Experience a symphony of flavors with our Citrus Harmony Chicken Piccata over Pasta. This classic Italian dish features tender chicken breasts in a zesty, buttery lemon-caper sauce, served over a bed of perfectly cooked pasta. It's a delightful combination of tangy, savory, and umami flavors, perfect for a sophisticated dinner.
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings and Serving Size
- Yields 4 servings
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with pasta
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 720mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 35g
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts, boneless and skinless - 4
- All-purpose flour - for dredging
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
- Unsalted butter - 4 tablespoons
- Fresh lemon juice - 3 tablespoons
- Capers, drained - 2 tablespoons
- Chicken broth - ½ cup
- Fresh parsley, chopped - for garnish
- Pasta (like spaghetti or linguine) - 400 grams (14 ounces)
Detailed Method of Preparation
- Pound the chicken breasts to even thickness and season with salt and pepper.
- Dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off excess.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, add lemon juice, capers, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and whisk in the remaining butter until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Drain the pasta and serve the chicken over the pasta, spooning the sauce over both.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Ensure the chicken is not too thick for even cooking and tender results.
- Lemon zest can be added for extra citrus flavor.
- The sauce should be a balance of tangy and savory - adjust lemon juice and capers to taste.
- Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an added flavor boost.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, but adjust cooking times as thighs may take longer to cook.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour for dredging and serve over gluten-free pasta.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Your Citrus Harmony Chicken Piccata over Pasta is ready to grace your dinner table with its elegant and refreshing flavors. It's a dish that promises to delight your senses and leave a lasting impression on your palate. Serve it up and bask in the compliments that are sure to come your way!