Chicken Piccata Pasta 

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A bright and savory pasta dish featuring tender chicken, briny capers, zesty lemon, and garlic in a buttery white wine sauce. This easy yet impressive meal is perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces radiatori pasta (or any short pasta like penne or fusilli)
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 6 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
  • 1/4 cup capers, drained
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon), plus lemon wedges for serving
  • 2 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated (about 1/2 cup)
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add pasta and cook according to package directions for al dente (about 8 minutes).
    • For a firmer texture, reduce cooking time to 7 minutes.
  3. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain pasta and set aside.

2. Sauté the Chicken

  1. Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Add the chicken and cook undisturbed for 4 minutes, until browned on one side.
  4. Stir and cook for another 3 minutes, until evenly browned.

3. Build the Sauce

  1. Add garlic and crushed red pepper to the skillet.
  2. Cook, stirring frequently, until garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, about 1 minute.
  3. Pour in white wine and add capers.
  4. Bring to a boil and let the wine reduce by half, about 1 minute.

4. Combine Pasta & Sauce

  1. Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water.
  2. Stir in the butter and lemon juice, allowing the butter to melt and coat the pasta.
  3. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce clings to the pasta, about 3 minutes.
    • Add more pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, if needed to loosen the sauce.

5. Finish & Serve

  1. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
  2. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
  • Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
  • Add a side of roasted asparagus or a simple arugula salad for a well-rounded meal.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

This Chicken Piccata Pasta delivers bright, briny, and buttery flavors in every bite. Quick to make yet restaurant-quality, it’s sure to impress at any dinner table! 🍽✨

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