If you’re on the hunt for a dinner that’s both comforting and bright, you’re going to love this Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Scampi with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe. I absolutely adore how the luscious lemon-garlic sauce blends perfectly with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and sweet bursts of cherry tomatoes—trust me, this combo makes dinner feel fancy without the fuss. Stick with me through this post and I’ll share all my favorite tips so you nail it every single time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners when time is tight.
Bright, Balanced Flavors: The lemon and garlic give it a fresh zing that pairs amazingly with the creamy sauce and fresh veggies.
Healthy & Satisfying: Packed with lean protein and nutrient-rich spinach, it manages to be light yet filling.
Family-Friendly: My whole crew goes crazy for this dish, and it’s easy enough to please picky eaters too.

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 Lemon Garlic Chicken Scampi, lemon garlic chicken with spinach and cherry tomatoes, easy chicken and veggie pasta, quick lemon garlic chicken dinner, flavorful chicken scampi dish

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Scampi with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe comes from simple, fresh ingredients working together. When you pick your chicken, make sure it’s fresh and boneless skinless breasts for easy cooking. I also insist on quality pasta — whole wheat brings a nice nuttiness and extra fiber, but plain or gluten-free work just as well!

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 Lemon Garlic Chicken Scampi, lemon garlic chicken with spinach and cherry tomatoes, easy chicken and veggie pasta, quick lemon garlic chicken dinner, flavorful chicken scampi dish

Whole wheat angel hair pasta: I use Delallo brand because of its delicate texture—it cooks fast and holds the sauce beautifully.
Chicken breasts: Cut into small cubes for quick and even cooking; this keeps the chicken juicy and tender.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Seasoning is key—don’t skimp, it brings out all the flavors.
Olive oil spray: Helps get that nice sear on the chicken without too much oil.
Butter: Adds richness to the sauce—use unsalted so you control salt levels better.
Garlic cloves: Thinly sliced garlic releases its flavor gently into the sauce; avoid burning for a mellow, aromatic result.
Dry white wine (or broth): This adds acidity and depth; if you don’t drink wine, chicken broth works just fine.
Crushed red pepper flakes: For a subtle kick—adjust the heat to your preference.
Cherry tomatoes: Halved for juiciness and a pop of sweetness that balances the lemon.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice: The star of the dish—fresh is best for vibrant citrus flavor.
Baby spinach: Added at the end to wilt gently and add a fresh, green boost.
Chopped parsley: Finishes the dish with a burst of color and herbaceous brightness.

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 love putting a little twist on this Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Scampi with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or what mood I’m in. Don’t be afraid to personalize it—you’ll find some fun ways to make it your own below.

Using shrimp instead of chicken: I swapped in shrimp once and it turned out amazing—just reduce cook time so shrimp don’t get chewy.
Dairy-free version: Replace butter with olive oil and use a splash of coconut milk for creaminess, the lemon shines through just as well.
Adding mushrooms: I sometimes toss in sautéed cremini mushrooms for an earthy flavor boost that pairs well with the lemon garlic sauce.
Spicy kick: If you like heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne—you’ll love the contrast with the creamy sauce.

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

Step 1: Prep and Sear the Chicken Cubes

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. While that’s heating, cut the chicken breasts into small ½ inch cubes—this size ensures quick, even cooking. Season them generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat a large skillet over high heat until it’s very hot, then spray with olive oil. Brown half of the chicken cubes, cooking about 2 minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the rest. Doing this in batches prevents overcrowding, which keeps the chicken from steaming and ensures a nice caramelized surface.

Step 2: Build the Garlic Lemon Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium, then add ½ tablespoon butter to the skillet. Toss in the thinly sliced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant—don’t let it brown too dark or the garlic will taste bitter. Next, pour in the dry white wine (or broth), add crushed red pepper flakes and the remaining salt. I discovered this trick of scraping the bottom of the pan here really gets all those cooked-on bits mixed into the sauce, making it extra flavorful. Let it reduce by half, about 2 minutes. Then add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another minute to soften them up.

Step 3: Finish the Sauce and Add Pasta & Spinach

Now, stir in the remaining 1 ½ tablespoons of butter and melt completely into the sauce, then add the lemon juice. Remove the pan from heat to keep the fresh lemon flavor bright. Meanwhile, cook your pasta al dente in the boiling salted water according to package directions—angel hair pasta usually takes just a few minutes, so keep an eye on it! Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency if needed.

Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the chicken. Then add the baby spinach and stir it through the warm sauce for about one minute—it’ll wilt beautifully without losing its vibrant color. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some of your reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Finish with a generous handful of chopped parsley and get ready to dig in.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Scampi with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

Don’t Overcook Chicken: Cutting chicken small helps, but watch closely—the residual heat keeps it juicy without drying out.
Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice never gives you that bright, fresh flavor that cuts through the creaminess like fresh-squeezed does.
Reserve Pasta Water: Adding this starchy water later helps emulsify the sauce gently and keeps the pasta from drying out.
Cook Garlic Low and Slow: Sauté garlic on medium—not high—to avoid bitterness and keep flavor mellow and fragrant.

How to Serve Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Scampi with Spinach 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 Lemon Garlic Chicken Scampi, lemon garlic chicken with spinach and cherry tomatoes, easy chicken and veggie pasta, quick lemon garlic chicken dinner, flavorful chicken scampi dish

Garnishes

I always top this dish with extra chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese—trust me, it adds a salty, nutty layer that your taste buds will adore. Sometimes I add a pinch of lemon zest on top to really amplify that citrus brightness.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Scampi with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe stands beautifully on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, a crisp green salad or some crusty garlic bread are my favorite accompaniments. Roasted asparagus or steamed green beans also pair nicely without overshadowing the main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this scampi over a bed of creamy polenta or a fluffy cauliflower puree for a twist. Another idea that’s always a hit: plate it in shallow pasta bowls and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens to bring extra elegance and color to the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I save leftovers (which doesn’t happen often because everyone usually finishes it!), I transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it sits, so you might want to stir in a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen it up.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the cooked chicken and sauce separately from the pasta with good results. It’s best to freeze the components in individual containers to avoid the pasta becoming mushy. When reheating frozen portions, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a bit of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Stir often to prevent sticking and maintain that creamy texture. Avoid microwaving without stirring—it can make the sauce separate and the chicken chewy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked, so they work great here. Just be sure to cut them into small pieces like the breasts so they cook evenly and adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
What can I substitute for white wine in the sauce?

If you prefer to avoid alcohol, chicken broth or vegetable broth are excellent substitutes. They still add great flavor and some acidity without changing the essence of the dish.
How do I keep the spinach from getting mushy?

Adding the baby spinach at the very end and cooking it just until wilted (around a minute) keeps it bright and fresh. Overcooking will make it limp and lose that lovely vibrant color.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the angel hair pasta for your favorite gluten-free brand. I recommend cooking the pasta just until al dente to maintain a nice texture.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely. The flavors are mild yet flavorful, and chicken is a family favorite. You can omit the red pepper flakes if your kids prefer less spice.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Scampi with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to when I want something that feels special but is super simple to make. I love how effortlessly it pulls together fresh ingredients into a meal that’s both nourishing and full of flavor. If you try it out, you’ll notice it quickly becomes a favorite in your rotation too—kind of like that reliable friend who never lets you down. So go ahead, get cooking and enjoy every delicious bite!