Zesty Chicken Piccata Pasta: A Flavorful Italian Delight

The aroma of chicken piccata pasta wafts through the air, tantalizing your senses with its zesty lemon and savory garlic notes. Imagine twirling perfectly cooked pasta around your fork, each bite bursting with flavor and a hint of adventure.

This dish is not just food; it’s a celebration of flavors that transport you to an Italian trattoria, where every meal feels like a special occasion. Whether you’re entertaining friends or simply enjoying a cozy night in, chicken piccata pasta guarantees smiles and satisfied bellies.

I remember the first time I made chicken piccata pasta for my family; their faces lit up as they took their first bites, and my heart swelled with joy.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding

• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor

• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a bright zing that elevates the entire dish

• Capers: These little green gems provide a delightful brininess that complements the sauce beautifully

• Pasta of Choice: Linguine or spaghetti works wonderfully; just pick your favorite

• Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for sautéing and finishing touches

• Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth keeps the dish flavorful without overwhelming saltiness

• Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness as a garnish at the end

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all ingredients on your countertop. Chop the garlic finely and have everything ready to go; this will streamline your cooking process.

Pasta Time: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain it well but reserve some pasta water for later.

Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and sauté until golden brown on both sides—about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

Create the Sauce: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Toss in minced garlic and cook until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Pour in lemon juice and chicken broth while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Add Capers & Simmer: Stir in capers and let everything simmer for about 3 minutes until slightly thickened. Don’t forget to taste; adjust seasoning if necessary!

Toss It All Together: Add cooked pasta directly into the sauce along with sliced chicken. Mix gently to coat everything evenly with that luscious sauce—add reserved pasta water if needed for creaminess.

Enjoy every bite of this delightful chicken piccata pasta!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first until golden brown, then cook the pasta while preparing the lemony sauce. This sequence keeps everything warm and ensures flavors meld perfectly.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap chicken for shrimp or add capers for an extra salty punch. A dash of red pepper flakes adds a delightful kick if you’re feeling adventurous!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to maintain moisture.

Cooking this chicken piccata pasta always reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen filled with laughter and love as we whipped up our favorite family meals together.

FAQ

Can I use whole wheat pasta for chicken piccata pasta?

Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta adds a nutty flavor and is healthier too.

What can I substitute for white wine in this recipe?

Chicken broth or additional lemon juice works well if you prefer non-alcoholic options.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free pasta and check that all sauces are gluten-free-friendly!

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Chicken Piccata Pasta

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Chicken Piccata Pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a zesty lemon-garlic sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, promising an explosion of flavors with every bite. The bright taste of lemon and the delightful brininess of capers make this Italian classic a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tbsp capers, rinsed
• 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients: Mince garlic and gather everything on your countertop.
2. Cook the pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving some pasta water.
3. Sauté the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sauté until golden brown on both sides (about 5-7 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
4. Create the sauce: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Pour in lemon juice and chicken broth while scraping up browned bits from the pan.
5. Add capers & simmer: Stir in capers and let simmer for about 3 minutes until slightly thickened; adjust seasoning if necessary.
6. Toss it all together: Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the sauce, mixing gently to coat everything evenly. Add reserved pasta water if needed for creaminess.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 320g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 31g
• Cholesterol: 90mg