Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner into a culinary masterpiece that will have your family begging for seconds! This Chicken Piccata Pasta Toss isn't just another pasta recipe - it's a flavor explosion that combines the zesty brightness of lemon, the tangy punch of capers, and perfectly cooked chicken, all twirled together with al dente spaghetti. Whether you're a busy home cook or a wannabe chef, this Italian-inspired dish promises to elevate your cooking game with minimal effort and maximum taste.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1/4 cup capers
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 chicken breasts, 8 oz of spaghetti, 1/4 cup of capers, 1/2 cup of lemon juice, 1/4 cup of chopped parsley, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add a generous pinch of salt, then add the spaghetti. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken. Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken slices to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the capers and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing them to become fragrant. Then, pour in the lemon juice and bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the lemon-caper sauce. Toss to combine, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if the mixture seems dry.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together gently to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve the Chicken Piccata Pasta Toss immediately, garnished with extra parsley if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian dish!
Tips
- Slice chicken breasts uniformly to ensure even cooking and a professional presentation.
- Reserve pasta water before draining - its starchy goodness helps create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest, most vibrant flavor - bottled juice just can't compare.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet when cooking chicken; cook in batches if necessary to achieve that perfect golden-brown sear.
- Let the chicken rest for a minute after cooking to retain its juiciness and prevent drying out.
- Adjust lemon and capers to your taste - some like it tangier, some prefer a more subtle flavor.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature, ensuring your pasta stays perfectly al dente.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 100mg
