Name: Garlic Chicken Scallion Spaghetti
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 8 oz spaghetti; 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin; 2 tbsp olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2 cup chopped scallions (green onions); 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional for depth of flavor); Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness); Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

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Garlic chicken scallion spaghetti is a light and flavorful pasta dish made with tender chicken pieces, aromatic garlic, fresh scallions, and a touch of olive oil, all tossed with al dente spaghetti. It’s simple, elegant, and full of savory depth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is quick to prepare, uses everyday ingredients, and delivers a wonderfully aromatic experience thanks to fresh garlic and scallions. It’s lighter than creamy pastas but still satisfying, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prepping.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
• Spaghetti or linguine
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Olive oil
• Salt & black pepper
• Garlic cloves, thinly sliced or minced
• Scallions (green onions), chopped
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley (optional)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Lemon zest or juice (optional for brightness)

directions

Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
While pasta cooks, season chicken with salt and pepper, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sauté until golden and fully cooked (6–8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
Lower heat to medium and add more oil if needed. Sauté garlic until golden and fragrant (about 1 minute). Add scallions and cook briefly until just softened.
Return chicken to the pan and toss to coat in garlic oil.
Add drained pasta to the skillet along with reserved pasta water as needed to loosen. Toss everything together until well mixed and heated through.
Finish with parsley, Parmesan, and lemon if desired. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Yield: 4 servings
Prep time: ~10 minutes; Cook time: ~20 minutes; Total time: ~30 minutes
(Estimates based on recipes from bbcgoodfood.com, bonappetit.com, and thekitchn.com)

Variations

• Use angel hair pasta or soba noodles for a twist.
• Add spinach, mushrooms, or snow peas for extra vegetables.
• Replace chicken with shrimp or tofu.
• Add soy sauce and sesame oil for an Asian-inspired version.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or olive oil to restore moisture. Avoid microwaving too long as it may dry out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use leftover chicken?

Yes—shredded or chopped cooked chicken works well and saves time.

Can this be made vegetarian?

Absolutely—omit chicken and add extra vegetables or plant-based protein.

What type of pasta is best?

Spaghetti is classic, but linguine, fettuccine, or angel hair are great alternatives.

Can I make it spicy?

Yes—add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil.

How strong is the garlic flavor?

It’s prominent but balanced by the scallions. Use less garlic for a milder version.

Are scallions the same as green onions?

Yes—scallions and green onions are interchangeable terms.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can cook all components in advance and reheat them just before serving.

Is cheese necessary?

No—Parmesan is optional. The dish works well without it, especially for a lighter version.

What proteins can I substitute?

Try shrimp, pork, or tofu for different textures and flavors.

Can I add a sauce?

A splash of lemon juice, soy sauce, or a garlic butter sauce can enhance the flavor further.

Conclusion

Garlic Chicken Scallion Spaghetti is a refreshing, quick-to-make pasta dish that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. Whether for a busy weeknight or a simple lunch, its blend of garlic and scallion with tender chicken makes it a reliable favorite.

Garlic Chicken Scallion Spaghetti

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Garlic Chicken Scallion Spaghetti is a quick and flavorful pasta dish made with tender chicken, aromatic garlic, and fresh scallions tossed with spaghetti for a simple yet satisfying meal.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
Season sliced chicken with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add chopped scallions and cook for 1-2 minutes until just softened.
Return chicken to the skillet. Add cooked spaghetti, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and reserved pasta water. Toss everything together over low heat.
Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon juice if using.
Serve immediately, garnished with Parmesan cheese if desired.