon juice just doesn’t have the same zing.
Don’t Burn the Garlic: Garlic cooks fast; keep the heat medium and watch carefully to avoid that bitter burnt taste.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

A light plate of spaghetti pasta forms the base with thin, yellowish strands twisted into small nests. Scattered on top are bright red halved cherry tomatoes and chunks of white cooked chicken. Dark green spinach leaves add color contrast, mixed evenly throughout the spaghetti. A sprinkle of grated cheese and bits of chopped green herbs cover the dish lightly. A silver fork rests on the left side, slightly buried in the pasta, with its handle stretching outwards. A lemon wedge sits on the right edge of the white plate, which is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Chicken Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta and Cherry Tomatoes, chicken scampi with angel hair pasta, easy chicken pasta dinner, flavorful chicken pasta recipe, quick creamy chicken pasta

Garnishes

I like to finish this dish with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and plenty of grated Parmesan cheese on top—it adds a salty, nutty layer that complements the sauce so well. A wedge of lemon on the side is also lovely if you or guests want an extra citrus boost.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with balsamic vinaigrette or a simple arugula salad with lemon. Roasted asparagus or garlic bread are my go-to sides when I want to make a more substantial meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I like to plate the pasta in shallow bowls and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens—something simple but elegant. You can also serve the chicken on a bed of the pasta alongside some roasted cherry tomatoes for a charming presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I typically store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they keep well for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens up a bit in the fridge, so adding a splash of water or broth when reheating helps revive its creaminess.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze this dish because the delicate angel hair pasta can get mushy, but you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately without the pasta. Thaw gently and fresh-cook your pasta for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low-medium heat, stirring in a bit of pasta water or broth to loosen the sauce and keep the chicken tender. Avoid microwaving if possible, as that can dry out the chicken and sauce.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this Creamy Chicken Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe?

Absolutely! While angel hair pasta works best for its delicate texture that lets the sauce cling just right, you can swap in spaghetti, linguine, or even penne if that’s what you have. Just keep in mind that thicker pasta may need longer cooking time and the sauce might feel a little heavier.
What can I substitute for white wine in the recipe?

If you prefer to skip the alcohol, chicken broth is a fantastic substitute that still adds depth and moisture to the sauce. Using broth keeps this dish family-friendly while maintaining great flavor.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Garlic cooks quickly and can turn bitter if burnt. To avoid this, keep your heat medium when sautéing it and stir frequently. Remove it from heat as soon as it becomes fragrant and lightly golden—this usually takes about a minute.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This recipe is quick to assemble and reheats well for 2-3 days. I recommend cooking pasta fresh when possible, but if you’re prepping ahead, store chicken and sauce separately from pasta and combine when reheating for best freshness.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Creamy Chicken Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe balances simplicity with so much flavor. When I first tried it, I was pleasantly surprised at how effortlessly such a fancy-tasting dish came together in under 30 minutes! It’s become a staple in my rotation, especially when I want to whip up something that feels special but isn’t complicated. I know you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do, and it might just become your new go-to comfort meal, too. Give it a shot and let those fresh ingredients shine!