Description
Delightful Italian-American classic chicken piccata pasta blends zesty lemon, tangy capers, and succulent chicken over perfectly cooked pasta. Rich, creamy sauce and bright flavors create a restaurant-worthy meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt
- Pepper
Pasta and Coating:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) spaghetti or linguine
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Sauce and Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup capers, rinsed
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil at high heat. Cook spaghetti or linguine until perfectly al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Carefully extract 1/2 cup pasta water before draining noodles.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Delicately coat each piece in flour, gently removing excess to ensure a light, even covering.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high temperature. Carefully place floured chicken into hot pan, cooking 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.
- Within the same skillet, pour chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and capers. Activate a gentle simmer, vigorously scraping browned pan remnants to maximize sauce flavor. Allow liquid to reduce for approximately 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Reintroduce chicken to skillet. Add drained pasta and remaining butter, gently tossing ingredients to create uniform sauce coverage. Incorporate reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
- Fold chopped parsley into the dish, adjusting seasoning with additional salt and pepper. Plate immediately, garnishing with fresh lemon slices and extra parsley for vibrant presentation.
Notes
- Choose high-quality chicken breasts that are similar in size for even cooking and consistent texture.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help flour adhere better and create a crispier exterior.
- Use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled for brighter, more vibrant flavor in the sauce.
- Keep pasta slightly undercooked when draining, as it will continue absorbing sauce and become perfectly tender when mixed.
- For gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend.
- Swap chicken with firm tofu or white fish for alternative protein options.
- Reduce butter quantity and use olive oil for a lighter, healthier version of the dish.
- Add red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat if you enjoy spicier meals.
- Use whole wheat pasta for increased fiber and nutritional value without compromising taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg