Creamy Chicken Scampi with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe

If you’re looking for a dinner that feels special but comes together quickly, this Creamy Chicken Scampi with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how the bright juicy tomatoes and fresh spinach balance out the richness of the buttery, garlicky sauce. When I first tried this dish, I was hooked — it’s one of those meals that manages to be flavorful and comforting without any fuss, perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners. Stick around, and I’ll share all my tips to help you nail this recipe every time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Creamy Chicken Scampi with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe lies in the way simple, wholesome ingredients come together to create layers of flavor. Choosing fresh garlic, ripe cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach makes all the difference—plus I always lean on whole wheat pasta for a bit of extra fiber and heartiness.

• Whole wheat angel hair pasta: I love Delallo brand for its texture, but feel free to use your favorite regular or gluten-free pasta here.
• Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless are easiest—cutting into small pieces helps them cook quickly and evenly.
• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors naturally.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of background heat.
• Olive oil spray: Keeps things light while preventing sticking in the pan.
• Butter: Divided throughout the recipe to create that creamy, luscious sauce I adore.
• Garlic cloves: Thinly sliced to maximize flavor without overpowering.
• Dry white wine (or broth): This adds a subtle tang and depth—if you need to skip alcohol, broth works perfectly.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional but highly recommended for a gentle kick.
• Cherry tomatoes: Halved to release their sweet juices into the sauce.
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Gives the dish a fresh, bright finish.
• Baby spinach: Wilts quickly and adds a lovely earthy note and color.
• Chopped parsley: For that fresh herbaceous pop—plus extra for garnish.

Variations

I love how flexible this Creamy Chicken Scampi with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe is—you can easily make it your own based on what’s in your fridge or your family’s preferences. Don’t be shy to experiment!

• Swap the chicken: I’ve made this with shrimp before, and it comes out so tasty and just as quick!
• Make it dairy-free: Just skip the butter and use olive oil or a dairy-free spread instead—everyone still raves about it.
• Extra veggies: Feel free to toss in some sliced mushrooms or zucchini for a veggie boost I love.
• Spicy twist: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like things with more heat.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Scampi with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Sear the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breasts into small half-inch cubes—this size ensures quick cooking and tender bites. Season the pieces well with kosher salt and a bit of black pepper. Heat a large skillet over high heat; when it’s properly hot, spray it lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking without adding heaviness. Cook half the chicken in the pan, giving it about 2 minutes per batch until browned on all sides and cooked through—no pink should remain. Transfer to a plate, then repeat with the rest. Reducing the heat after this step helps with the next stages.

Step 2: Build the Flavorful Sauce

Into the same pan, add half the butter and melt it over medium heat. Toss in the thinly sliced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about a minute—don’t let it brown or it’ll taste bitter. Pour in your white wine (or broth if skipping alcohol) along with crushed red pepper flakes and the remaining salt. Stir, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the pan, and let it reduce by half over the next couple of minutes. Then add your halved cherry tomatoes and cook for one minute to soften, releasing their sweet juices.

Step 3: Finish with Butter, Lemon & Spinach

Stir in the remaining butter until melted and silky, then add freshly squeezed lemon juice for that bright zing. Remove the pan from heat here to preserve the fresh flavors. Meanwhile, cook your pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente; keep about half a cup of pasta water before draining. Toss the drained pasta with the chicken, then stir in the baby spinach so it wilts just slightly from the heat. Add the sauce, tossing everything together, and use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen it up.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Finish off by stirring in freshly chopped parsley for a pop of green and an herbal boost. This is the moment to top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese because, trust me, it takes the dish over the top. Serve immediately while the sauce is creamy and warm—you’ll see why this recipe is a household favorite.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Scampi with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Sometimes I add a few lemon zest shavings for extra zing. These simple garnishes elevate the whole plate, and I love the little bursts of freshness they add alongside the creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I often serve this alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus. A crusty garlic bread is always a hit too if you want something to sop up the extra sauce. Trust me, your guests (or family) will be licking their plates!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate the pasta nest-style in shallow bowls, topped with a sprig of parsley and a lemon wedge on the side. It looks elegant but feels homey, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Another fun idea is to serve this over creamy polenta or even spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and have found they keep well for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens overnight but reheats beautifully. Just be sure to add a splash of water or broth when reheating to loosen things back up.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this Creamy Chicken Scampi with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe a couple of times with good results. Just cool it completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently. The texture is very close to fresh with this method.

Reheating

To refresh reheated leftovers, I warm them gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently and adding a bit of reserved pasta water, broth, or even a splash of cream if you want extra richness. This helps restore the sauce’s silky texture without drying it out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Scampi with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe holds a special place in my dinner rotation because it’s a perfect blend of comforting and fresh. It’s quick but never feels rushed, and the flavors just sing without needing any complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. I’m confident once you make it, you’ll want to keep it in your regular meal lineup too — so go on, give it a try and enjoy every delicious bite!

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