Get ready to transform your dinner routine with the most mouthwatering Chicken Piccata Pasta that will make your taste buds dance! This restaurant-quality dish combines the tangy zest of lemon, the rich savoriness of perfectly cooked chicken, and the delightful brininess of capers - all tossed together in a luxurious sauce over perfectly al dente spaghetti. Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary enthusiast, this recipe promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, turning an ordinary weeknight meal into an extraordinary dining experience.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup capers
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by slicing chicken breasts into thin, even strips and seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Place flour in a shallow dish and lightly coat each chicken strip, shaking off excess flour.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Carefully place floured chicken strips into the hot skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to develop flavor.
- Meanwhile, cook spaghetti in a separate pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reduce sauce in skillet by simmering for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Drain pasta and return to pot. Add cooked chicken and sauce, tossing gently to combine.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Tips
- Chicken Preparation: Slice chicken breasts uniformly to ensure even cooking. Pat the chicken dry before flouring to help the coating adhere better.
- Flour Coating Technique: Use a shallow dish for flouring and shake off excess flour to prevent clumping. This creates a light, crispy exterior.
- Skillet Temperature: Ensure your skillet is at medium-high heat before adding chicken. The oil should be shimmering but not smoking.
- Don't Overcrowd: Cook chicken in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Sauce Development: When deglazing the pan, scrape up those delicious browned bits - they're packed with flavor!
- Pasta Perfection: Cook spaghetti just until al dente to prevent mushiness when mixing with the sauce.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Use freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish that elevates the entire dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 95mg