1. Gather all ingredients and measure them accurately to streamline the cooking process.
2. Begin by boiling water in a large pot for the pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. Season the chicken tenders or sliced breasts with salt and pepper. Lightly dredge them in flour for added texture if desired.
4. Heat olive oil and a portion of butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides, approximately 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
5. Using the same pan, sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Deglaze the pan by adding white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the wine to reduce by half. If not using wine, substitute with chicken stock.
6. Stir in the remaining butter, fresh lemon juice, and zest to create a creamy and zesty sauce. Add optional bell peppers at this stage if desired for a crunch.
7. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and coat it thoroughly with the sauce. Let it simmer for about 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
8. Add the drained pasta directly into the pan with the chicken and sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated and the ingredients are well combined.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley and an optional sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added flavor and presentation.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful Chicken Scampi Pasta dish!