Chicken Piccata Pasta
This delightful Chicken Piccata Pasta combines the classic flavors of chicken piccata with al dente pasta for a satisfying and flavorful meal. Tangy lemon, capers, and garlic infuse the dish with fresh, bright flavors, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner.
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 large skillet
- 1 colander
- 1 ladle or tongs
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 breasts)
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- ¼ cup capers, rinsed
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- zest of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer to a plate. Allow it to rest for a few minutes, then slice thinly.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Add the lemon juice and capers, stirring to combine.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the noodles in the sauce. Stir in the sliced chicken, lemon zest, and fresh parsley. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the Chicken Piccata Pasta hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
For a milder flavor, you can use less garlic or substitute it with shallots.
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition.
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.