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Chicken Piccata Pasta

A delightful combination of flavors that transports you to your favorite Italian restaurant, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 2 pieces Boneless skinless chicken breasts Or thighs for a juicier flavor.
  • 8 ounces Pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne) Use your preferred pasta type.
  • 3 cloves Fresh garlic, minced Avoid jarred varieties for the best flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh lemon juice The secret for a zesty flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Capers Enhances the dish with classic piccata taste.
Cooking essentials
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil For cooking chicken and garlic.
  • 1 cup Chicken broth To create the sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons Butter To finish the sauce.
  • 1 cup Reserved pasta water To adjust sauce consistency.

Method
 

Cooking the pasta
  1. In a large pot of salted water, cook the pasta until just tender, about 8-10 minutes, then reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain.
Searing the chicken
  1. Slice the chicken into thin cutlets, season with salt and pepper, and cook in 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
Making the sauce
  1. Lower the heat and add more olive oil if needed; sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Add chicken broth to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in lemon juice and capers, then simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Stir in the butter until melted and the sauce is glossy.
Combining
  1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with a splash of reserved pasta water and return the chicken. Toss to combine and adjust seasoning as needed.

Notes

Pro Tips: Don't overcrowd the pan for a nice sear, bring chicken to room temperature for even cooking, and consider making extra sauce for drizzling. Variations include adding red pepper flakes for spice, using mushrooms or tofu for vegetarian options, and extra cheese before serving.