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Homemade Chicken Piccata Pasta with Capers recipe photo

Chicken Piccata Pasta with Capers

This Chicken Piccata Pasta with Capers is bright, zesty, and SO EASY! Tender chicken and tangy lemon-caper sauce tossed with spaghetti or fettuccine for a perfect weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound chicken breast sliced thin
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons capers rinsed and drained
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Colander
  • Tongs or pasta fork

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of spaghetti or fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, slice 1 pound of chicken breast into thin cutlets. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken slices and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, 2 tablespoons of rinsed and drained capers, and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
  5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat everything evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
  6. Turn off the heat and sprinkle 1/4 cup of freshly chopped parsley over the pasta. Serve hot, topped with a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy immediately!

Notes

  • Slice chicken thinly and cook just until golden to avoid dryness.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help it bind to pasta.
  • Rinse capers before adding to balance their saltiness.
  • Add lemon juice during sauce simmering for the freshest bright flavor.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 2-3 days; reheat with a splash of broth or pasta water.