Rick's Chicken Piccata and Pasta

Chicken pieces, mushrooms, capers. and penne pasta garnished with chopped parsley and lemon wedges served in a metal bowl with a fork and spoon on a wooden surface and surrounded by bowls of parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.

Chicken Piccata is a wonderfully zesty, lemony dish known for its bright flavors and versatility. While the classic recipe features tender chicken in a savory lemon and caper sauce, this version takes it a step further by adding pasta. The addition of pasta makes it a heartier, more filling meal, perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions. With its quick preparation and delightful balance of flavors, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation.

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz Penne or other textured pasta that will hold the sauce
  • 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ cup flour
  • 3 Tbsp The Olive Tap's Lemon Basil Olive Oil
  • 2 cups of sliced (1/3 inch thick) Baby Bella Mushrooms, optional
  • 8 garlic cloves, sliced thin
  • Pinch red pepper flakes or slightly more to taste
  • ½ cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio)
  • 1/3 cup brined capers, drained
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/3 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano

Directions:

Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente texture, reserving about ½ to 1 cup of the liquid to be used later. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Cut the chicken into manageable sized pieces, season with salt and pepper, then coat lightly with flour, shaking off excess.
Heat the Olive Oil on medium high heat and cook the chicken turning every 3 or 4 minutes to brown all sides. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Add sliced mushrooms, if using, and cook for 3-4 minutes until well browned.
Add the garlic and cook for 1 or 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and starts to lightly brown, then add the red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds more.
Add the wine and capers and bring to a boil, for about 1 minute.
Return Chicken to the skillet, then add the reserved pasta, 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water, butter and lemon juice. Stir to combine and cook uncovered over medium heat, stirring often until sauce thickens and coats the pasta, about 3-5 minutes. If sauce is too thick, add some additional pasta water.
Remove from heat, stir in the Parmigiano Reggiano and season with additional salt and pepper to taste
(if desired, for garnish, you can serve with lemon wedges, chopped fresh parsley and more cheese)

Products featured in this recipe

Lemon Basil Olive Oil

Lemon Basil Olive Oil

Lemon Basil Olive Oil

From $24.95