Description
A delightful combination of seared chicken, al dente pasta, capers, and a zesty lemon butter sauce that brings warmth to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine pasta
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon capers
- Juice of 1 fresh lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to the package instructions for perfectly al dente pasta. Remember to reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining!
- Melt butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter (or olive oil) until it begins to bubble gently.
- Sauté garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet, stirring it in for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant.
- Prepare chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Carefully place them in the skillet and sear for about 5-6 minutes on each side.
- Remove chicken: Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet, placing it on a warm plate.
- Deglaze the skillet: Pour in half a cup of white wine (or chicken broth) to deglaze, scraping the bottom of the skillet.
- Add capers and lemon juice: Toss in a tablespoon of capers and the juice of one lemon, simmering for about 3 minutes.
- Toss the pasta: Return the drained pasta to the skillet, along with the chicken, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
- Serve warm: Plate the pasta, garnishing with fresh lemon slices or herbs.
Notes
You can prep the chicken and sauce in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day. Garnish with fresh herbs for an aromatic touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: chicken piccata, pasta, easy recipes, Italian cuisine, weeknight dinner